Cozy Comfort in a Pot: Easy Beef Stroganoff Slow Cooker Recipe with Rosemary

Raise your hand if dinner time always sneaks up on you. 🙋‍♀️ Between juggling work, school pickups, and the never-ending laundry pile, whipping up a satisfying homemade meal can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. That’s where the slow cooker steps in—your kitchen’s secret superhero.

This Easy Beef Stroganoff Slow Cooker Recipe with Rosemary is comfort food at its finest. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with tender beef and aromatic herbs—just the kind of cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The best part? It takes just 15 minutes of prep. After that, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

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Set it and forget it: No babysitting the stove—just toss, stir, and come back to dinner ready.
Creamy and rich: The combo of sour cream and beef broth makes this dish irresistibly silky.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the savory flavors and tender chunks of beef.
Flexible: Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice—whatever’s on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this beefy bowl of bliss:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into strips
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp flour
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
To serve: Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice

How to Make Beef Stroganoff in the Slow Cooker

1. Get Everything Prepped

Start by cutting your stew meat into thin strips (or cubes if that’s easier). Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice those mushrooms. Take a moment to inhale that fresh rosemary—yes, it smells like a forest, and no, you’re not the only one who loves it.

2. Layer in the Flavor

In your slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, garlic, rosemary, paprika, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then give it all a good stir to coat everything evenly.

3. Let It Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and your house smells like a five-star steakhouse.

4. Thicken It Up

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the sour cream and flour in a small bowl until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker along with the mushrooms. This step turns your broth into that signature creamy stroganoff sauce.

5. Time to Serve

Spoon the beef and sauce over your favorite base—egg noodles are a classic, but mashed potatoes or rice work beautifully too. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy (or trying to impress someone 😉).

Sarah’s Little Tip 💡

Want an extra flavor boost? Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. It’s not required, but it adds a lovely caramelized depth to the final dish. (Confession: I only do this when I’m not already in my pajamas.)

A Personal Favorite for Cozy Nights

I started making this dish during my second winter in Minnesota—when it felt like the sun set at 4 p.m. and all I wanted was a meal that felt like a weighted blanket. This beef stroganoff quickly became a favorite not just for me, but for my whole family (even my toddler, who calls it “beef noodles”). Now, it’s a go-to for chilly nights, family dinners, or anytime I need a little extra comfort.

FAQs About This Slow Cooker Recipe

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, absolutely! Just brown the ground beef first and reduce the cooking time slightly since it doesn’t need to tenderize like stew meat.

What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works great in a pinch! It’ll give you that creamy texture with a little extra tang.

How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish actually gets even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Can I freeze it?
You sure can! Just skip adding the sour cream until after you thaw and reheat—it can separate in the freezer.

A bowl of creamy slow cooker beef stroganoff with rosemary, served over egg noodles and garnished with parsley.

Love This Recipe? You’ll Also Want to Try…

If slow-cooked beef is your jam, check out my Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy—a hearty meal perfect for Sunday dinners. Or, if you’re craving cozy but want a lighter touch, give my Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew a try.

Need help picking the perfect side dish? I’ve got some easy Slow Cooker Sides that pair perfectly with this recipe.