Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish that brings all the classic flavors of traditional stroganoff in a much simpler and hands-off way. Made with tender ground beef, mushrooms, creamy sauce, and egg noodles, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Set it, forget it, and come back to a warm, delicious dinner!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 12 oz (340g) egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Soup and Broth: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients well.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the mushrooms are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Add Sour Cream: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the stroganoff at this stage.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Browning the Beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor of the dish and reduces excess fat.
- Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works well, but cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Sour Cream: Make sure to add the sour cream at the end of the cooking process to prevent it from curdling.
Variations
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
- Vegetarian Stroganoff: Omit the ground beef and add extra mushrooms or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Add Vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking for added texture and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stroganoff in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture of the sour cream may change slightly upon reheating.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. Just make sure to use full-fat yogurt to maintain the creaminess.
4. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms add a wonderful flavor and texture to the dish. Use any variety you like, such as cremini or white button mushrooms.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff is an easy, comforting meal that the entire family will love. With tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, it’s a perfect dish for those busy days when you want something hearty and delicious without a lot of hands-on time. Just set it in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Serve it over egg noodles for a classic, satisfying dinner that never disappoints.
