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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: A Rich, Creamy Comfort-Food Classic

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is the kind of meal that turns simple ingredients into something deeply comforting and satisfying. Tender pieces of beef slowly simmer with onions, mushrooms, garlic, and a savory broth until everything becomes rich and flavorful. Near the end of cooking, sour cream is stirred in to create the signature creamy sauce, which is perfect served over warm egg noodles.

What makes this version special is the slow-cooking method. Instead of standing over the stove, you can prepare the ingredients, let the slow cooker do most of the work, and return to a dinner that smells incredible and is ready for the final creamy touch.

Ingredients

For about 6 servings, you will need:

2 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
3/4 cup sour cream
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by cutting the beef into evenly sized pieces. Keeping the pieces relatively uniform helps them cook at the same rate.

Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. The seasoning may seem simple, but it forms an important foundation for the final flavor.

For an especially flavorful result, lightly brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, because too much beef at once will cause it to steam instead of developing a flavorful browned exterior.

The beef does not need to be cooked through at this stage. The goal is simply to create a golden-brown surface.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once the beef has been browned, place it in the slow cooker.

Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Cook them for several minutes until the onions begin to soften and the mushrooms release some of their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so.

Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.

This extra skillet step is optional, but it adds another layer of flavor. If you are short on time, you can add the raw onion, mushrooms, and garlic directly to the slow cooker.