Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff
When you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that delivers rich flavors without a lot of hands-on effort, this Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff is the perfect solution. With tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone in the family. This recipe is designed to be easy and convenient, using a slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into an irresistible meal. Perfect for a busy day or a weekend family dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with noodles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful, flavorful presentation. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh mushrooms, sliced | 1 1/2 cups |
| Green onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Beef broth | 1 1/2 cups |
| Dry sherry | 1/3 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 564 kcal |
| Fat | 26.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 114.4 mg |
| Sodium | 336.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 31.8 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides. Be sure to brown the meat in batches if necessary, so as not to overcrowd the pan. Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside to drain on a paper towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer the fresh mushrooms, chopped green onions, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, dried thyme, pepper, and bay leaf into your 4-quart slow cooker. These ingredients will form the base of your sauce, infusing the dish with incredible flavor as it slow-cooks.
Step 3: Add the Stew Meat
Add the browned stew meat to the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly over the vegetables and seasonings. The combination of meat and vegetables will create a wonderful base for the sauce that will develop over the slow cooking period.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour the beef broth and dry sherry over the meat and vegetable mixture. The broth will help to tenderize the meat, while the sherry will add a subtle depth of flavor. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, ensuring everything is well distributed in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef Stroganoff
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. This long cooking time will allow the flavors to meld together, and the meat will become perfectly tender. The low, slow cooking also helps to break down the connective tissue in the beef, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Discard the Bay Leaf
Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the slow cooker. Bay leaves have a strong flavor, so it’s important to take them out before serving the dish.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Sauce
Increase the heat on the slow cooker to HIGH. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, all-purpose flour, and water until smooth. This mixture will create a rich and creamy sauce. Stir in one cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker into the sour cream mixture to help temper the sour cream and prevent curdling.
Step 8: Thicken the Sauce
Return the sour cream mixture back to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling with flavor. This step helps to develop the velvety texture of the sauce that’s characteristic of Beef Stroganoff.
Step 9: Adjust Seasonings
At this point, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you feel it needs more salt, pepper, or thyme, feel free to add to your preference. The sauce should be creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Once the Beef Stroganoff is ready, serve it over a bed of hot cooked noodles. The noodles will soak up the rich, creamy sauce, making each bite flavorful and comforting. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff is delicious served with egg noodles, but it can also be paired with mashed potatoes or rice if you prefer. To make the meal even more complete, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Tips for Success:
- Browning the Meat: It’s essential to brown the stew meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps to seal in the flavor and creates a richer base for the sauce.
- Slow Cooker Size: Make sure you are using a slow cooker that’s large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. If necessary, you can double the recipe for a larger group or a bigger slow cooker.
- Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little extra beef broth or water to thin it out. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, continue cooking it on HIGH to reduce the liquid.
Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff is an ultimate comfort food that’s rich, savory, and easy to make. It’s a family-friendly meal that brings joy to any table. With minimal prep and a slow cooking process that does all the work, you can enjoy this dish on even the busiest days. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your craving for a classic beef dish or simply want to treat your loved ones to something delicious, this recipe is sure to be a winner!
For more great meal ideas, check out more recipes at Love With Recipes.
