Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Stroganoff is a timeless comfort dish that combines tender strips of beef with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce served over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Originating from Russia and embraced worldwide, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and elegant. The savory beef pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and tangy sour cream, creating a sauce that is both luxurious and satisfying. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining, Beef Stroganoff adapts to different preferences and occasions. Whether you enjoy it in its traditional form or with modern twists, this dish always delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort.
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Beef Stroganoff – A Creamy, Savory Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic Russian-inspired comfort dish made with tender strips of beef, mushrooms, and onions simmered in a creamy sour cream sauce, traditionally served over egg noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Season beef strips with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 1–2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly until sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then return beef to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until creamy and smooth. Do not boil after adding sour cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot over egg noodles or rice, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, use heavy cream along with sour cream.
- Do not overcook beef — sear quickly to keep it tender.
- Can substitute chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Each ingredient plays an important role in building the creamy, savory sauce and tender beef base.
Beef sirloin or tenderloin provides tender, flavorful strips that cook quickly while staying juicy.
Olive oil and butter are used together to sear the beef and sauté the vegetables, balancing flavor and richness.
Onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic gives the dish aromatic warmth that complements the beef and mushrooms.
Mushrooms bring earthy, savory notes that are essential to Stroganoff’s signature flavor.
Flour helps thicken the sauce, giving it a silky, rich texture.
Beef broth forms the base of the sauce, infusing it with savory depth.
Worcestershire sauce adds umami and tang, enhancing the overall flavor.
Dijon mustard contributes subtle sharpness and complexity.
Sour cream provides the creamy, tangy finish that makes the sauce irresistible.
Egg noodles (or rice or mashed potatoes) serve as the classic base for serving.
Salt and black pepper season the dish to perfection.
Parsley offers a fresh, vibrant garnish that balances the richness.
Directions
Begin by slicing the beef into thin strips and seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef in batches until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden. Sprinkle with flour and stir until the vegetables are coated.
Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low and return the beef to the pan, cooking just until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Serve the Stroganoff hot over buttered egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation takes 15 minutes, cooking about 25 minutes, for a total time of 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sour cream. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Classic Russian Style
Use heavy cream instead of sour cream for a traditional, rich version.
Lightened-Up Stroganoff
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while keeping tang.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Make it vegetarian by skipping the beef and doubling the mushrooms.
Chicken Stroganoff
Swap beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter twist.
Spicy Stroganoff
Add paprika or cayenne for a subtle heat.
Wine-Enhanced Stroganoff
Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding beef broth for extra depth.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Stroganoff?
Sirloin or tenderloin works best for tenderness, but flank steak or ribeye also work well.
Can I use ground beef?
Yes, ground beef makes a budget-friendly version, though the texture differs from strips.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Add sour cream off the heat and stir gently.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and serve with gluten-free pasta.
Do I need fresh mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms give the best flavor, but canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes, but add the sour cream just before serving to keep the sauce creamy.
What’s the best side dish with Stroganoff?
Buttered noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes are traditional bases.
Conclusion
Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, savory dish that combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and tangy sour cream sauce into a comforting meal. Versatile, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you enjoy it the classic way over egg noodles or with creative twists, Beef Stroganoff remains a timeless favorite that always delivers comfort and flavor.
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