Elevate your weeknights: quick and easy beef stroganoff in a crock pot
What To Know
- In a large crock pot, combine the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, beef broth, white wine (if using), thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- For a richer sauce, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream at the end of the cooking time.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of classic beef stroganoff, effortlessly prepared in the comforting embrace of a crock pot. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of creating this iconic dish in the most convenient way possible.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles, uncooked
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the skillet and sear until browned on all sides.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large crock pot, combine the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, beef broth, white wine (if using), thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Cook the Noodles: While the stroganoff is cooking, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
6. Add the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the beef stroganoff immediately over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use a Good Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is a flavorful and affordable cut that’s perfect for slow cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooking will toughen the beef. Check the tenderness after 6 hours and cook for an additional hour or two if needed.
- Add Some Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to beef stroganoff.
- Serve with a Side of Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the dish.
Variations
- Creamy Beef Stroganoff: For a richer sauce, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream at the end of the cooking time.
- Spicy Beef Stroganoff: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Vegetable Beef Stroganoff: Add 1 cup of chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, along with the onions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of beef?
A: Yes, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of beef you choose.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef stroganoff up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat over low heat before serving.
Q: What can I serve with beef stroganoff?
A: Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad are all great options to pair with beef stroganoff.
