Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe features tender chunks of braised beef simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this easy crockpot recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for serving with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

This hearty slow cooker beef stroganoff features tender chunks of braised beef in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Flavored with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, this comforting dish is perfect for hands-off cooking and comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker.

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Ingredients

For the Stroganoff:

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) braising or casserole beef, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 4 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 600 ml (2½ cups) beef stock (made with 2–3 stock cubes and water)
• 300 g (10.5 oz) chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced

Optional Thickener:

• 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 3 tbsp cold water

To Finish:

• 120 ml (½ cup) double (heavy) cream
• 240 ml (1 cup) sour cream

To Serve:

• Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep the beef:
   Add the beef chunks to a large bowl. Sprinkle over the flour, salt, and pepper, then toss well to coat evenly.
2. Brown the beef:
   Heat the oil in a large skillet or in your slow cooker (if it has a searing function). Brown the beef in two batches, cooking each batch for 6–8 minutes until well seared. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Cook the aromatics:
   Reduce the pan heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Deglaze and build flavor:
   Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beef stock, and sliced mushrooms. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Transfer to the slow cooker:
   Bring the mixture to a brief boil, then pour it into the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
6. Slow cook:
   Cook on high for 5–6 hours or on low for 7–8 hours, until the beef is tender.
7. Thicken (optional):
   If desired, stir in the cornflour slurry and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Add cream:
   Mix the double cream and sour cream in a bowl, then gently fold into the stroganoff. Be careful not to break apart the tender beef.
9. Finish and serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

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Tips

• Browning the beef adds depth of flavor—don’t skip this step.
• If using a searing slow cooker, you can do everything in one pot for easier cleanup.
• Stir in the cream right before serving to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
• Mushrooms can be sautéed before adding if you prefer a deeper roasted flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: Swap beef with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a twist.
• Mushroom alternatives: Use button or portobello mushrooms if chestnut mushrooms aren’t available.
• Dairy-free version: Replace the cream and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt.
• Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas or spinach at the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

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FAQs

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. You can brown the beef and prep the sauce the night before, then refrigerate. Start the slow cooker in the morning.

Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
Yes, freeze without the cream and sour cream. Add those when reheating to prevent curdling.

What’s the best cut of beef?
Use a cut suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck, brisket, or stewing beef.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or buttery rice.
• Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach.
• A crusty bread roll or baguette makes a great companion for soaking up the sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting, rich, and full of flavor
• Tender beef that melts in your mouth
• Slow cooker convenience for easy hands-off cooking
• Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining
• A classic dish that never goes out of style