Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients: Beef Stew Meat (1.5 lbs): A budget-friendly cut that becomes tender when slow-cooked. Substitution: Chuck roast, sirloin, or ground beef (brown first); for vegetarian, use mushrooms or seitan.; Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth. Substitution: Shallots, leeks, or 1 tsp onion powder.; Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor. Substitution: ¾ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.; Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Brings earthy, meaty flavor (cremini, button, or white work well). Substitution: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms, or omit for a smoother sauce.; Beef Broth (2 cups): Provides a savory base for the sauce. Substitution: Chicken or vegetable broth, or water with a bouillon cube.; Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds tangy, umami richness. Substitution: Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a mix of soy and lemon juice.; Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Provides earthy, herbal notes. Substitution: Fresh thyme (1 tbsp), dried rosemary, or Italian seasoning.; Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors. Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.; Sour Cream (1 cup): Creates the signature creamy, tangy sauce. Substitution: Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.; Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional): Thickens the sauce if desired. Substitution: Flour (2 tbsp, mixed with water) or arrowroot powder.; Cooked Egg Noodles or Rice (for serving): Soaks up the creamy sauce. Substitution: Mashed potatoes, quinoa, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.; Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish. Substitution: Chives, dill, or no garnish.

Description

Craving a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with rich, savory flavors? Look no further than Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff! This classic recipe transforms tender beef stew meat into a luxurious meal, simmered with mushrooms, onions, and a velvety sour cream sauce

Ingredients

Beef Stew Meat (1.5 lbs): A budget-friendly cut that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
- Substitution: Chuck roast, sirloin, or ground beef (brown first); for vegetarian, use mushrooms or seitan.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- Substitution: Shallots, leeks, or 1 tsp onion powder.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitution: ¾ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Brings earthy, meaty flavor (cremini, button, or white work well).
- Substitution: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms, or omit for a smoother sauce.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Substitution: Chicken or vegetable broth, or water with a bouillon cube.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds tangy, umami richness.
- Substitution: Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a mix of soy and lemon juice.
Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Provides earthy, herbal notes.
- Substitution: Fresh thyme (1 tbsp), dried rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.
Sour Cream (1 cup): Creates the signature creamy, tangy sauce.
- Substitution: Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional): Thickens the sauce if desired.
- Substitution: Flour (2 tbsp, mixed with water) or arrowroot powder.
Cooked Egg Noodles or Rice (for serving): Soaks up the creamy sauce.
- Substitution: Mashed potatoes, quinoa, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Substitution: Chives, dill, or no garnish.

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Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, add 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, 1 chopped medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Stir gently to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are submerged in the broth.
- Tip: Cut beef into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking, and rinse mushrooms briefly to remove dirt.

Step 2: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded.
Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking; the beef should shred easily with a fork.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even cooking, but avoid lifting the lid too often.

Step 3: Add Sour Cream and Thicken (Optional)

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 cup sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
- Tip: Add sour cream slowly and stir gently to prevent curdling, and ensure the slow cooker is on low heat when adding.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the beef stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles or rice, ensuring plenty of sauce coats the base.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Tip: For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle with extra parsley or a pinch of paprika for color.