Name: Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)

Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Casserole, a comforting dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce meld effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Casserole is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave comfort food without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, soul-warming dish. The tender beef melts in your mouth, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests at a casual gathering. Plus, the aroma that fills your home as it cooks is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, satisfying meals.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor by locking in juices and adding a caramelized depth.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, use a splash of beef broth or wine to scrape up the browned bits in the pan and add them to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Slice Mushrooms Evenly: Uniform mushroom slices ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
Use Low Heat for Tenderness: Cooking on low for 8 hours yields the most tender beef, but if time is short, the high setting for 4 hours works too.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the casserole 30 minutes before serving.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the casserole and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of fresh herbs for a bright finish.

Yield: Serves 6

Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Casserole

Tender beef and earthy mushrooms simmer in a creamy sauce for a comforting, easy slow cooker casserole.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)

Instructions

<ol><li>Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a good sear and enhances flavor.</li><li>Coat the Beef: Toss the beef cubes in the flour until lightly coated. This helps thicken the sauce and adds a golden crust when browned.</li><li>Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.</li><li>Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.</li><li>Deglaze the Pan: Pour ½ cup of beef broth into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.</li><li>Add Mushrooms and Seasonings: Add sliced mushrooms, remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.</li><li>Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich.</li><li>Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream 10 minutes before serving, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.</li><li>Serve: Spoon the casserole over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.</li><li>Enjoy: Serve hot and savor the comforting, hearty flavors of this delicious casserole with your favorite side dishes.</li></ol>

Notes

For best results, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry as noted in the tips.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld further.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 552Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 137mgSodium 477mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 42g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which breaks down into tender, flavorful bites. Trim excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Cremini Mushrooms: These add a robust, earthy flavor compared to white button mushrooms. Shiitake or portobello can also work for a bolder taste.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base. Yellow onions offer a balanced sweetness, while fresh garlic provides a pungent kick.
Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Homemade broth elevates the dish but store-bought works well too.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Full-fat sour cream yields the richest texture, but Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.
Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount enhances umami and depth. Be cautious not to overdo it, as it’s potent.
Fresh Thyme: This herb complements the beef and mushrooms beautifully. If using dried thyme, reduce the amount by half, as it’s more concentrated.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the beef, helping to thicken the sauce during cooking. Gluten-free flour can be substituted if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Swap beef chuck for stewing beef or even pork shoulder for a different flavor profile. For a leaner option, try sirloin, but note it may be less tender.
Mushroom Varieties: Experiment with wild mushrooms like oyster or chanterelle for a gourmet twist, or mix in dried porcini for intense flavor.
Creamy Base Options: Replace sour cream with heavy cream for a richer sauce or use cream cheese for a thicker, tangier result.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add carrots, potatoes, or green beans for a heartier dish. These can be added halfway through cooking to avoid over-softening.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the beef and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Low-Carb: Skip the flour coating and serve over cauliflower mash instead of egg noodles or rice.
Wine Addition: Replace half the beef broth with red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for easy lunches. Reheat with a bit of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.