Simple Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
### Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff: A Cozy, Hands-Off Dinner
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a beloved dish that features tender chunks of beef and mushrooms enveloped in a rich, creamy stroganoff sauce. This meal is perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day, resulting in a cozy dinner that requires minimal effort.
#### The Importance of Browning the Beef
One of the key steps in achieving a deep, savory flavor in your stroganoff is browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This process not only enhances the taste but also adds a layer of complexity to the sauce that you might not expect from a slow cooker dish.
#### Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This tried-and-true recipe has delighted countless families, and for good reason. Here are a few highlights:
– **Effortless Cooking**: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. The beef becomes extra tender as it cooks.
– **Rich Flavor**: The sauce captures all the traditional flavors of a classic stroganoff, enhanced by the slow cooking process in a rich broth.
– **Prep Ahead**: You can prepare the beef the night before, making it easy to pop everything into the crockpot in the morning.
### Ingredients for Crock Pot Stroganoff
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
– **Beef**: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its flavor and tenderness. Cut it into bite-sized cubes or use stewing meat.
– **Mushrooms**: White or cremini mushrooms work well. If you’re short on time, canned sliced mushrooms can be a quick substitute.
– **Broth**: A rich beef broth is essential for flavor. If using low sodium broth, consider adding a bouillon cube for added depth.
– **Sour Cream**: Add sour cream just before serving to prevent separation or curdling. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
### Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes:
– **Meat**: Substitute the beef with 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Brown it, drain the fat, and add it to the slow cooker.
– **Seasonings**: While the recipe keeps seasonings simple, feel free to add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
### How to Make Beef Stroganoff in a Crock Pot
Follow these steps to create your Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff:
1. **Brown the Beef**: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season the beef with salt and pepper, and brown it in small batches. Deglaze the pan with red wine or broth, scraping up the browned bits, and add this to the slow cooker.
2. **Slow Cook**: In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef with garlic powder, onions, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, and 1 ½ cups of broth. Cook until the beef is tender.
3. **Finish the Sauce**: Once the beef is tender, mix the remaining broth with cornstarch and stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in the sour cream before serving.
**Cooking Times**:
– **Cook on Low**: 7 to 8 hours
– **Cook on High**: 4 to 5 hours
### Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is typically served over egg noodles, but it also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or any type of pasta. To make the meal more substantial, consider adding a tossed salad and a side of garlic bread.
### Nutritional Information
– **Servings**: 8
– **Calories**: 568
– **Carbohydrates**: 38g
– **Protein**: 29g
– **Fat**: 32g
– **Saturated Fat**: 13g
– **Cholesterol**: 131mg
– **Sodium**: 263mg
– **Potassium**: 766mg
– **Fiber**: 2g
– **Sugar**: 3g
This recipe not only delivers comfort and flavor but also allows for flexibility and ease in preparation, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
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