Delight your senses and simplify your dinner routine with this incredibly rich and flavorful **Crockpot Garlic Beef Stroganoff**. This isn’t just any stroganoff; it’s a creamy, slow-cooked masterpiece, brimming with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and an irresistible garlic-infused sauce, all served over comforting egg noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe promises gourmet taste with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.
Crock Pot Garlic Beef Stroganoff: An Unforgettable Weeknight Meal
There’s nothing quite like a classic Beef Stroganoff, but when you add the convenience of a slow cooker and an extra boost of garlic and mushrooms, you’ve got a recipe for pure culinary bliss. This updated version takes our popular Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff and elevates it to new heights, making it an even more robust and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
We’ve fine-tuned the ingredient list and cooking process to ensure maximum flavor development with the least amount of fuss. The result is a deeply savory, melt-in-your-mouth beef stroganoff where every forkful is a testament to slow-cooked perfection. Because, as we all know, everything truly is better with a bit of garlic, and this recipe delivers that aromatic goodness in spades!
The Art of Slow Cooking Stroganoff
Using a crock pot for beef stroganoff isn’t just about convenience; it’s about transforming simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours (because it did!). The low and slow cooking method tenderizes the beef to an incredible degree, allowing it to absorb all the rich, creamy flavors of the sauce. This hands-off approach also means you can set it and forget it, leaving you free to tackle other tasks while your kitchen fills with the most wonderful aromas. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal ready to serve with minimal last-minute preparation.
Selecting Your Ingredients for Optimal Flavor
The success of any great recipe lies in the quality of its ingredients. For this Crockpot Garlic Beef Stroganoff, each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate taste experience:
- Beef Top Round Steak: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender over several hours. Look for lean cuts and slice them thinly against the grain to ensure they practically melt in your mouth. You could also use chuck roast, stew meat, or even sirloin, adjusting cook times as needed.
- Mushrooms: We’ve doubled down on the mushrooms in this recipe. Canned sliced mushrooms work wonderfully for convenience, providing that earthy depth without extra prep. However, feel free to use fresh cremini or button mushrooms if you prefer, sautéing them lightly before adding to the crock pot for deeper flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: The star of this updated recipe! Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that pungent, aromatic kick that defines this stroganoff. Don’t be shy with it!
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the foundational creamy base of our sauce, providing a shortcut to a rich and velvety texture.
- Beef Bouillon Cubes and Boiling Water: Together, these create a robust beef broth that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a complex, umami-rich depth that perfectly complements the beef and mushrooms.
- Cream Cheese: Stirred in at the end, cream cheese is the secret to achieving that luxuriously smooth, tangy, and extra-creamy finish that makes this stroganoff truly special.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- Oil: Used for browning the beef, which is a crucial step for building a deep, rich flavor foundation before slow cooking.
- Egg Noodles: The traditional and best accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the glorious stroganoff sauce.
Essential Kitchen Tool: Your Trusty Crockpot – We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once cooking is complete. This feature is a game-changer, ensuring your dinner cooks perfectly without the risk of overcooking, giving you peace of mind throughout your day.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Explore
If you love the ease and deliciousness of crock pot cooking, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Crock Pot Monkey Bread – A sweet and gooey delight for breakfast or dessert.
- Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole – A comforting, cheesy family favorite.
- Crock Pot Ham – Effortlessly cooked, perfectly moist ham.
- Classic Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff – The inspiration for this garlic-infused version.
- Crock Pot Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken – Zesty and full of flavor.
- Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage – A hearty and traditional dish.
- Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa – Quick and easy appetizer or main course.
- Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa – Sweet and savory bites for any occasion.
- Crock Pot Apple Crisp – A warm and inviting dessert.
- Crock Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts – A unique and addictive snack.
For more creamy indulgence, explore all of our recipes with cream cheese. Looking for more culinary inspiration? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and, of course, a treasure trove of CrockPot Recipes.
Stay connected for all our latest recipe posts by following Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Crock Pot Garlic Beef Stroganoff
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Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 Beef Bouillon Cube
- 10-¾ ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 8.5 Ounce sliced mushrooms 2 – 4-½ ounces each sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1-½ to 2 pounds beef top round steak cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 8 Ounce Cream Cheese
- Egg noodles Cooked
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir these ingredients until well combined, forming the rich base of your stroganoff.
- In a separate skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef top round steak and brown it on all sides. This crucial step caramelizes the meat, locking in flavor and creating a deeper, richer taste for your stroganoff. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot with the other ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The long, slow simmer ensures maximum flavor infusion and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This adds a wonderful tang and velvety texture to the stroganoff.
- Serve immediately over hot, cooked egg noodles, ensuring each serving gets plenty of that irresistible creamy beef and mushroom sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 126
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Serving Suggestions and Pairing
While egg noodles are the traditional choice and undeniably perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich sauce, don’t limit yourself! This versatile Crockpot Garlic Beef Stroganoff also pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus for a balanced meal. A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would also cut through the richness and offer a refreshing contrast.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stroganoff
- Don’t Skip Browning: While it might seem like an extra step, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial. It creates a deep, savory crust that adds immense depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Cut Beef Evenly: Ensure your beef strips are roughly the same size for even cooking and tenderness.
- Soften Cream Cheese: For a smooth sauce, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before stirring it in. This prevents lumps and ensures it incorporates beautifully into the hot sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the cream cheese and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Remember, bouillon can be salty, so season gradually.
- No Peeking: Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker during cooking! Each time you do, heat escapes, and it adds about 20-30 minutes to the overall cooking time.
Variations to Try
This garlic beef stroganoff recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable:
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other initial ingredients for a subtle heat.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can be added to the slow cooker for an hour or two before the end of cooking for an aromatic twist.
- Different Mushrooms: Experiment with fresh cremini, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms for varied textures and deeper umami. Sauté them briefly before adding to the crockpot.
- Sour Cream Option: For an even more traditional tang, replace the cream cheese with 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, stirred in just before serving (do not cook sour cream in the crockpot, as it can curdle).
- Vegetarian Stroganoff: Substitute the beef with hearty portobello mushrooms, extra button mushrooms, or plant-based beef strips for a meatless alternative.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Crockpot Garlic Beef Stroganoff is absolutely delicious! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has become too thick in the fridge.
This dish also freezes well without the egg noodles. Place cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen beef?
It’s generally not recommended to put frozen raw meat directly into a slow cooker due to food safety concerns (the meat might spend too long in the “danger zone” temperature range). Thaw your beef completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- My sauce is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot stroganoff during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If the sauce is too thick, simply stir in a bit of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
Making it completely dairy-free would require substitutions for cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese. You could try using a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and a plant-based cream cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture might vary.
- What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
While Worcestershire adds a unique depth, a dash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can offer a similar umami kick in a pinch.
This Crockpot Garlic Beef Stroganoff is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of a deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker works its magic, tenderizing the beef and melding the rich flavors into a sauce you’ll want to savor. We hope you and your family enjoy this comforting classic as much as we do!
Recipe originally shared on February 16, 2014. Updated October 2020, and further expanded for SEO and clarity in [Current Month, Year].