This meal is hands-down one of our family’s all-time favorites. Here are just a few of the reasons I love this meal. First, it is unbelievably simple. Throw everything in the crockpot and walk away. Second, the meat is so tender it practically melts in your mouth and the rich, hearty flavor is fabulous. Third, it can feed a crowd and is great for company (it will always get you raving reviews!). Fourth, you can serve it over an endless number of options: potatoes, pasta, rice, etc. Fifth, it was given to me by one of my favorite people, my cousin’s wife, Tami. I don’t even think she knows I make it at least once a month! Thanks, Tami, for one of my best tried-and-true recipes.
The Ultimate Beef Stroganoff
Printable Version with Picture
Printable Version
INGREDIENTS:
2-3 pounds stew meat (or a 3-pound chuck roast, cubed)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, diced
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups beef broth or stock
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/3 cup flour
6-7 tablespoons apple juice or water
4-8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup light or regular sour cream
DIRECTIONS:
Place the stew meat, salt, pepper and onion in the slow cooker. Stir to distribute the seasonings and onion. In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, Worcestershrie sauce, beef broth and ketchup. Pour over the meat. Cook for 7-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. About 30 minutes before serving, combine the flour and apple juice in a small bowl, whisking vigorously to combine well. The roux should be thick but still pourable so add a tablespoon of apple juice or water at a time to thin, if needed. Pour the flour mixture into the slow cooker, whisking quickly to mix in the roux with the stew meat and juices and to avoid lumps. Add the mushrooms and stir. Cook on high for 30 minutes. Stir in ½ cup sour cream right before serving. Serve over pasta, rice or baked potatoes.
*Freezable Meal: The leftovers of the stroganoff can be frozen. I store the leftovers in a freezer-safe container and then thaw in the refrigerator (usually takes about a day) and reheat over medium-low heat in a saucepan on the stove.
Recipe Source: from Tami W.
{ 95 comments… read them below or add one }
Next Comments →
Thanks Melanie! This was the first time I mentioned about the pregnancy, I just wanted to justify for adding extra sour cream LOL
Gina – glad you liked this despite the extra sour cream! Congratulations on your pregnancy, by the way. I can’t remember if you have mentioned it in a comment or not. I hope you like the other sweet and sour recipes you try!
Hi Melanie,
I made this the other night and it was really good. The only mistake that I did was that I added extra sour cream( I am pregnant so I’m craving for sour foods) and made it a little too sour, but my family still ate it up. Leftovers tasted even better!! Now I’m gonna try your Sweet and Sour Chicken and meatballs!! I love your blog!! I visit it every day!
Oh, I’m glad you posted this. I have three recipes for Beef Stroganoff, and I’m turned off of all of them. I decided last time that I wouldn’t make any of them again – I need to find a better recipe! This one sounds very promising! I’m surprised it calls for 1 1/2 cups bouillon – is that correct? How may cubes does that turn out to be?
Emily and Patrick – hmmm, I’m not sure why the meat turns out dry and tough for you. The only thing I can think is if the meat doesn’t cook long enough in the slow cooker it can be dry and tough (or if it doesn’t cook in enough liquid). I’m not a slow cooker expert, but those would be my guesses.
Thanks everyone for commenting! Nicole is right – this meal did start our friendship and it was definitely worth it! (Plus our boys that play together are really happy about that.)Jaesi – thanks for commenting. I’m excited to check out your blog, too! Thanks for your praise and let me know if you try those chocolate mint brownies. They are fantastic!
I’ve never made beef stroganoff, but I think I’ll be making this one this week!
This was every bit as good as you promised. I wasn’t really sold on it but I had stew meat that I needed to use up. I found your recipe the night before and just had to believe you couldn’t steer me wrong. I’m glad I did.
My mom even liked it immensely, but she picked around the mushrooms. Meanwhile, I picked around the meat and devoured the mushrooms.
I love this meal (the meal that started our friendship) We have it atleast once a month and best of all- it’s easy!
i was raised on the cream of mushroom soup version and have never really known how to make it otherwise. it sounds great and is definitely worth a try!
We had this and it was delish. Very yummy! The beef chunks were no longer chunks when we served it – perhaps it’s supposed to fall apart or maybe it was from Jed stirring in the sourcream for me!!!
(It doesn’t matter – it was so good!)
This looks good. I love stroganoff too. I have a good recipe for it too. I will need to make it and post it.
Do you brown your stew meat before you put it in the crock pot? I only ask because my stroganoff recipe calls for you to brown your meat first, but if I don’t have then I’m not going to waste the time!
I’ve tried different recipes for this that all call for stew meat in the crock pot, and they always turn out with dry, tough meat for me. What am I doing wrong?
I love beef stroganoff! I’ve always made it with Cream of mushroom soup and the good old store bought seasonings, but this sounds really good from scratch! I will have to give it a try!
fmandds – just for the record, if one of my recipes ever DOES let you down, I still want you to tell me. Meanwhile, I’m glad that you liked this – funny about you and your mom picking through for opposite things.
Melanie – I don’t brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker. That is one of my main requirements with crockpot meals – I don’t want to have to cook anything before letting it cook for hours, know what I mean? Anyway, hope that helps so you don’t have to waste any time!
Loved this recipe. My husband would never eat stoganoff because he always said the meat was too chewy. So I thought I’d give your recipe a try and he loved it. thanks
We grew up on this stuff- crockpot and all!I’ve actually never made it for myself. I think Mom overdid it for all of us. I’m ready to take the plunge though and try it out sometime!
We’ve always made strogie from cream, sour cream and mushroom. This sounds so good too! Just so you know, your blog is my favorite place to find dinner ideas!
so i googled a recipe (chocolate mint brownies aka BYU brownies) and your blog came up. And I am sooo glad to keep coming back for fantastic favorties. Thanks and keep em coming.
I haven’t had beef stroganoff since I was little. But this looks so good it makes me want to make some soon!
I love these kinds of meals, thanks for sharing! If you’re interested in a pulled pork recipe that is similarly simple and delish, stop by my recipe page
This was great! I made it tonight for me and my husband and itwent over great. I used to make the Paula Deen recipe which is great to, but I wanted one where there were less steps and less dishes to clean afterward. I love anything I can make in the slow cooker! This will be the recipe I use for now on!
Anonymous – glad this recipe worked out for you. I agree with you that it is so nice and convenient that you just throw everything in the slow cooker. Thanks for letting me know!
This was fabulous! I made it for my family this Sunday and the beef just melted in my mouth. Thanks!
Janet – thanks for your comment! I’m really glad you liked this recipe…it is definitely a family favorite of ours.
Hi Melanie! I found your website through realmomkitchen.com!! I LOVE your blog!! It’s quickly becoming my favorite! Anyway, I tried this recipe, the other night, and it was soooo good! It has a wonderful flavor and creaminess to it! And the crockpot!!! Could it get any better!
Jenny – hi and welcome! I’m so glad you found your way here and especially that this stroganoff was a hit for you. Thanks for letting me know!
I have been wanting to try this dinner for months and I finally have it all in the crock pot today! It smells sooo good. My husband has only had the Hamburger Helper version of beef stroganoff so I think that this recipe will help him to change his mind about stroganof. I love your blog and your recipes grace our table all the time. Thanks!Kim
Kim – how did your husband like the stroganoff?
The stroganoff was easy and very tasty. This dish was also filling, which is helpful when feeding 2 growing boys . Thanks!
Pat – glad you liked this! Thanks for letting me know.
Yet another fabulous meal! I love that this is prepared in the crockpot–I work during the day and I love coming home to dinner already made. This one was great–the best beef stroganoff I’ve made! Thanks–my hubby is one happy camper.
Hey Veronica – I loved this meal for all the same reasons you did. Thanks for letting me know it was a hit!
What is stew meat? If I don’t buy the precut meat, what kind of meat do I use? Thanks.
Hi Sally – stew meat is the prepackaged trays of beef cut into small cubes. It is usually labeled just that “stew meat.” If you can’t find it or don’t want to buy it, you can buy a cheap roast (like a chuck roast) and cut it into cubes yourself. Hope that helps!
Made this for dinner tonight and Hubby and I both liked it! Oooo it smelled so good while it was cooking and I loved the flavor. I served it over rice since we’re having pasta later in the week. We’re eating the leftovers tomorrow and then I plan to try one of your other dishes. I think it’s called lemon cream chicken or something like that. LOL – Thanks!!!
Kina – thanks so much for checking in to let me know what you thought of this recipe. I’m thrilled you liked it! And I hope you like the lemon cream pasta, too!
This looks like another one I’m going to have to try! Most of the ingredients seem to be items that I tend to usually keep on hand. I LOVE that!! Thanks for posting this!
Sometimes I drive myself crazy. I put the meat and onion in the crock pot and that’s it – didn’t even pay attention to the sauce you are supposed to put over it. SO dinner time comes around and I add the flour/apple juice mixture and sour cream. Then I see all the other ingredients I DIDN’T add! I wanted to scream! We ate it anyways. My kids ate all of it without complaining. The hubby and I added lots of garlic salt to ours because it was a little plain. I obviously need to make it again the right way this time!
Melissa – oh no! I’m sorry that the sauce didn’t make it into the crockpot. I guarantee you’ll love it even more if you try it that way!
This was so good! At first it was a lil salty, but after i added the roux and sourcream it was perfect! Thank you again for another wonderful recipe!
I would love to blog about this recipe as well!
Jena – thanks for checking in on this one! Glad you liked it.
Melanie, Thank you again for another winning recipe. As we ( or I ) speak my two picky eatin boys are at the dinner table scarfing down your beef stroganoff and LOVING it. You’re Awesome. I’m on a cooking mission to make all your recipes.
Nikki – thanks for the flattering comment! I hope you like every recipe you try and am thrilled your picky eaters loved this one.
I made this last week and it was a huge success. My 5 year old ate 3 adult sized servings of it!! And then he had a belly ache! Thanks for such an easy and yummy recipe!
Kensi – I’m seriously so flattered by all the recipes you try. Thank you! Glad you liked this one, too…and hope your five-year old’s belly is feeling better.
Hi Melanie – Just stumbled on your fantastic blog! Have you or anyone else tried this stroganoff recipe using ground beef? That’s what I’ve always used, but not sure how it would work in the crock pot. Thanks, Rachel B.
Rachel – I’ve never tried this with ground beef. I’m a little hesitant about all the grease that might cook off with raw ground beef in the crockpot. I suppose you could brown the meat first, though and reduce the cooking time probably in half. Let me know if you try a ground beef version.
Mel–Could I substitute corn starch for the “flour mixture” we are gluten-free and the recipe looks so good but didn’t know if cornstarch could be substituted. What are your thoughts?
Since I have a teenage boy who eats the ingredients I buy for meals before I can make the meals, I was searching for a recipe to make with the roast I had thawed. This was perfect! So tasty and EASY! Everyone gobbled it up and I didn’t have any complainers–unheard of at dinner time in my house. Thanks Mel!
Denise – yes, you could definitely sub cornstarch for the flour but you’d have to make a few changes, such as, you would need to dissolve the cornstarch in cold water first (probably 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1/4 cup water) and pour the crockpot mixture into a pot on the stove since after you add the cornstarch slurry, it will need to come to a simmer/boil for the cornstarch to properly thicken it. You might have to play around with the amount of cornstarch. Let me know if you try it!
As usual, I was very pleased after trying another recipe. The hubby loved it and asked me where I got the recipe. I told him, “The same website I get all my good recipes.” And he said, “I’m really liking this website!” Me too! You’re my go-to gal for meal ideas. I haven’t been disappointed yet!
Alicia – thanks for your comment! It made me smile. I’m glad you and your husband loved this one!
YUMMMYYYYY!!!!!
I wasnt sure what to expect because all the stroganoffs I ever made or tasted seemed too creamy and the meat was blah–but this my friend was so good! I liked that it had a hint of creamy without being too much. It was so good over egg noodles. I also liked that you didnt have to brown the meat before you tossed it all in the crockpot, I think that defeats the whole purpose of the whole crockpot idea. So finally I found a crockpot recipe I really enjoyed that I will be making again. I did leave the mushrooms out because I dont eat fungus, but you didnt even miss them.
My December Mealathon is coming to an end but I still have a stack to carry over into the Winter Mealathon
Juliann – I’m glad that you liked this crockpot version!
I don’t love Stroganoff, but I love the crock pot for 1:00 church…This was so good! Thanks again! That makes chicken cordon bleu bread bowls, this, teriyaki meatballs, crock pot hot fudge pudding cake, and slow cooker italian beef sandwiches just for this weeks deliciousness from your blog! It’s my go-to!
My husband really isn’t a fan of mushrooms, although I have made stroganoff with cream of mushroom soup in it before which he doesn’t mind. Would you suggest leaving the mushrooms out entirely or subbing something to make up for them? Do they add a flavor that is needed??? Thanks!
Sarah – you can definitely leave the mushrooms out with out adversely affecting this stroganoff – in fact I make it with and without all the time, depending on if I remembered to get mushrooms from the store.
I usually make a double batch in my slow-cooker meals and freeze half to thaw on those super busy days when I know I won’t have time to cook. I had surgery this week so I took a batch of this out of the freezer ahead of time and precooked and buttered some egg noodles and had it all in the fridge. The day of my surgery both my parents and my in-laws were over when I came home and my mom took this out and heated it up for everyone. There I am laying on the couch in pain and half unconscious, yet very pleased because all I keep hearing is “oh my gosh, you have to try this?!” “what does she put in this, its so good!” “Wow, what’s in this gravy?” I think it ended up feeding about 4 adults and my 2 kids ages 4 and 14 months, Plus there was still enough to make enough for my bro-in-law, who was over here the next day. Thanks again Mel!
P.S. – I never use the mushrooms. =)
I am sorry to say this was not very good at all. I followed the recipe exactly. I don’t know what happened. I wish that I has used water rather than apple juice. I felt like I could still taste the apple juice in the finished dish. I usually really like your recipes. This was just a miss for me. I think maybe I don’t like Worcestershire sauce. ???
This is my favorite company meal. I have served it to company many times and it always gets rave reviews with requests for the recipe (I am delighted to send them to your website). I love it because it is so easy, doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day, and tastes so good! I have company coming again tonight–it will be hit again, I’m sure.
We just had this for dinner and everyone loved it! I used 3 Tbl water and 3 Tbs apple juice bc of a previous comment, but I think next time I’ll use 6 Tbl juice. After numerous Stroganoff recipes, I think I’ve found “the one”! Thank you!
YUM-O!! Seriously…this was delicious. My husband made the comment that he wasn’t really hungry for dinner, but after taking one bite he ate an entire plate full! Thanks for the yummy recipe!!
I made this today and we really liked it. Maybe I was just making more work for myself, but I browned the meat first because I’ve seen that called for in some of your more recent recipes. I can’t compare it to how it would taste without browning the meat first, but it was good tonight. Thanks!
Hello! I ran across your website last night and stumbled upon this recipe. I decided to give it a shot.. and OH MY GAWD! It was delish! It actually came out looking like yours in the photo and tasted fantastic! Thank you for sharing!!
made this with moose stew meat and was such a nice change from adding cream of mushroom soup. will be making this again!
Hi there! We love this recipe so much. I made it a few days ago and added some fresh sage and thyme, great companions for this recipe, it took it up a notch (not that it needed it, but I grow it, so what the heck). After we ate I realized this was way too much left overs, we loved it way too much to just eat for lunch. So the next day I made some pie shells, added the normal characters that go in a potpie, and WHALA…we had this amazing second meal that my kids LOVED! Hide the leftovers, do whatever you have to do, or just throw it in a pie to begin with, it is SOSOO GOOD.
We will be having this tonight! I also wanted to say that you have no idea how much I LOVE your site! I have gotten SO MANY great receipes from here.
Your “style” of food is very much what my family (and I) like!
Thanks to you, suppers around these parts are easier and tastier!
just made this and it was WONDERFUL! my 7yo loved it (and that rarely happens) in addition to the rest of the family. the hubs has to work tonight so he’s taking some to work to eat again in a few hours. thanks mel for your yummies!
I have this cooking in the crock right now. I can’t wait to try it as the house is starting to smell fantastic! Crock pot cooking can be so cruel sometimes…lol.
Unbelievable! The weather turned chillly this weekend and this was at the top of my list to try – Mel, fabulous!!! Used cider instead of apple juice only because that’s what I had on hand….loved that I didn’t have to brown anything beforehand, too. Served over mashed potatoes for me and one kiddo, then over rice for hubby and other kiddos – this was plate-lickable!!
I made this tonight and it did not really turn out good. I think I might of gotten the wrong meat. It was tough and did not fall apart like your picture looked. And it was runny. I am not giving up on it though. I will try it again
Scarred from the ground-beef decade of the 80′s, I had to bury my stroganoff memories of years gone by to find the courage to make this. Mel, you delivered. Classy, homey, hearty, devoured. The six of us thank you.
Quick question! I am looking to double this meal tomorrow as a make and take and also meal for my family. Are there any modifications for doubling this in the crockpot? This meal is so delicious!! It has made our regular rotation. Thanks for sharing.
Jenny – you shouldn’t need to make any modifications to double. Good luck!
This is a great recipe! easy to make….. love love love crock pot meals. Your blog is FANTASTIC! I have made other meals from here….. DELICIOUS! Thank you for sharing all these wonderful recipes.
Holy goodness, this was absolutely AMAZING. I never thought I’d find a better stroganoff than my mother’s, but this blew hers out of the water (Sorry, Mom!). Just incredible. And so easy!
This is in the crockpot for dinner tonight. I love that it isn’t “canned”.
The name of this recipe is truly accurate! It is super simple to make with ingredients already in the cupboard, and tastes incredible. I have served this multiple times to company always to rave reviews. I send them directly to you for the recipe!
Wow! This was amazing I followed it to a tee with the exception of the sour cream. I used plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. The meat melted in my mouth as well as my husbands. Will be making this again soon, thanks for sharing!!!
I made this the other night and served it over egg noodles. Holy amazingness!
I have this in the crockpot right now. I just put the mushrooms in and I am so sad that I have to take it to some friends instead of getting to eat it myself! They are sure to enjoy it and the Lion House rolls that I made for them. Those rolls turned out so good! My husband was begging for more after I let him sample a few. Thanks Mel! I LOVE your blog!
I’m making this tonight and can’t wait to try it! I have a quick question regarding the crock pot times. Does it taste any different using low or high? I always have really silly questions it seems.
Susannah – no silly questions, so don’t worry! Yes, low versus high does matter for most crockpots. If you were to cook this on high for the allotted time it could burn around the edges…I’d try to stick as closely as you can to the recommended hours for low or high. Hope that helps!
This meal was so dang good! I can’t wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow! I just loved all of the mushrooms. I always know I can come to your blog for delicious food. My husband and I also ate a ton of turkey wraps last week for lunch. Thanks for the simple, yet very delicious idea!
Awesome! I made this recipe for dinner tonight and my family could not stop raving about it. I will certainly be making this recipe again very soon! Thank you!
Hey Mel! Just wanted to thank you SO much for this recipe. It was so simple and delicious and we will be eating it again and again and again!
I blogged about it here: http://athomewithalley.com/2012/02/25/ultimate-beef-stroganoff-crockpotslow-cooker/
This was delicious – thank you!
Hi,
Similar to what the other person asked, would simply keeping it on low for the last 30 mins be OK. My annoying crock pot does not have the high setting, but I have not mentally justified the cost of getting a new one yet.
Hi Chelsea – I think keeping it at low would be fine. It really depends on the temperature of your crockpot. If all else fails, you could transfer the mixture to a pot on the stove and let it simmer to thicken there.
so i just finished cooking this and all i can say is wow! Loooooooved it! The meat was sooo yummy! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m so excited to try this recipe at a family function on Monday. I’m serving about 60 people, how many times should I “double” this recipe… When you say it serves a crowd, are you talking 10 people per recipe?? Do I need to 6 times this for 60?? Thanks for your help— hopefully you’ll see this today!
Sylvia – I’ve never made it for that large of a crowd, but yes, I think if you six-times the recipe, that should be plenty. Good luck!
{ 13 trackbacks }