Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Rich, creamy, and deeply comforting, Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate slow-cooked dinner. Tender beef simmered with mushrooms and onions in a savory sauce, then finished with sour cream for signature creaminess, makes this classic dish a family favorite. Using a crockpot allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the flavors slowly develop throughout the day.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a hearty meal without standing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Set-it-and-forget-it: Slow cooker does the hard work
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Ultra-tender beef: Long cooking time breaks down tough cuts
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Creamy & comforting: Classic stroganoff flavor
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Family-friendly: Mild, rich, and satisfying
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Great leftovers: Even better the next day
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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2 cups beef broth
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp cold water
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1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
For Serving:
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Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Place the beef pieces into the crockpot. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Toss lightly to combine.
Tip: If time allows, sear the beef in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2–3 minutes per side to add extra depth of flavor. This step is optional but recommended.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
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On LOW: 7–8 hours
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On HIGH: 4–5 hours
The beef should be fork-tender and the mushrooms soft.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Add the Sour Cream
Once cooking is complete, turn the crockpot to warm or switch it off. Stir in the sour cream gently until fully incorporated. Do not boil after adding sour cream, as it may curdle.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
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Choose the right beef: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking and becomes very tender.
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Don’t skip the sour cream timing: Add it at the end to keep the sauce smooth.
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Slice mushrooms thick: They hold their texture better after long cooking.
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Adjust thickness: Add more slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
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Season at the end: Taste and adjust salt after adding sour cream.
Variations
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Cream Cheese Version: Replace half the sour cream with cream cheese for extra richness.
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Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (stir in off heat).
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Extra Mushroom Stroganoff: Double the mushrooms for more earthiness.
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Garlic Butter Twist: Add 1–2 tbsp butter at the end for deeper flavor.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze without sour cream for best texture, up to 3 months. Add sour cream after reheating.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave at low power, stirring occasionally.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow cooking allows tough cuts of beef to break down, resulting in tender, juicy meat. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika builds a deep savory base, while sour cream adds classic stroganoff creaminess. Cooking everything low and slow ensures flavors meld beautifully without drying out the beef.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is the kind of meal that feels like home. Warm, hearty, and rich, it’s perfect for cold nights, busy schedules, or anytime you want comfort food with minimal effort. Serve it over noodles or potatoes, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner that everyone will ask for again.