Description: Tender beef simmered to perfection in a creamy, flavorful mushroom sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is a comforting classic reimagined for busy weeknights. Serve over egg noodles for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) condensed golden mushroom soup
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (fresh is highly recommended for best flavor, but canned works in a pinch)
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for the richest flavor)
- 1 bag (approximately 12 ounces) egg noodles, prepared according to package directions
- Optional: ¼ cup dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, adds depth of flavor)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (if using Healthy Request Golden Mushroom Soup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef stew meat. Cut the meat into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Thoroughly wash and slice the mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms provide the best texture and flavor, so opt for varieties like cremini, button, or even a mix of wild mushrooms for a more complex taste. Chop the onion into small pieces. A fine chop will ensure that the onion cooks down well and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the beef from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place the cubed beef in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows the beef to cook evenly and prevents it from clumping together.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Soup: Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion over the beef. Sprinkle the ground black pepper evenly over the mixture. Pour both cans of condensed golden mushroom soup over the beef and vegetables. If you’re using the optional red wine, pour it in at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients: Stir all the ingredients together until well blended. Make sure the soup coats the beef and vegetables evenly. This ensures that the flavors meld together during the slow cooking process.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so adjust accordingly. The beef should be fork-tender when it’s done. Keep in mind that slow cookers can vary in their heating efficiency, so always check the meat’s tenderness before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream and Finish: Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the sour cream. Mix well until the sour cream is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy and luscious texture. Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the sour cream is heated through. Do not boil the stroganoff after adding the sour cream, as this can cause it to curdle.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff over a bed of freshly prepared egg noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a game-changer for anyone who craves comfort food without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, flavorful masterpiece. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the mushroom sauce is luxuriously creamy.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or experiment with different types of mushrooms. You can also adjust the amount of sour cream to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This slow cooker version is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be easily frozen for future meals. Simply cool the stroganoff completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Egg Noodles: Serve the stroganoff over a bed of freshly cooked egg noodles for the most traditional experience.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a wonderful base for the rich stroganoff sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are excellent alternatives to noodles or potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stroganoff.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.
Tips:
- Brown the Beef: For an extra layer of flavor, brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds a delicious sear and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Fresh Mushrooms are Best: While canned mushrooms will work in a pinch, fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Sour Cream: Add more or less sour cream to suit your taste. For an even richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream.
- Use Quality Beef: Opt for good-quality beef stew meat for the best results. Look for meat that is well-marbled and has a rich color.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the stroganoff, as this can make the beef tough.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or bay leaf can be added for a flavour boost.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on whether using low or high setting)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving, excluding egg noodles)
- Calories: 450-550 (estimated)
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on the soup and salt added)
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its tender beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and effortless preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and the convenience of slow cooking!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
- Yes, you can. While beef stew meat is ideal due to its ability to become tender during slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast or even sirloin tips. If using a larger cut like chuck roast, be sure to cut it into 1-inch cubes before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the beef stew meat with a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Ensure the tofu is pressed to remove excess water before adding it to the slow cooker. Use vegetable broth instead of red wine, and consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to maintain a savory depth of flavor (check label for vegetarian status).
- What if I don’t have golden mushroom soup?
- If you can’t find golden mushroom soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup as a substitute. However, it’s important to note that cream of mushroom soup has a different flavor profile, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly. Adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of garlic powder can help to enhance the flavor.
- Can I freeze the leftover stroganoff?
- Yes, Beef Stroganoff freezes well. Allow the stroganoff to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Be aware that the sour cream may slightly separate upon thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
- Definitely! Adding other vegetables can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the stroganoff. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, or peas. Add the vegetables along with the mushrooms and onions at the beginning of the cooking process. This will give them plenty of time to soften and meld with the other flavors.
