Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Stew (Rich, Creamy & Comforting)

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Tender chunks of beef simmer low and slow with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a savory beefy gravy, then finished with sour cream for that classic stroganoff creaminess. It’s an easy dump-and-go meal that fills your home with cozy aromas and delivers melt-in-your-mouth results every time.

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Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz (280 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Thickening & Creaminess

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)

For Serving (Optional)

• Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Optional browning: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides for extra flavor, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms on top of the beef.
3. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew to thicken.
7. Stir in sour cream just before serving. Do not boil after adding sour cream.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve warm over noodles, potatoes, or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff Stew

• Chuck roast is ideal—it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Browning the beef adds depth, but you can skip it if short on time.
• Add sour cream at the end to prevent curdling.
• For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons butter before serving.

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Variations

• Cream Cheese Version: Replace half the sour cream with cream cheese for a richer texture.
• Mushroom Lover’s Stroganoff: Double the mushrooms.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Savory: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce or beef bouillon paste.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream (flavor will vary).

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FAQs

Can I put raw beef directly in the slow cooker?
Yes! Browning is optional but adds extra flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day and reheats well.

Can I freeze beef stroganoff stew?
Yes, but freeze before adding sour cream. Add it fresh when reheating.

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Serving Suggestions

This cozy stew pairs perfectly with:

• Buttered egg noodles
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• A simple green salad for balance