There’s nothing like the comforting richness of a warm bowl of beef stroganoff, especially when it’s been slow-cooked to perfection. This classic dish, made even better with fresh rosemary, is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a savory beef stroganoff that will fill your kitchen with comfort food’s aroma.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through an easy beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe with rosemary. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With tender beef, creamy Sauce, and the subtle fragrance of rosemary, it will surely become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Beef Stroganoff?
Slow cooking is one of the best ways to prepare beef stroganoff. It allows the beef to simmer, becoming tender and juicy, while the flavors of the Sauce meld together beautifully. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant attention, the slow cooker does all the work for you. You can set it in the morning and come home to a meal that’s ready to serve.
Adding rosemary gives this recipe a fresh twist on the traditional stroganoff. While thyme and parsley are often used, rosemary’s slightly piney, fragrant flavor pairs perfectly with beef and mushrooms, elevating the dish to new heights.
Ingredients for Easy Beef Stroganoff with Rosemary
This recipe uses essential ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into chunks)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef (Optional, but recommended):
You can quickly sear the beef for extra flavor before adding it to the slow cooker—heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sear each side until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the juices and gives the beef a deeper flavor. Once browned, transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
2. Add the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil, if needed, and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are slightly browned. Transfer the onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Create the Sauce:
Whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and rosemary in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. If you like a thicker sauce, whisk the flour into the broth mixture before pouring it in.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. By the time it’s done, the beef should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Stir in the Sour Cream:
Once the cooking time is up, stir in the sour cream. This adds the creamy, tangy richness that beef stroganoff is known for. If the Sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by turning the slow cooker to high and cooking uncovered for 15-20 minutes or by mixing a bit of cornstarch with water and stirring it into the Sauce.
6. Serve:
Serve your rosemary-infused beef stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra rosemary if you like.
Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Stew meat or chuck roast works best for slow-cooked dishes like this. These cuts are tougher but become tender when simmered, making them perfect for a rich, flavorful stroganoff.
- Add Vegetables: While mushrooms are a classic addition, you can toss vegetables like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition. Add them in with the other ingredients at the start of the cooking process.
- Customize the Herbs: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, feel free to substitute it with thyme or parsley. Each herb will give the dish a slightly different flavor, so you can experiment to find your favorite.
- No Searing, No Problem: While searing the beef adds depth of flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still produce tender, delicious meat, though you may miss out on some extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
This easy beef stroganoff recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Egg Noodles: Classic stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles, which soak up the creamy Sauce perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal, serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the richness of the Sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, serve the beef stroganoff over Rice or quinoa. These grains add a different texture and make the dish more modern.
- Steamed Vegetables: To balance out the richness of the stroganoff, serve it with steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
Conclusion
This easy beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe with rosemary is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. With just a little prep work and the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy tender beef in a creamy sauce full of savory flavor. The rosemary adds a unique twist, making this recipe a standout version of the classic beef stroganoff. So the next time you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal, try this slow cooker stroganoff—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!