– **Title**: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 cup sour cream
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked egg noodles or rice (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir the mixture to ensure the beef is well-coated with the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
5. In the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream until well combined.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Use tender cuts like chuck or round for easy cooking. If you’re avoiding red meat, chicken breast or even mushrooms can be great substitutes.
Mushrooms: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms work well here. If you’re out of fresh ones, rehydrated dried mushrooms or canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is the best for flavor! However, low-sodium store-bought broth can also work. If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth will also enhance the dish.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a perfect alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just watch the temperature to avoid curdling when combining it.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a unique depth. If you’re out, soy sauce can be a decent swap, but use less as it’s saltier.
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in a Slow Cooker?
The secret to making exceptionally tender beef stroganoff is slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure your beef comes out perfect:
- Start with quality beef. Look for marbling; it helps with tenderness.
- Cook your beef on low heat for the best results. This allows the tough muscles to break down gently.
- Don’t rush it! Aim for a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low. This will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- If you’re pressed for time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works but might not be as tender.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Stroganoff:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook for approximately 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Don’t forget to add an additional 30 minutes to cook the egg noodles and 15 minutes if you’re thickening the sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combining the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing your slow cooker. Add the beef stew meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. This is where the magic begins!
2. Cooking the Beef:
Now, cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, choose the high setting and let it cook for about 3-4 hours. If you’re planning ahead, set it to low for a longer cook time of 6-8 hours. The goal is tender beef that falls apart easily.
3. Preparing the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. This step will ensure your noodles are perfectly ready when the beef stroganoff is done!
4. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, take a small bowl and mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Now, stir this mixture into your slow cooker. Allow it to cook for an additional 15 minutes—this will help thicken up the sauce nicely.
5. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Once your beef is tender and the sauce is thickened (if you opted for cornstarch), it’s time to stir in the sour cream. Mix it well until everything is beautifully combined. This creamy addition makes the stroganoff so rich and delicious!
6. Serving it Up:
To serve, spoon the comforting beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top as a garnish. Sit down, enjoy your meal, and savor the flavors of this heartwarming dish!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works great, feel free to use cuts like sirloin or round steak for a more tender option. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if needed, as some cuts might become tender faster.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can also use cream cheese; just soften it before mixing in to achieve a smooth consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers Properly?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the beef stroganoff in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it looks too thick.
