Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff by the Pioneer Woman is a delicious twist on the classic Russian dish. Made with tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal to warm you up on chilly nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone craving a cozy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming inexpensive cuts of beef into fork-tender bites. Plus, the creamy, savory sauce pairs perfectly with egg noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also kid-friendly and perfect for leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Stew meat (such as chuck roast), cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Sour cream
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Egg noodles (for serving)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the seasoned beef, diced onion, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
3. Stir to mix well, then cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir together cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
5. Stir in the sour cream and let it heat through for 10–15 minutes.
6. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Serve the beef mixture over the noodles.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high
Total Time: About 8 hours (on low)

Variations

• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of white wine or sherry for depth of flavor.
• Use fresh thyme or rosemary for herbal notes.
• Replace egg noodles with mashed potatoes or rice for a different base.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with sliced portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling in the slow cooker?

To avoid curdling, always add sour cream at the end of the cooking process, once the slow cooker has cooled slightly.

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

Yes, ground beef can be used, but you’ll want to brown it first before adding to the slow cooker. It will change the texture slightly.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking in the morning.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower mash are great alternatives.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.

What cut of beef is best for this recipe?

Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes very tender when slow-cooked.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the sauté function for aromatics and beef, then pressure cook for about 35 minutes with a natural release.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, carrots, peas, or green beans can be added during the last hour of cooking.

Does this recipe double well?

It does. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the increased volume.

Is it okay to freeze the stroganoff with noodles?

It’s better to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles to maintain the best texture.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting classic made easy. With rich flavors, tender beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a hearty and delicious dish that delivers every time.

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