Beef Stroganoff (Crockpot)
Cream cheese is the secret weapon for EXTRA creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Prep it the night before, let it cook in your crock pot all day, then serve the fall-apart tender beef with egg noodles.
My favorite place for amazing comfort food (outside of my own home) is a tiny little hole-in-the-wall Ukrainian restaurant in a nondescript strip mall near the railroad tracks, called Christine’s Cuisine.
The best thing on the menu, by far, is their beef stroganoff. It’s decadent and creamy, and the meat just falls apart in your mouth.
When Christine’s was temporarily closed in 2020, I was craving that stroganoff and decided to try to recreate it myself. After many tests, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is my best recreation of this classic.
It’s creamy and comforting, just like “the original,” and it slowly cooks in your crock pot all day long. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Psst – I also have a chicken stroganoff if you’re not a beef eater.
Why You Will Love This EXTRA Creamy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
- To make my crock pot recipe just as ultra-creamy as my favorite restaurant version, I amped up the sauce with more than just sour cream. That’s right, I made this beef stroganoff with cream cheese. It’s the secret weapon for SUPER DUPER MEGA ULTRA CREAMY sauce.
- You can prep everything the night before and then just pop it in to slow cook in the morning.
“I love this recipe! It is very easy to make but tastes like I worked for hours making it.”
โShannon
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Ingredients
- boneless beef chuckeye roast – remove any egregious chunks of fat, and cut the meat into 2-inch cubes. Doesn’t have to be perfect!
- beef broth – I usually buy the less-sodium kind, so I can control the salt level myself.
- salt and pepper – like I just said!
- vegetable oil – you’ll need a little oil for searing the beef.
- onion – I like to thinly slice one yellow onion. White onion works, too.
- button mushrooms – you’ll need 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms for slow cooker beef stroganoff.
- garlic – 4 cloves, all minced up!
- Dijon mustard – this adds a little kick to the sauce of this beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe.
- Worcestershire – this adds so much savoriness to just about any type of beef dish.
- cornstarch – for thickening the sauce.
- egg noodles – I use old fashioned, wide egg noodles for this crock pot beef stroganoff recipe.
- cream cheese – my secret weapon for extreme creaminess and deliciousness!
- sour cream – the other creamy element to finish the sauce.
- fresh parsley – a little bit of chopped parsley is a nice way to garnish the dish, but this is optional.
What is the most tender cut of beef for Beef Stroganoff?
While sirloin or tenderloin would likely be the most tender, theyโre also premium cuts that are more expensive, and in my opinion, not necessary for this beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe.
I use boneless beef chuckeye roast. While not as tender as the premium cuts when grilled or pan seared, it DOES become beautifully tender when cooked slowly over a long time, which is what weโre doing here.
The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich flavor profile.
“Thank you for the recipe. Iโve never actually had Beef Stroganoff, but my husband has tried to replicate the dish from his childhood memories. So far, none of the recipes heโs tried have been satisfactory. So when I saw that you had a Stroganoff recipe, I knew I had to try it. My husband absolutely loved it, and he said that it was even better than the version he remembered. Many thanks!”
โErica
How to make Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
- RESERVE BROTH. Measure and set aside a bit of broth in the fridge, because youโre going to use it later on and you donโt want to forget to set it aside.
- SEAR MEAT. Sprinkle all sides of the meat with salt and pepper and then sear it in batches in a large skillet. Youโre looking for it to be browned on all sides, then youโre going to put the beef in the bowl of the slow cooker.
- SAUTE VEGGIES. Saute the mushrooms and onions in the same skillet you used to sear the beef, then put those in the slow cooker, too.
- SLOW COOK. Add the garlic, mustard, Worchestershire sauce, and the rest of the broth from the can you have open, to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and then cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours.
- BREAK UP BEEF. When the timeโs up, remove the lid and use a wooden spoon to break up the beef. This shouldnโt be too hard – just stab it a bit until you have bite sized pieces.
- THICKEN SAUCE. Get that broth you saved in the fridge, itโs time to use it! Whisk some cornstarch into it and then stir that whole mixture into the crockpot beef. Put the slow cooker on HIGH, then cover and cook for about 15 to 20 more minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- COOK EGG NOODLES. While youโre waiting for the thickening magic to happen, cook the egg noodles.
- ADD THE CREAMY STUFF! Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the slow cooker and stir until all the cream cheese is melted.
- SERVE. Serve the beef mixture over the noodles on plates, or you can just dump all the noodles into the slow cooker and stir everything together – however you like it best!
How to prep Crockpot Beef Stroganoff in advance
I’m not going to lie, this slow cooker beef stroganoff ISN’T one of those recipes where you can just dump everything into the crock pot.
I mean, you COULD, but in my opinion, crock pot beef stroganoff recipes that don’t call for searing the beef before slow cooking it are kind of disappointing.
Without searing the beef first, the meat will kind of just boil and steam in the slow cooker. It won’t get brown at all, and the overall flavor will be lacking.
So for best results, you really want to sear your beef in a skillet (or the insert of your slow cooker IF and only IF it is stovetop safe) before beginning the slow cooker time. You’ll also be quickly browning the mushrooms and onions.
Now, who really wants to do this first thing in the morning? I really don’t, to be honest.
The good news is that you can prep everything the night before and then just pop it in to slow cook in the morning.
Usually after dinner, or whenever I have a little bit of free time the day before, I will brown the beef, mushrooms and onions, and then put them in the slow cooker bowl with the garlic, mustard, Worcestershire and broth.
I keep the slow cooker bowl in the fridge, covered, overnight, and then in the morning just put it in the slow cooker and start the cooking time!
“This dish was amazing. I am adding it to my regular dishes.”
โCarol
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff substitutions and variations
While sour cream is really the classic choice for stroganoff, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in stroganoff.
However, please note that you’ll need to use FULL FAT Greek yogurt for this crock pot beef stroganoff recipe.
Otherwise your sauce can and probably will break. Full fat, plain Greek yogurt is what you want to use for crock pot stroganoff. Not low fat, and definitely not nonfat.
Home Chef Tips for this Beef Stroganoff Slow Cooker recipe
- Donโt rush the step of browning the beef on the stovetop. I know โdump mealsโ where you just dump everything in the crockpot and turn it on are easier, but theyโre also not as flavorful. Searing the beef adds essential rich flavor to this beef stroganoff.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. Depending on the brand of broth you use, you might need to add a little more salt and pepper, so donโt be afraid to adjust it.
How do you thicken Beef Stroganoff sauce?
To thicken the sauce, whisk 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of beef broth until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker bowl during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
What to serve with this Beef Stroganoff Crock Pot recipe
Just like with haluski, my favorite noodle for slow cooker beef stroganoff is a classic egg noodle. Medium, wide or extra wide, that’s up to you. Any of them will work!
If you don’t prefer egg noodles, you can serve this beef stroganoff crock pot recipe over traditional pasta instead. If you go this route, I recommend small or medium shells or fusilli.
I love a fresh green vegetable as a complement to this rich, meaty, creamy dish. Some of my favorite options are balsamic green beans and roasted broccoli with lemon.
Storing Beef Stroganoff Crockpot leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Reheat this beef stroganoff crock pot recipe over medium-low heat in a saucepan, or in the microwave at 50% power, with a touch of water, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. Higher reheating temperatures will break the sauce, so keep it low and slow.
Can Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze slow cooker beef stroganoff for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Cream cheese is the secret weapon for EXTRA creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Prep it the night before, let it cook in your crock pot all day, then serve the fall-apart tender beef with egg noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) less-sodium beef broth, divided
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless beef chuckeye roast (large pieces of fat removed and discarded), meat cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 8 ounces old fashioned wide egg noodles
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Measure 1/2 cup broth and reserve in covered container in the fridge. You will use this later, in Step 6.
- Season beef on all sides with 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add half of beef and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until browned on all sides; turning occasionally. Transfer beef to bowl of slow cooker. Repeat with remaining beef, transferring beef to slow cooker when browned.
- Add onion and mushrooms to skillet. Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until mushrooms are browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then transfer to bowl of slow cooker.
- Add garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and remaining broth from can, to bowl of slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
- When slow cooker timer is up, remove lid and use wooden spoon to coarsely break up beef. It’s ok if it’s still kind of chunky; you just want the pieces to be bite sized.
- In small bowl, whisk cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup broth (from fridge) until smooth. Stir cornstarch mixture into beef mixture. Return the slow cooker to the HIGH setting, if necessary. Cover slow cooker and cook 15 to 20 minutes longer or until sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Add cream cheese and sour cream to slow cooker and stir until cream cheese is melted. Serve beef mixture over noodles, or pour cooked noodles into slow cooker and stir until well combined. Serve garnished with parsley, if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 829Total Fat: 54gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 1352mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 53g
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
I love this recipe! It is very easy to make but tastes like I worked for hours making it.ย
I’m so glad to hear that, Shannon! That was my goal ๐
Thank you for the recipe. I’ve never actually had Beef Stroganoff, but my husband has tried to replicate the dish from his childhood memories. So far, none of the recipes he’s tried have been satisfactory. So when I saw that you had a Stroganoff recipe, I knew I had to try it. My husband absolutely loved it, and he said that it was even better than the version he remembered. I thought it was a satisfying dish, for sure. I did change a couple of things based on the ingredients in my fridge. I used shitake and baby bella mushrooms, and I had homemade veggie broth in my freezer, which I substituted for the beef broth. It was still awesome. Many thanks!
Wow, even better than he remembered. What a compliment. I’m so flattered, Erica, and am so glad you and your husband both loved this dish!
Lori, This dish was amazing. I am adding it to my regular dishes.. I just read an article about making spatziel and serving it with stroganoff. I canโt wait to try it that way.ย
I’m so glad to hear you liked this, Carol! I think this would be AMAZING with spaetzle!
I keep saying I need to get a slow cooker, but you have definitely inspired me! This looks so tender and delicious!
Thanks, Alida! Slow cookers are definitely handy to have, no question!
The worst ever? You’ll laugh at this, because it actually involves OSU.
Years ago, the Michigan basketball arena used to have THE BEST cinnamon roasted almonds. I would go to basketball games (almost) just for these almonds.
I went to a UM/OSU game. I’m not sure who won, but I do clearly remember that I bought almonds, but since I had just had a big dinner, only ate a few. I wanted to take them home and eat them the next day or something.
Yeah, in the commotion of grabbing my coat and all that jazz after the game, totally left them there, in the cupholder.
I realized when I was about 20 minutes away from Ann Arbor.
And I legitimately considered turning the car around to see if they were still there.
Yes! Worth it? ๐
Tammy, I had the same problem – it seemed like all of the egg noodles were narrow and not what I wanted. Then my husband spotted the Mrs. Miller brand noodles at the store:
http://amzn.to/Q902oX
They were a little bit more expensive than a bigger brand, but so worth it!
Your story about your friend made me giggle! What kind of egg noodles do you use? I’m always looking for a good wide noodle but they all seem so narrow even when they say they are wide. The stroganoff looks amazing by the way.
Oh gawd, I cringed as I was reading the story because I totally saw it happening. And I can totally see it happening to ME – I’m always putting all kinds of questionable crap into my bag, flimsy styrofoam take-out containers included! I just printed this recipe out. I cannot wait to try making this in my new slow cooker!
The other day, I found a long-lost CHIP CLIP in my purse. I mean, seriously, why?
The question is, was it more depressing that the purse was ruined, or that there were no stroganoff leftovers? ๐
We could definitely debate that issue, Sarah! haha.
So fun! A fabulous story, great wine and a recipe that would brighten even a Monday. FAB!
Thanks, Jane. Mondays are made for slow cooker meals, I think.
I make Beef Stroganoff almost the same way, and I also use chuck! ๐
Oh, good, Conni! This was actually only my second time making it, I think, so I’m glad I did it right!
LOL oh no! Beef stroganoff is one thing I would not want to carry around in my purse. I’ve obviously never had this dish, but the ingredients all sound reeeeeally tasty. I’d like to try a vegetarian version!
Mushroom strogranoff would be great, Shaina! Maybe with several different kinds of mushrooms?
Ohhhhh good idea! I love mushrooms. Sounds like a fun challenge, I’m gonna do it!
That is a fabulous story. I would have done the same thing. I absolutely hate leaving leftovers behind, especially for something as delicious as beef stroganoff. Stroganoff in a purse sounds pretty terrible though! I’m definitely pinning this. I can never have too many slow cooker recipes and stroganoff is the Mr’s favorite!
THE WORST is when you have your leftovers all boxed up and accidentally leave them on the table! Even if you run back in 2 minutes later, they are always in the trash already! haha.
Agreed! That sinking feeling when you’re halfway home and realize you left it behind. Nooooooooooo!
I’d do it again…for some of that BEEF STROGANOFF! mmm! ๐ Thanks Lori!
This reminds me….I need to get some carryout from Christine’s ๐
That story is hysterical! And I love your recipe! What a great way to simplify this comfort food by using your slow cooker!
Thanks Brianne!
LOL I could just imagine the same thing happening to me!! You must have read my mind because I have been craving stroganoff! I love the fact that I can do it in the cock pot now thank to you ๐
I have fallen in love with my slow cooker this winter, and am convinced anything can be made in there!
Great story, Lori! We all do things like that we come to regret. Glad you both can laugh about it. I never made stroganoff in a slow-cooker sounds like a great idea!
Thanks, Cindy! The meat turned out super tender, so I think the slow cooker was the way to go.
I wish I had present for that bike ride . . . But, I have laughed every time you mention BSI08 – from that night when you got home and told me it happened to reading this post years later. Great story. And your version of the dish definitely did justice to the inspiration.
I like that it has an acronym now.
Ugh, I am imagining what that mess looked like in the purse. Hoo-ee! Wipe that outta my mind. I want this bowl of delicious for dinner!
That poor purse probably never recovered. Hehehe.
I have never made stroganoff but this is SOOO my kinda meal! Oh and the plastic flutes make me laugh because at our wedding, someone poured beer instead of champagne in our wedding flutes..muwahhaha Happy #SundaySupper :))
Hahaha, BEER in plastic champagne flutes! It just doesn’t get much classier than that. Love it ๐
Great story! Delicious recipe. I love the recipe and the ingredients. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Jodee. Thanks for stopping by!
ha ha ha! What an awesome story! It’s memories like this that last a lifetime (at least). I love that cute bicycle glass – and the stroganoff sounds amazing.
Thanks, Heather. I love my bicycle glasses, but they’ve never been “topical” to the post itself until today!
Yum! I’m sure the slow cooker makes this meat so very tender! I use my slow cooker as often as possible, so need to whip this one up for a comfort food meal very soon!!!
Definitely, Wendy – the meat was super tender! I’m making this way every time now.
Oh my gosh – your story is cracking me up! It sounds like what happened to your friends leftovers is something that would happen to me.
And I have never actually had beef stroganoff before – is that a weird confession? I don’t know why – it is one of those classic comfort dishes I know everyone tends to love! Yours looks seriously yummy…
I’ve never eaten at Burger King before. is that the same?
Beef Stroganoff all in her purse!!! AH! but it sounds like it was a fabulous night and hey, it inspired you to make this delicious slow cooker beef stroganoff right? . . love this!
Since it wasn’t MY purse, I can say that it was all totally worth it for this recipe ๐
I have been trying to incorporate more slow cooker recipes into our dinners — looking forward to adding this fabulous recipe!
Thanks Isabel!
Oh my. Beef stroganoff inside a purse must have been such a huge mess. At least you both can laugh about it now.
Yep, I guess that purse was a small price to pay for this hilarious story. Thanks Renee ๐
I always make my stroganoff with ground beef, but it looks amazing with chuck! Definitely a must try recipe. And what a great story…I bet you never make this dish without a little giggle ๐
Oh, I’ve never seen it with ground beef, but I bet it’s tasty like that, too!