Beef Stroganoff Recipe
If you have ever wanted to indulge in a creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying dish, this Beef Stroganoff Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. Tender strips of top sirloin steak are seared to perfection, then enveloped in a luscious sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a blend of rich cream and tangy sour cream. This classic dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners where you want something impressive yet approachable. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors that will have you coming back for seconds and sharing this staple recipe with every friend in your circle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Stroganoff Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element contributes to the dish’s outstanding flavor profile, creamy texture, and beautiful color. These pantry staples and fresh produce combine to create an elegant and hearty meal that feels both nostalgic and special.
- Top sirloin steak (1 lb): Thinly sliced into strips for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve a perfect sear on the beef.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides depth and a velvety base for sautéing vegetables.
- Onion (½ medium, finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and aroma to the sauce.
- Brown mushrooms (½ lb, thickly sliced): Bring earthiness and meaty texture that complements the beef.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant and savory note.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Creates a flavorful base and infuses the sauce with umami richness.
- Heavy whipping cream (¾ cup): Adds indulgent creaminess that defines classic stroganoff.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Provides tang and velvety texture, balanced by tempering to avoid curdling.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory depth with a slight tang.
- Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sharpness and complexity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Chopped green onion or parsley (1 tablespoon): A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the final presentation.
- Egg noodles (8-12 ounces, cooked): The perfect companion to soak up the creamy stroganoff sauce.
How to Make Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef strips in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan so they brown properly. Each side should sear for about 1 minute until beautifully browned but still tender. Work in batches if needed, then remove the beef and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. This step locks in the rich flavor and gives your stroganoff that signature meaty taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, melt the butter in the same pan and toss in the chopped onions and thickly sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they soften and develop a lovely golden-brown color, which usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Once the onions and mushrooms are ready, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. These caramelized vegetables are the heart of your sauce, bringing natural sweetness and umami depth.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed veggies and stir constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, scraping the pan’s bottom to lift any delicious browned bits leftover from the beef. Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer gently for a minute or two until it thickens slightly. This velvety base is where all the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Temper and Add the Sour Cream
To prevent the sour cream from curdling, take a few tablespoons of your warm sauce and whisk it into the sour cream, tempering it. Then gradually stir this mixture back into the pan, ensuring a smooth and luscious sauce. This technique keeps your stroganoff silky while adding the distinct tang that defines this classic dish.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine Beef
Now, enhance the sauce with Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then season it with salt and pepper. Let it simmer until everything is perfectly creamy and well combined. Finally, add the seared beef strips back into the pan and heat through for just a couple of minutes. Your Beef Stroganoff Recipe is now ready to be plated!
How to Serve Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onion or parsley adds a splash of vibrant color and a hint of fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish. It’s a simple touch that makes every serving feel picture-perfect and even more inviting.
Side Dishes
While the classic choice is buttery egg noodles, this dish also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or even steamed rice. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy texture of the stroganoff.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Beef Stroganoff Recipe in hollowed-out baked potatoes or atop crispy polenta cakes. You can also transform it into a hearty sandwich filling by piling the beef and mushrooms onto crusty bread with a touch of horseradish for an extra zing. Presentation is a perfect way to elevate this family favorite into something uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the Beef Stroganoff Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the stroganoff sauce and beef separately from the noodles to preserve texture. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and it will keep well for 2 to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the beef stroganoff in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwaving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef in this Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute top sirloin with other tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. The key is to slice the beef thinly and cook it quickly to keep it tender and juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and sour cream, and you’ll still have a creamy stroganoff with a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
What is the best way to slice the mushrooms?
For the best texture and flavor, slice your mushrooms thickly. This allows them to retain some bite and not become mushy when cooked in the sauce.
Can I prepare parts of the Beef Stroganoff Recipe in advance?
You can slice the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save prep on cooking day. Additionally, the sauce can be prepared and refrigerated separately, then reheated and combined with freshly cooked beef just before serving.
What are some good alternatives to egg noodles?
If you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully with this Stroganoff recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly heartwarming about a bowl of Beef Stroganoff Recipe—rich, creamy, savory, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you are cooking a special meal or simply looking for a fuss-free but impressive dinner, this recipe never disappoints. I encourage you to dive in, savor every bite, and share this delicious tradition with your loved ones. It’s a dish that brings people together, and I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too.
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Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Beef Stroganoff recipe features tender strips of top sirloin steak cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion sauce. It’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The sauce is enhanced with sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, served over tender egg noodles and garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb top sirloin steak, thinly sliced into strips
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ lb brown mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion or parsley, for garnish
- 8–12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef strips in a single layer and cook for 1 minute on each side, until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add butter, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor. Add heavy whipping cream and simmer the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Temper Sour Cream: To prevent curdling, stir a few tablespoons of the hot sauce into the sour cream to gently warm it. Then slowly add the tempered sour cream back into the pan, stirring constantly to blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Add Beef and Serve: Return the seared beef strips to the pan and heat through for another couple of minutes. Serve the Stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped green onion or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Slice the beef very thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Cooking the mushrooms and onions until browned enhances the depth of flavor.
- Tempering the sour cream with warm sauce prevents it from curdling.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option but add it off heat to avoid curdling.
- Serve immediately over freshly cooked egg noodles for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
