This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff turns a nostalgic boxed dinner into a rich, creamy homemade meal the entire family will love. Seasoned ground beef, tender mushrooms and egg noodles cook in a savory stroganoff sauce before sour cream is stirred in for the perfect creamy finish.
If you love the easy, comforting flavors in my Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper, you need to try this cozy beef stroganoff variation next. It has the same budget-friendly appeal as my Slow Cooker Beef-A-Roni, but with a creamy, savory sauce that tastes completely different.
This is the kind of slow cooker dinner that makes busy nights easier. Brown the ground beef, add everything to the crockpot and let it simmer until you’re ready to add the noodles. For more affordable dinner inspiration, browse my collection of easy ground beef recipes.
More Nostalgic Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Hamburger Helper beef stroganoff has everything you want in an easy family dinner:
- Made with affordable ground beef
- Rich, creamy and comforting
- No canned cream soup required
- Easy to prepare in the slow cooker
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Kid-friendly and filling
- Tastes even better than the boxed version
- Perfect for busy weeknights and cold-weather dinners
What Is Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff?
Hamburger Helper beef stroganoff is a quick, budget-friendly version of traditional beef stroganoff. Instead of using strips of steak, it combines ground beef and noodles in a creamy, savory sauce.
The boxed version is convenient, but making it from scratch gives you much better flavor and control over the ingredients. Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beef broth, mushrooms and sour cream create a rich homemade stroganoff sauce without relying on a seasoning packet.
Cooking it in the slow cooker allows the beef, onions, mushrooms and seasonings to develop a deeper flavor while keeping dinner preparation simple.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
You only need a handful of affordable ingredients to make this easy crockpot dinner.
Ground Beef
Use lean ground beef so the finished sauce isn’t greasy. An 85/15 or 90/10 blend works well. Drain away any excess fat after browning it.
Onion and Garlic
Diced onion and fresh garlic give the stroganoff a savory homemade base.
Mushrooms
Sliced baby bella mushrooms add earthy flavor and make the stroganoff feel heartier. White button mushrooms also work well.
If your family doesn’t like mushrooms, you can leave them out without changing the rest of the recipe.
Beef Broth
Beef broth creates the base of the sauce and gives the ground beef stroganoff a deeper, richer flavor. Low-sodium broth lets you control the final amount of salt.
Worcestershire Sauce
A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth and helps give the sauce that slow-cooked flavor.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a little tanginess without making the stroganoff taste strongly like mustard.
Seasonings
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper give the sauce plenty of flavor. Use regular paprika for a traditional stroganoff or smoked paprika for a slightly deeper taste.
Egg Noodles
Wide egg noodles are the classic choice for beef stroganoff. Add them near the end of the cooking time so they remain tender without becoming mushy.
Sour Cream
Sour cream gives stroganoff its signature creamy, slightly tangy finish. Always stir it in at the end so it stays smooth.
Cornstarch
A simple cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce so it coats every noodle.
How to Make Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until it is completely browned. Add the garlic during the final minute.
Drain away any excess grease before transferring the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Browning the ground beef first improves both the flavor and texture of the finished dish.
Step 2: Fill the Slow Cooker
Add the sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Stir everything together and cover the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Ground beef is already tender, so this recipe does not need to cook all day. The slow-cooking time allows the mushrooms, onions and seasonings to flavor the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
Turn the slow cooker to high.
Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, making sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Begin checking the noodles after 20 minutes. Slow cookers vary, and egg noodles can become too soft when overcooked.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles during the final 20 to 30 minutes. Check them frequently and serve the stroganoff as soon as they are tender.
Add Sour Cream at the End
High heat can cause sour cream to separate or look grainy. Turn off the slow cooker before stirring it into the sauce.
Use Full-Fat Sour Cream
Full-fat sour cream produces the smoothest, richest sauce. Reduced-fat sour cream can be used, but the sauce may not be quite as creamy.
Drain the Ground Beef
Removing excess grease prevents the stroganoff sauce from becoming oily.
Adjust the Consistency
The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm beef broth or milk.
If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, add a little more cornstarch slurry and let it cook for several minutes.
Make It Your Own
Leave Out the Mushrooms
You can omit the mushrooms for a more kid-friendly Hamburger Helper-style dinner.
Add Cream Cheese
For an even richer sauce, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese before adding the sour cream.
Make It Extra Beefy
Add one teaspoon of beef bouillon paste or powder for a stronger beef flavor. Reduce the added salt if your bouillon is salty.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace the ground beef. Use a little olive oil while browning it to prevent it from drying out.
Add Vegetables
Stir frozen peas into the slow cooker during the final 10 minutes or serve the stroganoff with steamed green beans or broccoli.
Make It Cheesy
Although cheese isn’t traditional in beef stroganoff, a handful of freshly shredded white cheddar can be stirred in for a cheesier Hamburger Helper variation.
What to Serve with Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
This slow cooker ground beef stroganoff is already a filling meal, but a simple side dish can help round out dinner.
Try serving it with:
Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff combines seasoned ground beef, mushrooms and tender egg noodles in a rich, creamy homemade sauce. It’s an easy, budget-friendly crockpot dinner that tastes even better than the boxed version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: SLOW COOKER
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces baby bella or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ¾ cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives, optional
Instructions
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until it is browned and the onion has softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds. Drain away any excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Turn the slow cooker to high. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, pressing them into the liquid so they are mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once if possible. Begin checking the noodles after 20 minutes and stop cooking when they are just tender.
- Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until completely smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add the egg noodles only during the final 20 to 30 minutes so they don’t become mushy.
- Slow cookers vary in temperature. Begin checking the noodles after 20 minutes.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Turn off the slow cooker before adding the sour cream to prevent it from separating.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm beef broth or milk.
- If your family doesn’t like mushrooms, leave them out without making any other changes.
- For an extra-rich sauce, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese before adding the sour cream.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Can You Put Uncooked Egg Noodles in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, uncooked egg noodles can be added directly to the slow cooker. However, they should only be added near the end of the cooking time.
Make sure the noodles are mostly covered by the cooking liquid and check them frequently. Depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the noodles, they may take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes on high.
Can I Cook the Noodles Separately?
Yes. Cooking the noodles separately gives you the most control over their texture.
Prepare the stroganoff sauce in the slow cooker as directed. Cook the egg noodles on the stove, drain them and stir them into the finished sauce immediately before serving.
This is also a good option if you expect to have leftovers because you can store the noodles and sauce separately.
How to Store Leftover Beef Stroganoff
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days.
The egg noodles will continue absorbing the sauce as the stroganoff sits. Stir in a splash of beef broth or milk before reheating to loosen the sauce.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the stroganoff gently in a saucepan over low heat.
Can You Freeze Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff?
The stroganoff sauce can be frozen, but cooked egg noodles and sour cream may change texture after thawing.
For the best results, freeze the beef and mushroom sauce before adding the noodles and sour cream. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator, reheat it and finish it with freshly cooked noodles and sour cream.
More Easy Ground Beef Dinners
If your family loves this creamy slow cooker dinner, try these recipes next:
- The Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
- Slow Cooker Beef-A-Roni
- Easy One-Pan Amish-Style Beef and Noodles
- Ground Beef Stroganoff Mashed Potato Bowls
- Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make slow cooker beef stroganoff without mushrooms?
Yes. Leave the mushrooms out and prepare the rest of the recipe as written. The sauce will still have plenty of savory flavor.
Can I use regular pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, but cooking times vary considerably between pasta shapes. Short pasta such as rotini or medium shells will work best. Begin checking it after approximately 25 minutes.
Why did my sour cream separate?
Sour cream can separate when it is exposed to high heat. Turn off the slow cooker and let the sauce settle for a minute before stirring in the sour cream.
Do I have to brown the ground beef first?
Browning is strongly recommended. It improves the flavor, gives the beef a better texture and allows you to drain away excess grease.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and onion in advance and refrigerate them overnight. Add the prepared beef and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker the following day.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Add the noodles only during the final 20 to 30 minutes, check them frequently and turn off the slow cooker as soon as they are tender.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff is everything an easy family dinner should be: creamy, comforting, affordable and simple to prepare.
It delivers the nostalgic appeal of boxed Hamburger Helper but with a richer homemade sauce, tender mushrooms and plenty of savory beef flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something the whole family will eat without spending the evening standing over the stove.
Once you see how easy it is to make beef stroganoff in the slow cooker, this cozy ground beef and noodle dinner is sure to become part of your regular rotation.
