Weeknight dinners just got easier (and tastier!) with this amazing Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe. Forget complicated cooking; this hearty, creamy dish is ready in hours with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy families and anyone craving a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss. This easy recipe delivers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional stroganoff but with a healthy twist and the convenience of your slow cooker. Get ready to impress your family with this crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This initial browning adds depth of flavor to your stroganoff.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, sherry (if using), dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become.
- Cook the noodles: While the stroganoff simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the noodles and the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with a dollop of extra sour cream and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff:
- Lean ground beef is key: Using lean ground beef helps keep this dish relatively healthy and prevents it from being overly greasy.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker. Adding them at the very end ensures they retain their texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Before serving, taste the stroganoff and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, dill, or paprika depending on your taste.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the stroganoff in the slow cooker in the morning and have a delicious dinner ready when you get home.
Variations:
- Mushroom lovers rejoice: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for extra earthy flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Creamy heaven: For an even creamier stroganoff, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the sour cream.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!