Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the delectable goodness of beef stroganoff. The succulent slow-cooked beef, earthy mushrooms, pasta, sour cream, and boozy essence blend together to create a show-stopping meal, perfect for warming up on a cold night. In this article, we’ll explore the best slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe that is bound to become your new favorite.
The Two Ways of Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff holds a special place in the realm of comfort food. Today, we’re introducing our best crockpot version of this classic dish. It’s worth mentioning that we previously shared a quickie-version made with grilled steak and a fast pan sauce. However, for those who crave a more comforting experience, our slow cooker beef stroganoff reigns supreme.
The Best Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Our beloved crockpot beef stroganoff recipe is truly a set-it-and-forget-it marvel. By getting the right ingredients and sautéing the onions and beef before slow cooking, you’ll achieve an unmatched depth of flavor that will leave you craving for more. Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of pure heaven.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Beef Chuck Roast
- Shallots – peeled and chopped
- Garlic Cloves – peeled and minced
- Butter
- All-Purpose Flour
- White Button Mushrooms – quartered
- Sour Cream
- Cognac
- Beef Base – (5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon beef concentrate)
- Dijon Mustard
- Dried Thyme
- Water
- Extra Wide Egg Noodles
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Exploring the Main Ingredients
Beef
To ensure tender and succulent beef, it’s essential to choose a cut that holds up well during slow cooking. Thin strips of chuck roast are a fantastic choice, as the marbled fat gently breaks down over time, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Short ribs are also a great option, albeit a tad more expensive.
Onions
One of the secrets to the perfect beef stroganoff is sautéing the onions and browning the beef before adding them to the crockpot. This simple step sweetens the flavor of the onions, improves their texture, and seals in the beef’s juices. Don’t skip this crucial step! If you have a large Instant Pot or Multi-Cooker, feel free to sauté the onions and beef directly in the crock to save yourself an extra dish to wash.
Beef Base and Liquor
Two ingredients play a vital role in elevating the flavors of your slow cooker beef stroganoff: beef base and liquor. Beef base, essentially concentrated beef broth, adds a rich and deep beefy flavor to the dish. Regular beef stock wouldn’t be able to cook down and intensify over time in the crockpot. Liquor, such as Cognac, provides a gentle lingering boozy essence. It’s crucial not to skip the liquor as it adds a unique flavor that cannot be replaced.
How to Make the Best Beef Stroganoff Recipe in the Crockpot
- Set your large 6-quart crockpot to low heat.
- Cut the beef roast into small bite-size chunks or thin strips against the grain.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding the beef pieces. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the beef, stir to coat, and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot. (If using an Instant Pot or Multi-Cooker, you can perform these steps directly in the crock.)
- Add the quartered mushrooms to the crockpot. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, cognac, beef base, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the mushrooms and add 3 cups of water. (Add extra water to equal 1 cup if using less than 1 cup of cognac.)
- Cover the crockpot and slow cook for 5-6 hours on high or 7-9 hours on low, until the beef is fork-tender. Stir in the egg noodles, cover again, and slow cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente perfection. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
More Crockpot Recipes to Try!
- 2-Ingredient Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin Recipe
- Crock Pot Pork Loin with Vegetables
- Best Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup
For the complete nutrition information and other details, refer to the printable recipe card below. Don’t forget to share this incredible beef stroganoff recipe with your friends!