Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms

Rich, creamy, and full of savory flavor, Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort dish. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this slow cooker version transforms tender beef, aromatic onions, soft mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce into an irresistible classic—all with minimal effort.

As it cooks low and slow, the beef becomes fall-apart tender and the sauce builds deep flavor. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker handles most of the effort.
• Family Friendly: Everyone loves creamy pasta and tender beef.
• Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This version of the classic stroganoff keeps everything you love about the original—creamy sauce, tender beef, rich mushrooms—but with the ease of slow cooking. It’s foolproof, comforting, and unbelievably flavorful.

Recipe Details

Feature	Information
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	6–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high
Servings	6 servings
Calories	Approximately 490 calories per serving
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Russian-Inspired / American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef stew meat or chuck roast, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

Thickening and Finishing:

• 3 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water (slurry)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

Serving:

• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Add beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in beef broth, paprika, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook:
   • Low 6–8 hours (best texture)
   • High 4–5 hours
4. Make a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the broth during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Once thickened, turn heat to low (or warm setting) and stir in sour cream and (optional) heavy cream.
6. Cook noodles or desired sides separately.
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Beef: Trim and cut beef into cubes if not pre-cut.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place beef in the slow cooker first, followed by onions, mushrooms, and garlic.
3. Add Seasoning: Mix broth, mustard, paprika, and Worcestershire and pour over beef.
4. Slow Cook: Let the slow cooker tenderize the beef and blend flavors.
5. Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry near the end to create a velvety sauce.
6. Make Creamy: Stir in sour cream gently to avoid curdling.
7. Serve Over Starch: Plate with noodles, potatoes, or rice.

How to Serve

Serve over:

Buttered egg noodles (classic)
Mashed potatoes
Rice or quinoa
Cauliflower mash (low-carb option)

Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t add sour cream early — it can curdle.
• Browning the beef before slow cooking is optional but adds deeper flavor.
• Use chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful result.

Variations

Variation	Change
Healthier / Light Version	Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat broth.
Extra Mushroom Stroganoff	Double the mushrooms and add shiitake or portobello.
Spicy Stroganoff	Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
Gluten-Free Version	Serve over GF pasta or potatoes and use cornstarch instead of flour.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze WITHOUT sour cream added for best results—up to 3 months. Add the sour cream after reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slowly on stovetop or microwave in short intervals.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Whisk for slurry
• Cutting board and knife
• Saucepan (if reheating sauce)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes — brown it first, then reduce broth to 1½ cups.

Q2: Can I substitute sour cream?
Greek yogurt or crème fraîche both work.

Q3: Can I skip mushrooms?
Yes — but they add moisture and flavor, so consider replacing with extra onions.

Q4: Why is my sauce thin?
Add more slurry or simmer uncovered at the end.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms is the perfect blend of convenience and classic comfort. With tender beef, velvety sauce, and rich flavors infused over hours of slow cooking, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this satisfying meal brings warmth and joy to the table.