Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

$- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving To get your ingredients right, use a kitchen scale for meat. For liquids, use a measuring cup. For dry ingredients like cornstarch, a dry measuring cup works best. Always level off dry ingredients with a straight edge. This ensures you do not add too much or too little. If you need a swap, use chicken instead of beef. You can also replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce. For a vegan version, use mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of beef. Adjust spices to keep the flavor rich. To start, cut 2 pounds of beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef. Sear the beef until it browns on all sides. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and a bit clear. Then, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. After that, transfer all the veggies to the slow cooker. Now it’s time to add flavor! Pour in 2 cups of beef broth. Then, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker. Set it to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can set it to high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should be very tender when it's done. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Finally, add 1 cup of sour cream and let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Searing beef adds flavor and texture. Start with a hot skillet and olive oil. Use enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the beef in small batches. This helps the meat brown evenly. Do not overcrowd the pan. Let each piece cook for 5-7 minutes. Turn them only once or twice for the best results. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker right away. A creamy sauce makes the dish richer. To achieve this, add sour cream at the end. This gives a velvety texture. Mix cornstarch with cold water to thicken the sauce. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce cling to the beef and noodles. For an extra touch, consider adding a bit of cream cheese. To ensure the beef is tender, cook it low and slow. Set your slow cooker to low heat for 6-8 hours. This allows the meat to break down and become soft. If you are short on time, high heat will work in 3-4 hours. Always check for tenderness before serving. If it still feels tough, let it cook longer. This patience in cooking pays off in flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can swap beef with other meats. Try chicken or pork. Just cut them into small pieces. Chicken cooks faster, so watch the time. Use the same steps as the beef recipe for a great taste. If you want a meat-free option, use mushrooms as the star. Use about 16 ounces of sliced mushrooms. You can also add tofu for protein. Cook the mushrooms until they are soft. Follow the same steps, but skip the beef broth. Use vegetable broth instead for extra flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles or rice. Check the labels on the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options. For thickening, use cornstarch, as it is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a creamy stroganoff without any gluten. After you enjoy your slow cooker beef stroganoff, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. Place it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat again, you can reheat the stroganoff. Use a microwave-safe bowl or a pot on the stove. If using the microwave, heat it in 30-second bursts. Stir well after each burst to make sure it heats evenly. On the stove, warm it over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick. To freeze beef stroganoff, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the tips above. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal anytime! Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat. Just remember to thaw it first. Thawing helps to cook the meat evenly and keeps it tender. To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A splash of red wine can also boost the taste. Experiment with spices like garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Beef Stroganoff pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked egg noodles - Rice - Mashed potatoes - Steamed vegetables - Fresh salad These sides soak up the sauce and balance the meal. Beef Stroganoff lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it for up to three months. We covered key ingredients, measuring tips, and substitutions for your Beef Stroganoff. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, from preparing the beef to combining everything in the slow cooker. You learned useful tips to make your dish rich and tender. We explored variations, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Lastly, I included storage and reheating advice. With these tips, you can make a tasty meal that fits your needs. Enjoy the cooking journey and share your delicious results!$

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Savor the deliciousness of savory slow cooker beef stroganoff with this easy recipe! Learn how to prepare tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that will impress your family or guests. Perfect for any day of the week, this comforting dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or rice. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table! #SlowCookerRecipes #BeefStroganoff #DinnerIdeas #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving

Instructions

Sear the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to become translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.

Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Stir in Sour Cream: Once the stroganoff is thickened, gently fold in the sour cream until well mixed. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat to heat through.

Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, ensuring you ladle plenty of the creamy sauce over the top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6