Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Creamy Comfort for Busy Nights

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Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff
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Craving a hearty meal that practically cooks itself? Discover how this nostalgic twist on a classic transforms humble ingredients into creamy, soul-warming perfection – ideal for your next family dinner or snowy evening!

Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about walking into a home filled with the savory aroma of beef stroganoff simmering away in your crockpot. This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of the traditional dish with a budget-friendly twist – using ground beef instead of steak. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need an easy comfort food champion, this version skips the fuss without sacrificing flavor.

As a food blogger specializing in hearty meals for real-life schedules, I love how the slow cooker effortlessly melds the earthy mushrooms, tangy Worcestershire, and velvety sauce into something extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding hungry teens after sports practice or hosting a casual dinner party for friends, this beef stroganoff crockpot wonder guarantees empty plates and happy smiles. Let’s dive into how a handful of simple ingredients create a creamy beef masterpiece worthy of Grandma’s highest praise!

Alternate Names & Variations

  • Beef Stroganoff Crockpot Dinner
  • Creamy Ground Beef and Noodles (Slow Cooker)
  • Easy Mushroom-Beef Stroganoff

Dietary Twist: For a lighter version, swap Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream and use lean ground turkey.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff ingredients ready for cooking
Fig.1 – Fresh ingredients for Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces fresh sliced cremini mushrooms
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef consommé (not condensed soup)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 4 ounces whipped cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
  • 3 ¾ cups wide egg noodles (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth (for reheating adjustments)

Chef’s Pro Tips:

  • Mushroom Varieties: Cremini add depth, but white mushrooms work too!
  • Dairy Substitutes: Sour cream replaces Greek yogurt if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat. Transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and mushrooms, sautéing until softened (4–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, then add to the slow cooker.
  3. Build Flavor: Pour beef consommé over the meat mixture. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, and soy sauce. Stir well.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
  5. Create Creamy Sauce: 30 minutes before serving, stir in Greek yogurt and whipped cream cheese until fully incorporated.
  6. Cook Noodles Separately: Boil egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a pat of butter.
  7. Serve: Spoon stroganoff sauce over noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours (Low) | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~520 per serving

Why This Recipe Works

The magic lies in the creamy beef sauce enhanced by the tangy duo of Greek yogurt and whipped cream cheese – a lighter yet decadent alternative to heavy cream. Slow cooking allows the mushrooms and onions to soften into savory perfection while the ground beef soaks up the umami-rich consommé. Unlike stovetop versions, this beef stroganoff crockpot method guarantees fork-tender results every time, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck contributions.

Expert Tips for Success

  • For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
  • Always cook egg noodles separately to avoid mushiness in leftovers.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff sauce (without noodles) in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to restore creaminess. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve – your hearty meal tastes just-made!

People Also Ask: Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Serving Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles
Fig.2 – Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff served over buttered noodles with garnish

How do you make ground beef stroganoff in a slow cooker?

Brown ground beef first for deeper flavor, then combine with mushrooms, onions, and a savory broth mixture in your crockpot. Cook low and slow until tender. Finish by stirring in Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a luscious, creamy beef sauce. Serve over buttered egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.

What kind of ground beef is best for stroganoff?

An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) strikes the perfect balance – it retains moisture during slow cooking without excessive greasiness. Drain browned beef well before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent an oily sauce. Leaner blends (90/10) work but may require extra broth to keep the dish juicy.

How do you make a creamy stroganoff sauce?

Combine tangy Greek yogurt with velvety whipped cream cheese for a rich, stable sauce that won’t curdle under heat. Stir these in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra silkiness, temper the yogurt by mixing a spoonful of hot stroganoff liquid into it first.

What side dishes pair well with stroganoff?

Buttered egg noodles are classic, but try roasted garlic mashed potatoes or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Bright sides like steamed green beans, a crisp cucumber salad, or roasted carrots balance this hearty meal beautifully. For holidays, add a glazed pear and walnut salad.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff is proof that extraordinary meals can come from simple routines. Whether you’re juggling work, grandkids, or just craving nostalgia in a bowl, let your crockpot do the heavy lifting. I’d love to hear how your version turns out – tag #CrystalRecipes on Facebook or Pinterest and share your creamy beef triumphs!

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Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff

Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff: Creamy Comfort for Busy Nights

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 255
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This comforting Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, savory meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender egg noodles soak up the rich beef and mushroom gravy, while Greek yogurt adds a tangy twist to the classic stroganoff sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef consomme
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 ounces whipped cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 3/4 cups egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth (or as needed)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Melt butter in same skillet. Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened (5-6 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add onion-mushroom mixture to slow cooker with beef consomme, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
  5. 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked egg noodles and beef broth. Cover and cook until noodles are tender.
  6. Turn off heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Tips: Substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt if preferred. For creamier texture, add extra broth before serving. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days (reheat gently to prevent curdling).

Substitutions: Use ground turkey for lighter version. Omit mushrooms for picky eaters.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 240
  • Category: B
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 95

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food