why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup is a comforting dish perfect for cozy meals. It combines the rich flavors of beef stroganoff with the warmth of a hearty soup. The slow cooker method ensures that all the ingredients meld beautifully, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
This recipe is ideal for busy days, as you can set it up in the morning and let it simmer while you go about your day. The tasty combination of beef and mushrooms brings wholesome satisfaction, making it a family favorite.
equipment needed for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
To prepare Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup, you will need a few essential kitchen tools.
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A large slow cooker is crucial for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the meat.
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A cutting board and a sharp knife are necessary for prepping the beef and vegetables.
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Measuring cups and spoons will help you get the portions right.
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A whisk is handy for mixing the sour cream and broth.
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Lastly, have serving bowls ready for a quick and easy meal.
What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
1 1/2 to 2 pounds trimmed beef stew meat or cubed chuck roast
12 to 16 ounces white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional)
3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 ounces sour cream
1/4 cup flour
8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley, plus additional for garnish
How to Cook Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup Step by Step
To begin, gather all your ingredients and set the slow cooker aside. Place the beef, cleaned mushrooms, sliced onion (if you choose to use it), and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This layering helps in ensuring that the beef and veggies cook evenly.
Next, pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the cooker. If you are using red wine, add it now alongside the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, onion powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring everything is well combined.
After mixing, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. For a long, low-and-slow approach, choose the LOW setting, and allow it to simmer for about 8 to 10 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can set it to HIGH and cook for 4 to 5 hours instead.
About 20 minutes before it is time to serve, switch the cooker to HIGH. In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream with a ladle of hot broth until it becomes smooth. Add flour, continuing to whisk until the mixture is free of any lumps. This combination will make the soup creamy and rich.
Now, pour this sour cream mixture back into the slow cooker. Add the uncooked egg noodles and the fresh chopped parsley, stirring gently to combine everything. Cover the cooker again and allow it to cook for another 15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente.
Finally, remember to remove the bay leaves carefully. Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve the beef stroganoff soup hot, garnished with extra parsley for that fresh touch.
how to make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
Making Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup is a simple process that leads to delicious results. You start by gathering the ingredients and equipment. Having everything ready will help in preparing the dish quickly.
The next step is to layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Begin with the beef, mushrooms, onion, and garlic, followed by a generous pour of beef broth. If you’ve chosen to add the red wine, do so at this stage. The Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add depth to your soup, while the spices enhance the flavors.
After adding the seasonings, mix everything well, and set the cooker on the desired temperature. As the hours pass, your home will be filled with appetizing aromas, eagerly hinting at the meal to come.
When it’s almost time to enjoy your creation, don’t forget to prepare the sour cream mixture! Mixing it separately ensures that your soup remains smooth, without any lumps. Incorporating the egg noodles at the end gives the dish heartiness, making it a complete meal.
how to serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup is straightforward and fulfilling. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into serving bowls. The creamy texture and rich flavor are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. This small touch makes a big difference in presentation.
You can choose to serve it with warm crusty bread or some soft dinner rolls on the side. They pair wonderfully with the soup, allowing everyone to enjoy the broth to its fullest potential.
what to serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
When considering sides to accompany your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup, think about options that complement its rich flavors. A fresh garden salad can provide a nice contrast, adding a crisp texture.
Another great option is a simple green vegetable dish, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans. These vegetables help balance the hearty nature of the soup while providing a pop of color on the plate.
For those who love carbs, consider serving some egg noodles on the side. This will make the meal even more filling, letting everyone savor the flavors of stroganoff in different ways.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
Storing your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup is easy, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers.
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat leftover soup on the stove or in the microwave. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup turns out perfectly, keep a few helpful tips in mind. First, selecting quality beef is crucial. Opt for stew meat or chuck roast that is well-marbled for moist and tender results.
Don’t skip the searing step if you have a few extra minutes. Searing the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, consider using more flour or cornstarch in your sour cream mixture.
Also, be sure to taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Every ingredient has a unique profile, and adjusting according to your preferences can take the soup to the next level.
variation
While the classic recipe is fantastic, there are plenty of ways to add your twist. For a creamier texture, you can use cream cheese instead of sour cream. It yields a rich flavor and velvety soup.
If you want to add some heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes or using spicy mustard instead of Dijon. Adding vegetables such as carrots or peas can also enhance the nutritional value and add more color to the soup.
For a more herbal profile, you might consider adding fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary towards the end of cooking to brighten the flavors.
best time to make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup is great for any time of year, but it shines in the cooler months. Fall and winter make for a cozy backdrop, as the soup warms your home and warms your heart.
It’s also a fantastic dish for gatherings or meal prepping on a Sunday. Batch cooking makes weekday dinners quick and easy. This means you can serve your loved ones a nourishing meal with minimal effort during busy weekdays.
common mistakes to avoid
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. One major mistake is not allowing enough time for the meat to cook properly. Ensure you stick to the recommended cooking times to ensure tender results.
Another common error is not seasoning the broth adequately. The soup can taste flat without the right balance of seasonings, so be sure to adjust to your taste as you go.
Finally, avoid adding the egg noodles at the beginning of cooking. Instead, they should only be added in the last 15 minutes to prevent them from overcooking and becoming mushy.
nutritional notes
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup can be a fulfilling meal that provides several essential nutrients. The beef is a source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, while the mushrooms contribute antioxidants and fibers.
As you add vegetables, the nutritional value increases. To make the dish lighter, consider using low-fat sour cream or replacing part of the noodles with spiralized vegetables like zucchini.
Nevertheless, it’s important to enjoy this soup in moderation, given its creaminess and sodium content from broth. Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can explore using chicken or turkey in place of beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry cooks faster.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s a fantastic choice for family meals or gatherings alike.
Making it in the slow cooker means minimal effort while yielding maximum flavor. Whether you enjoy it on chilly evenings or serve it for special occasions, this soup will certainly satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own by adding your unique twist!