How long should the beef cook for optimal tenderness?

Cook the beef on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until it becomes very tender and easy to shred.

Can I substitute sour cream with other ingredients?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative, adding a similar creamy texture and slight tang.

Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes complement the creamy beef perfectly, soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the cooker during the last 15 minutes on HIGH. This will thicken the sauce.

While not required, browning the beef in a skillet first can enhance the flavor by adding caramelized depth.

Tender beef simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles for a comforting, classic meal.

Beef: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) beef stew meat, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 large onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 300 g (10 oz) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
Sauce: 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 bay leaves
Finish: 240 ml (1 cup) sour cream, 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening), 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening), Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving, Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step 1:: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2:: Layer the beef in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3:: Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms over the beef.
Step 4:: In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour mixture over the beef and vegetables.
Step 5:: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is very tender.
Step 6:: Remove bay leaves. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes until thickened.
Step 7:: Stir in the sour cream until fully blended and heated through (do not boil after adding sour cream).
Step 8:: Serve hot over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

This recipe has become a family favorite around our dinner table, sparking fond memories and requests for seconds.

Slow cooker (crockpot), cutting board and knife, mixing bowls, large spoon or spatula

Contains Dairy (sour cream), Gluten (flour, egg noodles). Use gluten free flour and noodles for gluten free option.

Per serving: 420 calories, 18 g total fat, 24 g carbohydrates, 40 g protein

This dish delivers rich comfort and can be easily adapted for dietary needs with simple swaps.

→ How long should the beef cook for optimal tenderness?: Cook the beef on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until it becomes very tender and easy to shred.
→ Can I substitute sour cream with other ingredients?: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative, adding a similar creamy texture and slight tang.
→ What are good sides to serve with this dish?: Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes complement the creamy beef perfectly, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
→ How can I thicken the sauce if needed?: Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the cooker during the last 15 minutes on HIGH. This will thicken the sauce.
→ Is browning the beef before slow cooking necessary?: While not required, browning the beef in a skillet first can enhance the flavor by adding caramelized depth.