Delicious Beef Stroganoff Recipe – Creamy, Comforting, and Full of Flavor
1. Introduction
Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor. This dish is the definition of indulgence, with tender slices of beef smothered in a savory mushroom sauce, all served over a bed of soft, buttery noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, impressing guests, or craving something satisfying on a chilly evening, Beef Stroganoff never disappoints.
What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to prepare, despite its gourmet appearance. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the result is a decadent meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish right at home. What’s even better? You can make it your own, adjusting the seasoning, adding vegetables, or even swapping out the beef for a different protein.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making Beef Stroganoff, including a breakdown of the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to elevate your dish. Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Beef Stroganoff so irresistible. These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
- Beef: The star of the dish! Tender cuts of beef like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye are perfect for Beef Stroganoff. You’ll want to cut the beef into bite-sized strips so it cooks quickly and evenly. Avoid using tougher cuts, as they can be chewy. For a lighter version, you can use chicken or even pork tenderloin.
- Mushrooms: Fresh button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work best in this dish. Mushrooms add earthy flavor and texture to the creamy sauce. You can slice them thinly or chop them into small pieces, depending on your preference.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow onions work best for this recipe, as they become tender and slightly caramelized when cooked.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor and aroma to the sauce. Mince the garlic finely so it evenly distributes throughout the dish.
- Butter: Butter is key in creating the rich, velvety sauce. It’s used to sauté the beef and vegetables and provides the foundation for the creamy sauce. For a lighter version, you can use olive oil, but butter gives it that signature richness.
- Flour: A small amount of flour helps to thicken the sauce, giving it that smooth, creamy consistency. If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth adds depth and richness to the sauce. You can use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content. If you’re out of beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is what gives Beef Stroganoff its signature tangy and creamy flavor. It also helps to balance out the richness of the butter and beef. If you prefer a milder version, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
- Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick and complexity to the sauce. It complements the creamy sour cream and beef flavors, bringing the dish to life.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice for serving Beef Stroganoff. They’re soft and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can substitute with other pasta like fettuccine or even mashed potatoes for a variation.
Substitutions:
- You can swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or pork for a lighter option.
- For a dairy-free version, you can replace sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use mushrooms as the main protein and add more veggies like zucchini or spinach.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know the ingredients, let’s go through the easy steps to create this mouthwatering Beef Stroganoff:
- Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting the beef into thin strips against the grain. This helps ensure the beef is tender and easy to chew. Season the beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown. - Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Add the Sour Cream and Dijon Mustard
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Return the Beef to the Skillet
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Stir to combine, then let the beef simmer in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes until the beef is cooked through and tender. - Cook the Pasta
While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles, reserving a bit of pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed. - Serve
Divide the egg noodles between plates and spoon the Beef Stroganoff over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
4. Tips and Variations
Here are some expert tips and variations to make your Beef Stroganoff even better:
- Tender Beef: For the most tender beef, make sure not to overcook it when sautéing. You want the beef to be browned on the outside but still juicy inside.
- For a Creamier Sauce: If you want a richer sauce, add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the sour cream. This will make the sauce even smoother and creamier.
- Mushroom Variety: You can use a mix of different mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, for added flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for more mushrooms or another plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. This is a great way to make the dish vegetarian while keeping it hearty.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Serving Suggestions
Beef Stroganoff is a rich and filling dish, so it pairs well with simple sides that balance out the richness:
- Bread: A crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Salads: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the Beef Stroganoff.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a medley of roasted root vegetables to add color and freshness to the plate.
For drinks, try pairing this dish with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, or a light, refreshing beer like a pilsner.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before storing.
- Freezer: Beef Stroganoff can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container and reheat when ready.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the Beef Stroganoff in a skillet over low heat. Stir in a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead: You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything in the skillet.
- Best with Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan or another hard cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the meltability.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can make Beef Stroganoff in a slow cooker by cooking the beef and onions on low for 6-8 hours. Add the mushrooms, garlic, and sour cream in the final hour of cooking.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 500 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Russian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare beef and cook.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Make sauce.
- Combine beef and sauce.
- Cook noodles.
- Serve with garnish.
Notes:
- Can be prepped ahead.
- Best served with garlic bread or salad.
Nutrition:
Calories: 500 | Fat: 25g | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 40g
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Gluten-Free (with substitutions)
- High-Protein
- Comfort Food
🌿 Health Benefits
- Rich in protein
- Full of vitamins and minerals from beef and mushrooms
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs can be substituted for beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and beef ahead of time. Simply store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
10. Final Thoughts
Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or preparing a meal for a special night in, this dish is sure to impress. I hope you give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!