Name: Beef Stroganoff: 50 Min Comfort Meal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 oz (225g) white or cremini mushrooms, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup (240ml) beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 2/3 cup (160g) sour cream; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish; 12 oz egg noodles, cooked

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Beef Stroganoff has always been my ultimate comfort food, a dish that instantly transports me back to cozy evenings. I remember the first time I successfully recreated my mom’s version, the rich, savory aroma filling our kitchen. The tender beef, the earthy mushrooms, and that impossibly creamy sauce coating fluffy noodles—it was pure magic. Learning exactly how to make beef stroganoff that tastes this good, with that signature velvety texture, felt like unlocking a culinary secret. This recipe is my go-to for a truly satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stroganoff

This classic dish is a winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with deep, savory notes from tender beef and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce.
Quick Prep: You can have this on the table in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly Comfort: Using sirloin or tenderloin makes it feel special, but it’s surprisingly affordable for such a satisfying meal.
Family Favorite: This easy beef stroganoff is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile: It’s a fantastic base for adding your own touches or trying new variations.
Simple to Master: Even if you’re new to this dish, this recipe makes creating a delicious easy beef stroganoff straightforward.
Pure Comfort: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those days when you need a warm, hearty meal.

Classic Beef Stroganoff Ingredients

Gathering the right beef stroganoff ingredients is key to achieving that authentic, rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced – I like to slice it thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
2 tbsp olive oil – for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
2 tbsp unsalted butter – adds a lovely richness to the sauce.
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced – provides a sweet, savory base.
8 oz (225g) white or cremini mushrooms, sliced – these earthy mushrooms are essential for that classic stroganoff flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced – for that pungent kick.
1 tbsp all-purpose flour – this is our thickening agent for the sauce.
1 cup (240ml) beef broth – the liquid base for our savory sauce.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds a layer of umami depth.
1 tsp Dijon mustard – for a subtle tang and complexity.
2/3 cup (160g) sour cream – this is what makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and rich.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – always season as you go!
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish – for a pop of color and freshness.
12 oz egg noodles, cooked – the perfect vehicle for this delicious sauce.

How to Make Classic Beef Stroganoff

Making a truly delicious Beef Stroganoff is easier than you might think, and the results are so rewarding. I love the sizzle and aroma that fills my kitchen as this classic dish comes together.

Step 1: Sear the Beef
First, let’s get that beef perfectly seared. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, lightly season your thinly sliced beef sirloin with salt and pepper. Add half of the beef to the hot skillet and cook just until it’s nicely browned on both sides, which usually takes about 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear! Remove the browned beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef, adding a little more oil if needed. Set all that gorgeous seared beef aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, let’s build the flavor base. In the same skillet you used for the beef, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook until they’re beautifully golden and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender. The smell at this stage is just incredible!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Stroganoff Sauce
This is where our rich beef stroganoff sauce really starts to take shape. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 1 cup of beef broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that’s pure flavor! Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef stroganoff sauce thickens slightly. You’re looking for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
It’s time to bring it all together! Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Return the seared beef, along with any juices that have collected on the plate, back into the skillet. Stir in 2/3 cup of sour cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy. Gently warm everything through for about 2 minutes, but be careful not to let the sauce boil after adding the sour cream, as it can curdle. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this amazing beef stroganoff immediately over your favorite cooked egg noodles.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff

Achieving that perfect, restaurant-quality Beef Stroganoff at home is totally doable with a few insider tricks. These tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Always slice your beef thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness; otherwise, you risk chewy bites.
Don’t skip searing the beef in batches. Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming, not searing, and you want that lovely brown crust for flavor.
Gently warm the sour cream before adding it to the sauce. This helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. The beef broth and Dijon mustard add saltiness and tang, so season incrementally.

What’s the secret to perfect Beef Stroganoff?

The real secret to a perfect traditional beef stroganoff recipe lies in the quality of the beef and not overcooking it. Searing it quickly on high heat and then gently warming it in the sauce at the end is key to maintaining tenderness.

Can I make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sautéed vegetables up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine them, make the sauce, and stir in the sour cream just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Stroganoff?

The biggest mistake is boiling the sauce after adding sour cream, which can cause it to curdle. Also, be sure not to overcook the beef; it should be just cooked through. Finally, don’t skimp on sautéing the mushrooms until they’re nicely browned for maximum flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Beef Stroganoff

This rich and savory dish is incredibly versatile, and how you serve it can really change the whole experience. My absolute favorite way to enjoy this classic Beef Stroganoff is over a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s the ultimate pairing for soaking up all that creamy, mushroom-infused sauce, making it a true standout beef stroganoff noodle recipe.

If noodles aren’t your thing, or you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving this hearty meal over fluffy mashed potatoes or even a bed of brown rice. For a bit of green, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans complements the richness beautifully. It’s a complete, satisfying meal no matter how you plate it!

Nutrition Facts for Beef Stroganoff

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a single serving of this delicious classic Beef Stroganoff:

Calories: 540cal
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Stroganoff

Once you’ve made this incredible homemade Beef Stroganoff, you’ll want to know how to keep it fresh. Proper storage is key to enjoying this comfort food later. Make sure the dish has cooled down a bit before portioning it into airtight containers. It should stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready for a quick beef stroganoff fix, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently warm the stroganoff in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through heating to ensure it warms evenly. Avoid boiling the sauce after reheating, especially if it contains sour cream, to maintain its smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stroganoff

What is Beef Stroganoff?

Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that has become a beloved comfort food worldwide. At its heart, it features tender strips of sautéed beef served in a rich, creamy sauce typically made with sour cream, mushrooms, and onions. It’s often served over egg noodles, but variations exist. This dish is known for its deeply savory and slightly tangy flavor profile.

What kind of beef is best for Beef Stroganoff?

For the most tender and flavorful result, I recommend using cuts like beef sirloin or tenderloin. Slice the beef thinly against the grain before cooking. Using ground beef is also a popular and more budget-friendly option for a quick beef stroganoff, though it yields a different texture than the traditional thinly sliced beef.

Can I make Beef Stroganoff vegetarian?

Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious vegetarian version! Instead of beef, you can use hearty mushrooms like portobellos or creminis as the star. Sauté them until deeply browned, and then proceed with the creamy sauce. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of stroganoff without the meat.

What can I serve with Beef Stroganoff besides noodles?

While egg noodles are the classic pairing for this savory beef stroganoff, there are plenty of other delicious options! Fluffy mashed potatoes are a wonderful alternative, soaking up the rich sauce beautifully. Rice, particularly brown rice or wild rice, also works well. For a lower-carb option, you could serve it over cauliflower mash or even zucchini noodles.

Variations of Beef Stroganoff You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to explore some exciting variations of this beloved dish. Trying different methods or ingredients can bring a fresh perspective to your Beef Stroganoff experience. For a quicker weeknight meal, a ground beef stroganoff is fantastic – just brown the ground beef and proceed with the sauce. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms like cremini and shiitake.

For a healthier twist, you could swap the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles. Another idea is to try a different protein, like thinly sliced chicken or pork tenderloin, though beef is traditional. Some people even add a splash of brandy to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity. Each variation offers a unique take on this comforting classic.

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