If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, tender beef melds perfectly with earthy mushrooms and a luscious sour cream sauce slow-cooked to perfection, creating a meal that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is key to making this Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe shine. Each item plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, from the tender beef to the aromatic herbs and creamy sauce that brings it all together.
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose good quality stew meat for the best tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil: Helps to brown the beef, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms: Add earthiness and depth, complementing the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions or chopped yellow onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and freshness to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuse the dish with a savory aroma that brightens each bite.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (crushed): Adds herbal notes that balance the richness perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Provides a mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness and color.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the broth with a gentle, aromatic backdrop.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that keeps the beef tender and juicy.
- 1/3 cup dry sherry: Adds a layer of richness and slight sweetness to deepen the flavor.
- 8 oz sour cream: Gives the sauce its creamy texture and signature tang.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a velvety finish.
- 2 tsp snipped fresh dill (plus more for garnish): Brightens and freshens the dish with herby notes.
- 1 lb cooked egg noodles: The perfect soft bed to serve this luscious beef stroganoff on.
How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef to Lock in Flavor
Begin by cutting up any larger pieces of the beef stew meat to ensure even cooking. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat in batches to prevent overcrowding, letting each piece develop a beautiful golden crust. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the final dish’s flavor. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Layer the Aromatics and Meat in the Slow Cooker
In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker, add the mushrooms, onions, minced garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Place the browned beef on top of this flavorful bed of ingredients. Pour the beef broth and dry sherry over everything, creating a rich cooking liquid that will tenderize the meat and marry all the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until the Beef is Meltingly Tender
Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen for 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high. The meat will become incredibly tender, soaking up all those savory flavors. Before moving on, remove and discard the bay leaf to keep the sauce smooth and balanced.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Finish
Switch the heat to high if you were cooking on low. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, all-purpose flour, and a little water until perfectly smooth. Gradually stir in about one cup of the hot cooking liquid to temper the mixture, then pour it back into the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the sauce thickens to a luscious, bubbly consistency that will coat every tender piece of beef.
Step 5: Add Fresh Dill and Serve
Right before serving, stir in the fresh snipped dill. This last touch adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce wonderfully. Serve the stroganoff over warm cooked egg noodles and sprinkle with a little extra dill for a beautiful presentation that tastes just as amazing as it looks.
How to Serve Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is the classic garnish here, providing a bright herbal note that lifts the dish. You can also scatter some finely chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions for added color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika just before serving can enhance the dish visually and add a hint of smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
This Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe shines perfectly alongside simple, buttery egg noodles, but you can also serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or even fluffy rice. To balance the richness, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, make a beautiful layered plate by twirling the egg noodles into nests and ladling the stroganoff mixture on top. For something a bit different, try serving the stroganoff stuffed into baked bell peppers or atop creamy polenta to mix textures and flavors for a new twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Stroganoff to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld further.
Freezing
This Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the sauce creamy and the beef tender.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stroganoff in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause the sour cream to curdle; slow reheating preserves the creamy texture and rich flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, chuck roast cut into chunks works wonderfully as well. Avoid leaner cuts that may dry out during the long cooking process.
Is it possible to make this recipe without sherry?
Yes, you can substitute dry white wine, extra beef broth, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for the sherry. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor but still deliver delicious results.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Also, make sure the beef broth used is certified gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
While it’s designed for slow cooking to maximize tenderness and flavor, you can simmer the meat and sauce in a heavy pot over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the sauce thickened.
What is the best way to serve the Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe to kids?
Kids often prefer simpler presentations, so serve the stroganoff over buttered egg noodles, avoiding extra garnishes like dill if they’re not fans. The creamy sauce and tender beef usually make this dish a big hit with younger eaters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a classic comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a winner every time. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion – whether a weekday dinner or something special. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how this creamy, tender, and savory meal will quickly become one of your favorites too!
Print
Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high) plus 30 minutes thickening
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes (including thickening step)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
This Slow-Cooked Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef stew meat simmered with mushrooms, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, finished with a creamy sour cream and dill sauce, perfect served over warm egg noodles. An ideal hearty meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions or chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
Sauce and Garnish
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp snipped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 1 lb cooked egg noodles, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown the Beef: Cut any large pieces of stew meat into bite-sized chunks. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in two batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Once browned, drain off excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a 3 1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker, place the sliced mushrooms, onions, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Add the browned beef on top. Pour the beef broth and dry sherry over all the ingredients for a rich flavor base.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef becomes tender and infused with the flavors. After cooking, remove and discard the bay leaf to avoid an overpowering taste.
- Make the Sauce and Thicken: If the slow cooker was on low, increase the heat setting to high. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, all-purpose flour, and water until smooth. Stir in about 1 cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker gradually into the sour cream mixture to temper it. Return this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on high until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Finish with Fresh Dill and Serve: Just before serving, stir in snipped fresh dill for a fresh herbal note. Serve the stroganoff over warm cooked egg noodles and garnish with additional fresh dill for a beautiful presentation and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Brown the beef in batches to ensure even searing and better flavor development.
- Using dry sherry adds depth to the sauce; if unavailable, a good-quality white wine or additional beef broth can be substituted.
- Do not skip tempering the sour cream mixture with hot liquid before adding to slow cooker to prevent curdling.
- Cooked egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta types like fettuccine or pappardelle as preferred.
- Leftover stroganoff keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
