Comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Indulge in this Comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, a delightful and savory dish perfect for busy families or gatherings. This recipe features tender ground beef simmered with sautéed onions and garlic, enveloped in a creamy mixture of mushroom soup and tomato sauce, seasoned to perfection with beef bouillon and paprika. Paired with your favorite pasta, this dish promises a satisfying meal that not only warms the heart but also the soul. Enjoy effortlessly with a side of vegetables and garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
2 lbs (none)
onions
2 (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
tomato sauce
1 (4 ounce) can (none)
beef bouillon cubes
4 (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pasta
1 lb (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, mix in the chopped onions, minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
2
Continue sautéing until the onions become translucent and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3
Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a slow cooker set to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, beef bouillon cubes, and paprika until well combined.
4
Cover and let the mixture simmer on low for about 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
6
Once the beef mixture is ready, gently fold in the cooked pasta into the sauce until thoroughly coated. Serve hot with a side of your favorite vegetables and garlic bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff?
It is a savory and creamy dish made with ground beef, onions, garlic, mushroom soup, and tomato sauce, slow-cooked and served over pasta.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses 2 lbs of ground beef for a family-friendly and easy version of the classic dish.
How long does the stroganoff need to cook in the slow cooker?
The beef mixture should be cooked on low for approximately 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet and drain the fat before transferring it to the slow cooker.
What kind of pasta is best for this beef stroganoff?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pasta. Egg noodles are traditional, but any variety like rotini or penne works well.
Can I use beef tips instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef tips, though you may need to increase the slow cooker time to ensure the meat becomes tender.
How many onions are required?
This recipe requires 2 chopped onions to be sautéed with the beef.
What size can of cream of mushroom soup is needed?
You will need one 10.75-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Is there tomato sauce in this stroganoff?
Yes, the recipe includes one 4-ounce can of tomato sauce for added depth of flavor.
How many beef bouillon cubes are used?
The recipe uses 4 beef bouillon cubes to enhance the savory beef flavor.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with ground black pepper, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker?
The instructions recommend cooking the pasta separately on the stove and folding it into the sauce at the end.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
With 2 lbs of meat and 1 lb of pasta, this recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup substitute and gluten-free pasta.
Is it okay to use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 clove of minced garlic, and fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
Can I add mushrooms to the recipe?
Absolutely. Adding fresh sliced mushrooms while browning the beef will add even more texture and flavor.
What should I serve as a side dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with your favorite vegetables and garlic bread.
Can I use a slow cooker liner?
Yes, using a slow cooker liner can make the cleanup process much faster and easier.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this beef stroganoff?
You can freeze the beef sauce mixture, but it is best to prepare fresh pasta when reheating as pasta can become mushy when frozen.
Can I add sour cream to this recipe?
While not in the core ingredients, you can stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream at the very end for a more traditional, tangier sauce.
What if I don't have beef bouillon cubes?
You can substitute the bouillon cubes with 1 tablespoon of beef base or reduce the other liquids and use a small amount of beef broth.
Can I cook this on high heat?
Yes, you can cook the mixture on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours instead of 3 hours on low.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the mild, creamy flavors and familiar pasta make it a very kid-friendly meal.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?
The cream of mushroom soup acts as a thickener. If you prefer it thicker, you can let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
What type of paprika should I use?
Standard sweet paprika is best, but you can use smoked paprika if you want a slight smoky undertone.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No, the moisture from the soup, tomato sauce, and beef provides enough liquid for the 3-hour simmer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough (6 quarts or larger), you can double the ingredients.
What if the onions are still crunchy?
Ensure you sauté the onions until they are translucent and golden brown in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.