Beef Stroganoff, a classic dish, combines tender beef and a creamy mushroom sauce. Slow cooking transforms the dish into a more delicious and mouth-watering experience. Slow cooked beef stroganoff makes a great dinner for busy families or guests.
This comforting, hearty recipe combines well-marbled steak, earthy mushroom, savoury onion, and a cream sauce. It is all slowly cooked to perfection. This is how you make it, and why it may become a staple in your dinner rotation.
What is Beef Stroganoff?
Beef stroganoff, which originated in Russia, has become a comfort food enjoyed around the world. The main ingredients are thinly sliced or chopped beef, mushrooms sauteed in butter, and a creamy sauce, usually made from sour cream. It’s delicious and filling when served over rice, noodles or mashed potato. Slow cooking makes tougher beef cuts tender and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make a classic beef stroganoff for 4-6 people:
- Cut into bite-sized pieces, 800g-1kg of stewing beef or beef chuck.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g sliced mushrooms (button, cremini or other varieties work)
- 1 Tablespoon plain flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- To taste: salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sourcream)
- Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter to brown the food
Optional:
- Use 1/2 cup of white wine for depth or a splash brandy
- Parsley chopped for garnish
Method: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Brown the beef. (Optional but recommended.)
Heat up oil in a skillet on medium heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides. This step isn’t necessary, but it adds richness and flavour to the dish. Transfer the beef into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Saute the onion and the garlic
Add a little more oil to the pan if necessary and cook until the onion and the garlic are softened. Sauté the mushrooms until they begin to release moisture and brown. Stir for one minute after adding the flour to remove the raw taste. Transfer everything into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients
Add beef stock, Dijon mustard and paprika to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the pot and cook for 8 hours on Low or High until the beef has become tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally if you can.
Step 6: Stir in the sourcream
About fifteen minutes before serving, add the sourcream to achieve that creamy, luscious texture. Adjust seasoning by adding more mustard, salt or pepper as necessary.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right beef. Chuck, blade or stewing meat is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and moist without drying out.
- To avoid curdling, add the sourcream at the end and ensure that the slow cooker doesn’t get too hot while you are stirring it in.
- If needed, thicken the sauce. Mix a little cornflour and water together. Stir it in. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Variations
- Creamy Mushroom Only: Make a vegetarian version by using extra mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of beef.
- Add veggies: You can add frozen peas or baby spinach to the dish at the end.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch or chilli flakes to give it a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions
It’s delicious served with egg noodles.
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Rice steamed
- Buttered pasta
- Cauliflower Mash (for a lower-carbohydrate option)
- Bread to mop up sauce
For a fresh, vibrant finish, sprinkle with parsley or dill. Serve with buttered green beans, roasted vegetables or even roasted potatoes for an extra indulgence.
Store and Reheat
Leftovers may be frozen up to three months or stored in the refrigerator for up 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If necessary, add a little water or stock to loosen it.
Conclusion
Slow-cooked beef stroganoff delivers comfort and flavour with minimum effort. Slow simmering for a long time makes the sauce rich and savoury, and the beef becomes tender. This dish is perfect for feeding a large family or preparing meals for the next week. It might just become a family favourite once you give it a try.