Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Your Go-To Recipe for Tender Beef & Creamy Perfection
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe brings the ultimate comfort food right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Imagine succulent, melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef, perfectly complemented by earthy mushrooms and onions, all swimming in a rich, savory, and wonderfully creamy sauce. It’s a truly hearty meal that practically cooks itself, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. Serve this delicious stroganoff over a bed of tender egg noodles, and watch your family eagerly ask for seconds!
If you’re a fan of rich, savory slow cooker dinners, you’ll definitely want to try my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup or my Slow Cooker Rotel Creamy Chicken Pasta next. Both are incredibly creamy and packed with flavor, much like this beef stroganoff.
👉 And don’t forget to cap off your meal with something sweet – my Berry Cobbler is the perfect delightful finish!
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal. It showcases a tender chuck roast, slow-cooked to perfection, alongside sautéed mushrooms and onions, all enveloped in a deeply savory and creamy sauce. It’s truly the perfect comfort food solution for those busy days when you need a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time.
→ Looking for more comforting ideas? Don’t miss my 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups to Make This Fall: https://www.juliapacheco.com/15-cozy-slow-cooker-soups-to-make-this-fall/
Watch Me Make It!
Get a visual guide to making this incredible Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff by watching my step-by-step video. See just how easy it is to prepare this satisfying meal!
If you enjoyed that video, there’s plenty more where that came from!
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Why you’ll love this recipe…
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of effortless comfort and incredible flavor. Here’s why it’s bound to become a family favorite:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: The magic of slow cooking transforms an affordable chuck roast into unbelievably tender, shreddable beef that falls apart with just a fork.
- Rich & Creamy Sauce: A perfectly balanced sauce featuring savory beef broth, umami-rich mushrooms, and a tangy finish of sour cream creates a luxurious coating for every bite.
- Minimal Hands-On Time: After a quick sear, your slow cooker does all the hard work. You can set it and forget it, returning to a house filled with inviting aromas and a ready-to-serve dinner.
- Versatile Serving Options: While classic egg noodles are a perfect pairing, this stroganoff also shines over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or even a low-carb alternative.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully, making it fantastic for future quick meals on busy days.
⏰ Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 15 minutes (with 15 minutes of active prep)
🍂 Perfect For: Effortless weeknight dinners, comforting weekend meals, or feeding a crowd at family gatherings
🛒 Key Ingredients: Chuck roast, fresh mushrooms, yellow onion, beef broth, a packet of brown gravy mix, sour cream, and egg noodles
🍽️ Servings: About 6 generous portions
🥄 Skill Level: Easy – perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned pros alike!
🧊 Storage: Stores wonderfully in the fridge for days and is excellent for freezing.
👉 For another creamy and comforting recipe that’s sure to please, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup.
Made With Love,
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible comfort meal. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this stroganoff truly special:
- Chuck roast – This cut of beef is fantastic for slow cooking. Its marbling and connective tissues break down over hours, resulting in incredibly tender meat that easily shreds. While chuck roast is preferred for its rich flavor and texture, you can also use ground beef or turkey for a lighter, quicker option (with adjusted cooking times).
- Mushrooms & onions – These aromatic vegetables are essential for building the deep, earthy, and savory depth of flavor that defines stroganoff. They soften beautifully in the slow cooker, infusing the sauce with their delicious essence.
- Beef broth & gravy mix – This combination forms the foundational base for our rich and robust sauce. The beef broth adds moisture and flavor, while the gravy mix acts as a thickener and enhances the savory notes, ensuring a perfectly luscious consistency.
- Sour cream – Stirred in at the very end, sour cream is the secret to achieving that signature creamy texture and a delightful tangy balance that cuts through the richness of the beef. It’s what truly makes a stroganoff distinct.
- Egg noodles – These delicate yet sturdy noodles are the classic pairing for beef stroganoff. Their soft texture and ability to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce make them the perfect vehicle for this comforting dish.
👉 Love beefy slow cooker meals that deliver on flavor? You might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
Ingredients List
Here’s the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3–6 lb chuck roast or tender roast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (approximately 0.87 oz or similar size)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list with exact amounts and a convenient format — perfect for saving or printing for later!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff:
Step 1: Prep the Meat. Begin by generously seasoning your chuck roast on all sides with salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Meat. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned roast in the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This step is key for developing a rich, deep flavor profile through the Maillard reaction. Don’t skip it!
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker. Once seared, carefully transfer the browned chuck roast to your slow cooker. It’s now ready for its long, slow simmer.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and the packet of brown gravy mix until well combined and smooth. This creates the flavorful liquid base for your stroganoff.
Step 5: Add Veggies & Sauce. Add the diced yellow onion and sliced brown mushrooms around the seared roast in the slow cooker. Then, carefully pour the whisked broth mixture evenly over the top of the beef and vegetables.
Step 6: Cook on LOW. Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 5 hours. Cook until the beef is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with two forks.
Step 7: Shred the Meat. Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the beef, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the rich, flavorful sauce in the slow cooker.
Step 8: Add Sour Cream. Stir the sour cream into the slow cooker with the shredded beef and sauce until it’s completely incorporated and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Ensure the sour cream is added at the end, off direct heat, to prevent curdling.
Step 9: Cook Noodles & Serve. While the stroganoff is finishing, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well. Serve the creamy beef stroganoff hot over the cooked noodles, or for a thoroughly coated dish, you can stir the noodles directly into the slow cooker before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🔒 Remember, the full step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Variations
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Swap the Meat: For a faster or lighter version, substitute the chuck roast with browned ground beef or ground turkey. If using ground meat, cook it through before adding to the slow cooker, and reduce the overall cooking time to 3-4 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrient content and texture by adding other vegetables. Sliced carrots, peas, green beans, or even spinach (stirred in during the last 30 minutes) would be delicious additions.
- Cream Cheese Twist: For an even richer and slightly thicker sauce, try using cream cheese instead of or in addition to sour cream. Add 4-6 ounces of softened cream cheese when you add the sour cream, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Alternate Servings: While egg noodles are traditional, this stroganoff is equally fantastic over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even polenta.
- A Touch of Wine: For an extra layer of gourmet flavor, consider adding ¼ cup of dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) or even a dry sherry to the beef broth mixture before adding it to the slow cooker.
👉 For another hearty dinner idea with a cheesy kick, check out my Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks for the Best Stroganoff
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chuck roast before slow cooking creates incredible depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. This step locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized crust that significantly enhances the final taste of your stroganoff.
- Control the Salt: If you’re mindful of your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium beef broth. You can always adjust the seasoning at the end, but it’s harder to remove excess salt.
- Prevent Curdling: Always stir in the sour cream at the very end of the cooking process, after the slow cooker has been turned off or set to ‘warm’. Adding it while the sauce is boiling or actively simmering can cause the sour cream to curdle, resulting in a grainy texture.
- Perfect for Freezing: This stroganoff is an excellent make-ahead meal. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the stroganoff without the noodles and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
- Adjust Thickness: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the hot stroganoff during the last 30 minutes of cooking (or on the stovetop after cooking) and let it simmer until thickened.
Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Here are some common questions you might have about making Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff:
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option), brown it thoroughly in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Be sure to drain any excess fat. Reduce the cooking time significantly to about 3–4 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH, as ground meat cooks much faster than a whole roast.
This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Once cooked, store the stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick after refrigeration.
Yes, Beef Stroganoff freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze the stroganoff mixture (without the cooked noodles) in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Cook fresh egg noodles to serve alongside the reheated stroganoff.
If you don’t have brown gravy mix, you can create a similar thickening and flavor profile. Mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold beef broth to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking, stirring well, or whisk it in with the initial broth. You might also want to add a dash of onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
👉 For another comforting slow cooker classic, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup.
Serving Suggestions
While classic egg noodles are a perfect match, here are some other delicious ways to serve your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff and complete the meal:
- Over Carbs: Serve it hot over tender egg noodles (the traditional choice!), creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white or brown rice, or even polenta.
- With Bread: A crusty baguette, warm garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls are excellent for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
- Vegetable Sides: Balance the richness with a fresh green side. Steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, a simple garden salad, or roasted asparagus are all great options.
- For Dessert: Keep the comfort going with my delightful Berry Cobbler!
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is fantastic for meal prep and leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come.
- Fridge: Store any leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep cooked noodles separate if possible to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Freezer: To freeze, allow the stroganoff (without the noodles) to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheat:
- Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop: For larger amounts, transfer to a saucepan and reheat over low heat, stirring frequently, until simmering gently and hot. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
👉 For even more hearty dinner ideas, be sure to visit my collection of 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups to Make This Fall.
More Great Slow Cooker Recipes
Soups + Stews
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Soups + Stews
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup
Chicken
Slow Cooker Rotel Creamy Chicken Pasta
Chicken
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 –6 lb chuck roast or tender roast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper, then sear it in hot vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and the brown gravy mix until smooth. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms around the roast in the slow cooker, then pour the broth mixture evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Carefully remove the roast, shred it using two forks, discarding any large fatty pieces, and return the shredded beef to the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Ensure the slow cooker is off or on a ‘warm’ setting when adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- While the stroganoff is finishing, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain well. Serve the creamy beef stroganoff hot over the cooked noodles, or stir the noodles directly into the slow cooker just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can substitute the chuck roast with 2-3 lbs of ground beef or turkey. Brown the ground meat thoroughly, drain fat, then proceed with the recipe, reducing cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.
- This stroganoff freezes well! Freeze without noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then serve over freshly cooked pasta.
- For an enhanced, deeper flavor, consider adding ¼ cup of dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) or dry sherry to the beef broth mixture before adding it to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands.