Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Slow cooker creamy beef stroganoff made with sour cream, steak or stew meat, and no cream of soup! A healthy, yet rich and savory, easy crockpot version of classic beef stroganoff.
Slow cooker creamy beef stroganoff made with sour cream, steak or stew meat, and no cream of soup! A healthy, yet rich and savory, easy crockpot version of classic beef stroganoff.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 - 2 pounds stew meat
- 4 tablespoons corn starch (or flour) + 1/2 cup beef broth
- salt and pepper to taste ((i used about 1 teaspoon salt and â½ teaspoon black p
- 2 cups beef broth ((i used low sodium))
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ((preferably fresh not canned))
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes, (softened)
- 12 ounces short pasta noodles cooked according to package instructions (egg noodles are tradit
- Carbohydrate 5.69827063857505 g
- Cholesterol 16.8187500142177 mg
- Fat 5.39225828706911 g
- Fiber 0.252214783943415 g
- Protein 1.63606835339658 g
- Saturated Fat 3.25726517700741 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (190g)
- Sodium 185.750131956041 mg
- Sugar 5.44605585463163 g
- Trans Fat 0.284678301520647 g
- Calories 76 calories
Step-by-step
- Lightly grease your slow cooker, then add stew meat and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
- Add mushrooms, beef broth, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir cornstarch (or flour) into 1/2 cup beef broth and stir mixture into slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and sour cream to slow cooker then cook another 20-30 minutes on high, stirring occasionally until cream cheese and sour cream are incorporated and sauce is thickened.
- Taste, add salt and pepper to your personal taste if needed, and stir in noodles.
- Serve immediately garnished with cracked black pepper and fresh thyme if desired.
My Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and work deadlines, the last thing I want to spend my precious evenings doing is slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of slow cookers. They’re my secret weapon for whipping up flavorful, comforting meals with minimal effort.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff is a perfect example. It's a rich and satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It requires almost no hands-on time. I simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning before work, and by the time dinner rolls around, a hearty and delicious meal is waiting for us. No more rushing around trying to get dinner on the table after a long day!
The creamy sauce is unbelievably decadent, but I’ve managed to lighten it up a bit by avoiding the usual cream of mushroom soup. This recipe uses sour cream and cream cheese for a lighter yet luxuriously creamy texture. The tender stew meat, combined with earthy mushrooms and a touch of Dijon mustard, creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated. And let's be honest, the whole family loves it!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Ease and Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work! Minimal prep time and cleanup.
- Flavorful and Rich: The creamy sauce is unbelievably decadent and flavorful.
- Healthy(ish): While indulgent, it's healthier than many traditional stroganoff recipes thanks to the reduced fat.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or herbs.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish depends heavily on the quality of your beef and mushrooms. Opt for fresh mushrooms if possible.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the slow cooker.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh thyme and cracked black pepper elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor.
- Make it ahead: The stroganoff tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance.
Beyond the weeknight dinner magic, this stroganoff recipe has become a staple for unexpected guests. It’s always impressive, always comforting, and always delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel warm and happy, which is the best compliment a home-cooked meal can receive. This recipe has earned its place as a family favorite, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables.
Variations:
- Chicken Stroganoff: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the beef.
- Mushroom Stroganoff (vegetarian): Omit the beef and add extra mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
This slow cooker creamy beef stroganoff is more than just a recipe; it's a shortcut to a warm and satisfying evening. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques, proving that delicious and effortless meals are within everyone's reach. So ditch the takeout menus, embrace the slow cooker, and prepare for a delicious adventure in simple cooking!
