Can I use a different cut of meat?

Absolutely. The beauty of slow cooking is flexibility. Chuck roast is ideal because it has connective tissue that breaks down into gelatin, creating a silky sauce. Brisket or short ribs will also work but adjust cooking time if needed.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

No, but browning adds depth and a caramelized note. If you have time and a skillet handy, sear the beef pieces for a few minutes until they form a brown crust. If you prefer to keep things simple, place the seasoned beef directly into the crock pot and trust the long cook time.

How do I keep the sauce from separating when I add sour cream?

Temper the sour cream by stirring a small ladle of hot broth into it before mixing it into the pot. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently. Avoid bringing the pot to a boil after adding dairy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free sour cream alternative to maintain creaminess. The flavor will shift slightly, but the slow cooking still produces tender meat and a comforting sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water or broth, stir into the pot about 30 minutes before serving, and allow it to thicken on low heat. You can also mash a few pieces of meat in the sauce to thicken it naturally.

What side dishes pair well?

Egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta make lovely beds for stroganoff. Serve with a simple green vegetable or a crisp salad to balance richness.

Easy to Make Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe 2026

Description

A comforting slow-cooked beef stroganoff with a rich, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with egg noodles or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz sliced mushrooms (fresh button or cremini)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups egg noodles or rice (for serving)

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Instructions

Season the beef with salt and pepper.
Optional: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add beef, mushrooms, sautéed onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth to the crock pot.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
Stir in sour cream about 30 minutes before serving.
Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth for a lighter flavor. Fresh mushrooms yield the best texture. If using canned mushrooms, reduce the broth by a quarter cup. To thicken sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir in before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg