Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.2 kg / 2.5 lb beef chuck, cut into 3cm / 1.2” cubes; 1/2 tsp salt and pepper; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 300g / 10 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp paprika; 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups / 500ml beef broth; 3/4 cup sour cream (full fat preferred); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish; Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to serve

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This slow cooker version transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, comforting dish without fuss. The beef becomes fall‑apart tender, and the creamy, savory sauce with buttery garlic mushrooms elevates the meal beyond the everyday. It’s ideal for busy days because you can set it and forget it, then come back to a delicious dinner ready to serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.75 kg / 3.5 lb beef chuck or other stewing beef, cut into chunks
Salt and pepper
Oil for browning
Butter
Onion
Garlic
Flour
Dijon mustard
Beef stock/broth
Sour cream

Garlic butter mushrooms:
Butter
Mushrooms
Garlic
Salt and pepper

Serving options:
Pasta, wide egg noodles, or mashed potato
Chives for garnish

Directions

Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
Brown the beef in oil in batches until deeply caramelized.
Sauté onion and garlic in butter in the same pan.
Stir in flour and Dijon mustard, then gradually add beef stock, whisking to dissolve lumps.
Transfer the liquid base to the slow cooker and add the browned beef.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until the beef is fall‑apart tender.
Meanwhile, cook mushrooms in garlic and butter until golden.
Mix the sour cream with some of the cooking liquid, then gently stir it into the slow cooker along with the mushrooms.
Serve the stroganoff over noodles, pasta, or mashed potatoes, garnished with chives.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Variations

Gluten‑free option: Skip the flour and thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry mixed with the sour cream.
Different meats: Substitute beef with lamb or slow‑cooked pork for a different twist.
Add veggies: Include carrots, celery, or potatoes to make it a one‑pot meal.
Herb boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking for extra aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw gently before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to reincorporate the creamy sauce and preserve the tender texture.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for slow cooker stroganoff?

Economical stewing cuts like beef chuck, boneless beef ribs, or gravy beef are ideal because they become tender during long, slow cooking.

Can I skip browning the beef?

While you can, browning adds deeper flavor and richness to the sauce, so it’s recommended if time allows.

Why do you add the sour cream at the end?

Sour cream is added at the end to prevent it from splitting or curdling during the slow cooking process.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes, skip the flour and use a gluten‑free thickener like cornstarch mixed with some of the cooking liquid before adding the sour cream.

How should I serve this stroganoff?

Serve it over wide egg noodles, pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to capture the creamy sauce.

Can I use a different dairy than sour cream?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, but add it gently at the end to avoid splitting.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Yes, hearty vegetables like carrots or mushrooms can be added before cooking to make the dish more substantial.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the meat moist.

Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, many versions include pressure cooker methods that reduce cook time while still producing tender beef.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish. With tender, slow‑cooked beef and a creamy, savory sauce, it’s perfect for hearty family meals or entertaining guests. Its make‑ahead convenience and rich taste make it a go‑to recipe you’ll return to again and again.