Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe!

I can still picture it: a chilly, gray afternoon, kids running in and out of the kitchen, demanding snacks as if they hadn’t just eaten an hour ago. My husband was due home from work, and I was staring into the fridge, hoping for a miracle. That’s when I saw it—a lonely pound of ground beef, half an onion, and some mushrooms on their last leg.

I had a moment of inspiration (or desperation, same thing in my book). A classic beef stroganoff was out of the question—I didn’t have steak, and let’s be honest, I wasn’t about to babysit a skillet when I had laundry threatening to stage a coup in the next room. But what if I tossed everything in the crockpot and let it do the work? That’s how this crockpot ground beef stroganoff was born. 

A little experiment, a little laziness, and a whole lot of hope. And let me tell you—this dish turned out to be a game-changer. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it became an instant family favorite. The best part? I didn’t have to hover over the stove for an hour, making it one of my go-to quick dinner ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Set It and Forget It – There’s something magical about dumping ingredients into a crockpot, walking away, and returning hours later to a meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen. This easy stroganoff recipe practically makes itself.
   
2. Family-Friendly Comfort Food – This is the kind of meal that gets everyone at the table, happily slurping up every last bite. My picky eater even asked for seconds, which in my house is nothing short of a miracle.
   
3. Budget-Friendly – Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts like sirloin makes this an affordable dinner without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s one of those great leftover ground beef recipes that don’t feel like you’re eating the same thing twice.
   
4. Creamy and Hearty – That rich, velvety sauce coats every bite perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a big bowl in hand.
   
5. Perfect for Busy Weeknights – Whether you’ve got soccer practice, a million work emails, or just no energy left, this recipe saves the day. It takes about 20 minutes of actual effort—less time than scrolling through TikTok trying to figure out what to make.
   
6. One-Pot Wonder – Minimal dishes, minimal stress. If you love easy one pan dinner options, this one is for you.
   
7. Endless Variations – Swap in ground turkey for an easy ground turkey stroganoff, or mix up the seasonings to keep things interesting. The base recipe is foolproof, but it’s also endlessly customizable.
   

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Main Ingredients for Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter

Equipment Needed:

• Crockpot
• Large skillet (for browning the beef)
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff

1. Brown the Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
   
2. Sauté the Aromatics – Add the diced onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   
3. Transfer to Crockpot – Pour the beef mixture into the crockpot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   
4. Let It Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   
5. Thicken the Sauce – About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the sour cream and flour (or cornstarch). Stir into the crockpot and let it thicken.
   
6. Cook the Noodles – While the sauce thickens, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter.
   
7. Serve and Enjoy – Spoon the creamy stroganoff over the buttery noodles and dig in!
   

Notes & Tips

1. Swap the Protein – Want a leaner option? Try this as an easy ground turkey stroganoff. It’s just as tasty and a bit lighter.
   
2. Make It a Homemade Hamburger Helper – Skip the egg noodles and serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
   
3. Boost the Flavor – A splash of red wine in the crockpot adds depth, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving gives it a nice pop of color.
   
4. Store & Reheat – This dish stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
   
5. Freezer-Friendly – Make a double batch and freeze half before adding the sour cream. Thaw overnight, then stir in the sour cream when reheating.
   
6. Extra Creamy Hack – Love a super-rich stroganoff? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for an ultra-luxurious sauce.
   

Macronutrients for This Recipe

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fats: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg

Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Thicken the Sauce Just Right – If you love a thicker sauce, mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water and stir it in at the end. Let it simmer for a few minutes, and you’ll have the perfect creamy consistency.
2. Give It a Flavor Boost – A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a touch of soy sauce can add extra umami depth to the dish.
3. Make It Even Creamier – Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a luxuriously creamy texture.
4. Use the Right Pasta – Egg noodles are classic, but you can also serve this over rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
5. Double the Batch for Later – This dish freezes well! Just leave out the sour cream until reheating to prevent curdling.
6. Don’t Overcook the Noodles – If using egg noodles, cook them separately and mix them in right before serving to avoid mushiness.

Stroganoff Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered!

1. What should I serve with this recipe? This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot? Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients (except sour cream). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Stir in the sour cream before serving.

3. How do I make this recipe even easier? Use pre-chopped onions and mushrooms, and skip the browning step by adding everything directly to the crockpot. The flavors won’t be quite as deep, but it’ll still be delicious!

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Absolutely! Swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a cashew-based sour cream substitute.

5. How long will leftovers last? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Definitely! This can easily become an easy ground turkey stroganoff. Just adjust the seasonings slightly to enhance the flavor.