Beef Stroganoff is a timeless comfort dish made with tender beef, rich mushrooms, onions, and a creamy, savory sauce served over egg noodles or rice.Originating from Russia, this dish has since become a beloved classic worldwide.
With this recipe, you’ll learn all the steps to create an authentic and flavorful Beef Stroganoff, along with tips, ingredient variations, and serving ideas.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
1 pound beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into thin strips (you can also use chuck roast or ribeye for a budget-friendly version)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work well), sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1 cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for added depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a subtle tanginess)
½ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Serving:
Egg noodles or white rice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Trim and slice the beef into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. Cutting against the grain will make the beef more tender.
Season the beef with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the meat and sets a good base for the dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef strips in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures the beef sears properly.
Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. Browning the beef first locks in its juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and have released most of their moisture, which should take around 5-6 minutes. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to coat. This step helps thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken.
Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard (if using) to the skillet, mixing well. The Worcestershire sauce deepens the savory notes, while the mustard adds a hint of tang that brightens the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Beef and Sour Cream
Return the beef and its juices to the skillet, stirring to coat the meat in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. The sour cream adds richness and creaminess, transforming the sauce into a silky consistency. Be sure to mix gently, as high heat can cause sour cream to curdle.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, spooning the sauce generously over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley, which adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Stroganoff
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye work best for quick cooking. If using a tougher cut like chuck roast, consider simmering the beef in the sauce for a longer period to tenderize it.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the beef, cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will create steam instead of searing, which can make the beef tough and reduce the flavor.
Use Sour Cream Carefully: To prevent sour cream from curdling, turn off the heat before stirring it into the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more flour or reduce the broth slightly.
Add Depth with Dijon Mustard: Though optional, Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth to the sauce, balancing the rich beefy flavor with a hint of acidity.
Customize the Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also serve Beef Stroganoff over mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Variations:
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff: For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with extra mushrooms. Use a combination of cremini, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms for a variety of textures and flavors.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Place the beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, and broth in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the sour cream at the end before serving.
Ground Beef Stroganoff: Use ground beef instead of sliced beef for a quicker, more budget-friendly version. Brown the ground beef, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Add a Splash of Wine: For added richness, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of dry white wine after cooking the onions and mushrooms. Let it cook down before adding the beef broth.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Stroganoff is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:
Egg Noodles: Classic choice for soaking up the sauce, egg noodles have a soft, buttery texture that complements the beef.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for Beef Stroganoff and add extra richness.
Steamed Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice can be a lighter alternative to noodles.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful, nutritious addition.
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll is perfect for scooping up the last bits of sauce.
Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce package egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 10.5 ounce can fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder or to taste
- ½ cup sour cream
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; 5 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rapid boil.
- Cook egg noodles at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Drain and discard any fat from the cooked beef.
- Stir condensed soup and garlic powder into the beef.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove beef from the heat.
- Add egg noodles and stir to combine.
- Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, Beef Stroganoff can be made ahead and reheated. To keep the sauce creamy, wait to add the sour cream until just before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Beef Stroganoff?
You can freeze Beef Stroganoff, but avoid adding the sour cream before freezing, as it can change texture. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat, adding sour cream just before serving.
What other cuts of meat can I use?
Besides sirloin or tenderloin, ribeye or even chuck roast (if simmered longer) works well. Ground beef is also a budget-friendly option, though the texture will be different.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative in place of sour cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why did my sour cream curdle?
Sour cream can curdle if heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Make sure to turn off the heat before stirring it in, or use room-temperature sour cream to reduce the risk.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of beef broth to reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, thin it with a bit of water or milk for a creamier sauce.
Final Thoughts:
Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food with a savory, creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender beef and earthy mushrooms. With its hearty texture and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or special occasions. From choosing the right beef to customizing the sauce with Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, there are many ways to make this recipe uniquely yours. Whether you serve it with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, Beef Stroganoff is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.