If there’s a dish that epitomizes comfort and warmth, it has to be the classic Beef Stroganoff. Traditionally enjoyed as an opulent Russian meal, here’s how to bring its rich flavors into modern day, simplified with a slow cooker approach. This slow cooked version transforms a weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience while you go about your day, thanks to long, low-temperature cooking that tenderizes the beef to perfection. Read on to discover how to make this splendid dish.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
Slow cooker
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Wooden spoon
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff – Step By Step
Step 1:
Browning the Beef
Begin by seasoning the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This process doesn’t cook the beef through but creates a flavorful base.
Step 2:
Starting the Slow Cooker
Add the browned beef to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until translucent, adding the garlic and allowing it to cook for a minute until fragrant. Add these to your slow cooker.
Step 3:
Mixing Ingredients
Next, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste until combined. Pour this over the beef and onion mixture in the slow cooker.
Step 4:
Cooking to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced mushrooms to further enrich the hearty flavor.
Step 5:
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Before serving, blend sour cream with flour; this prevents curdling. Stir into the slow cooker until fully incorporated and warmed through, about 15 minutes.
How to Serve Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff
Serve the stroganoff hot over freshly cooked egg noodles or fluffy rice, garnishing with fresh parsley. The hint of green from the parsley will brighten the dish, adding a layer of freshness against the creamy stroganoff backdrop.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a deeper flavor, try using bone broth instead of beef broth, and feel free to add a splash of red wine for complexity. Increasing the amount of sour cream will lend a creamier texture.
High Protein Variation: Power-Up Your Beef Stroganoff
For fitness enthusiasts who wish to boost their protein intake, add a cup of quinoa. Simply stir it in during the last hour of cooking. This version not only ups the protein content considerably but also introduces a delightful texture contrast.
Low Carb Delight: Keto-Friendly Stroganoff
Want to enjoy stroganoff without the carbs? Swap the noodles or rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This keeps the essence of the dish but aligns with a low-carb lifestyle seamlessly.
Storage Instructions
This stroganoff can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if the sauce thickens too much. It also freezes well before the sour cream is added for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, simply replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low in carbs.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? You can add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with heavy cream for a thicker sauce texture.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely, just leave out the sour cream until reheating.
What can I serve this dish with? It’s traditionally served with egg noodles, but it’s equally delightful with mashed potatoes or rice.
Do I have to brown the beef before slow cooking? While not essential, browning adds a depth of flavor and helps lock in juices.
Bringing It All Together: Share the Joy of Cooking!
This slow-cooked beef stroganoff captures the essence of cozy home cooking. It’s a dish meant to be shared around the dining table, regaling stories of the day. If you’ve enjoyed making it, please consider sharing your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let your friends and fellow food lovers in on this comforting treat by sharing the recipe!
Slow Cooked Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- medium onion
- garlic
- mushrooms
- beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- tomato paste
- salt and pepper
- sour cream
- all-purpose flour
Instructions
Steps
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté onions in the same skillet until translucent, add garlic, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and tomato paste, then pour over beef and onions in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, adding mushrooms during the last 30 minutes.
- Stir sour cream blended with flour into the slow cooker until incorporated. Serve hot over noodles or rice, garnished with parsley.