Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, creamy aroma of perfectly tender beef stroganoff, without spending hours slaving over the stove. This Lazy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines minimal effort with maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or simply someone who loves delicious comfort food, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that promises to impress without the stress.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked egg noodles for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by trimming any excess fat from the stew meat and cutting larger pieces into bite-sized chunks if needed.
- In a large slow cooker, combine the chopped onion and minced garlic as the base layer.
- Place the beef stew meat on top of the onions and garlic.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef, ensuring all meat is covered and evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, using about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and flavors to meld.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions while the stroganoff finishes cooking.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the beef stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of meat: Beef stew meat works best as it becomes incredibly tender during the long, slow cooking process.
- Trim the fat: Remove excess fat from the meat before cooking to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Layer ingredients strategically: Start with onions and garlic at the bottom, then add meat, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Don't rush the cooking: The 6-hour low and slow method is crucial for breaking down tough meat fibers and developing rich flavors.
- Add sour cream at the end: Stirring in sour cream during the last 30 minutes prevents curdling and maintains a smooth, creamy sauce.
- For extra depth, consider deglazing your meat with a splash of red wine before adding to the slow cooker.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish and add a pop of color when serving.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken it in the final stages of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
