Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. This slow cooker version makes it even easier to create this hearty, satisfying dish with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed golden mushroom soup
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) beef broth
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Cooked egg noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • If you’re using whole stew beef pieces, cut them into smaller, bite-sized chunks for easier eating.
   • Clean and quarter the mushrooms if you’re including them in the recipe.
   • Chop the onion into fine pieces so that they will melt into the sauce as it cooks.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
   • Place the stew beef into the slow cooker.
   • Add the condensed golden mushroom soup, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and mushrooms (if using) to the pot.
   • Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Slow Cook:
   • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. This low and slow cooking process will make the beef incredibly tender.
4. Add Creamy Components:
   • About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, add the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream to the slow cooker.
   • Stir the mixture every ten minutes to help the cream cheese blend into the sauce smoothly.
5. Serve:
   • Prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions.
   • You have the option to either serve the stroganoff over the noodles or mix the cooked noodles directly into the crockpot. If you choose to add them to the crockpot, let them mingle for about half an hour to soak up the flavors and thicken the sauce.
   • If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry with cornstarch and water and stir it in to thicken.
6. Adjust and Enjoy:
   • Give the stroganoff a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

• The quality of beef is important. The recommended cuts of beef will ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful.
• For a leaner option, you can trim any excess fat from the beef before cooking.
• If using pork, ensure that it is a tender cut that can stand up to slow cooking without becoming tough.
• You can adjust the thickness of the sauce with a cornstarch slurry or by letting it cook with the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce.
• Adding a touch of water can help thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.