Quick & Creamy Beef Stroganoff Recipe – A Comforting Classic

My grandma’s secret beef stroganoff recipe has been a comfort food legend in our kitchen for decades.

Rich, creamy sauces always remind me of cozy Sunday dinners.

Tender strips of meat nestled in a velvety mixture create pure culinary magic.

Weeknight cooking demands quick, satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly in this classic dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Hungry souls will find instant satisfaction with this delectable meal that takes less time than ordering takeout.

You can absolutely master this recipe and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Reasons Beef Stroganoff In 30 Minutes Feels Like Magic

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires only one skillet and simple ingredients, creating a rich, creamy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in a flash.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with kid-approved flavors of tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that everyone from picky eaters to adults will love, turning dinnertime into a crowd-pleasing event.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it a flexible meal that can match any preference or pantry availability.

Beef Stroganoff Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base that provides hearty flavor and protein for the dish.
• Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth to the meat base.
• Garlic: Enhances overall flavor with aromatic warmth.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds umami and texture to the stroganoff.

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta for stroganoff with soft, wide texture.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and color.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy liquid that provides depth and complexity.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that brings a subtle kick to the sauce.
• Beef Bouillon: Concentrated beef flavor that intensifies the meat profile.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that creates the signature stroganoff texture.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and traditional seasoning.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright color and light flavor garnish.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté ingredients.

Beef Stroganoff In 30 Minutes Or Less

Step 1: Boil Delicious Noodles

Cook wide egg noodles following package directions.

Drain water completely and set noodles aside, letting them rest while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Caramelize Mushroom Magic

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Toss mushrooms into hot pan, stirring occasionally until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Remove mushrooms and keep them warm.

Step 3: Brown Savory Beef Mixture

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Crumble beef while cooking, ensuring meat browns nicely and onions become translucent, approximately 7 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor Foundation

Dust flour over beef mixture, stirring thoroughly.

Cook for about 90 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste and develop deeper flavors.

Step 5: Build Robust Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Beef bouillon

Stir until ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 6: Develop Rich Gravy

Return mushrooms to skillet and pour beef broth.

Simmer uncovered, allowing sauce to thicken into luxurious gravy consistency.

Step 7: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Remove skillet from heat.

Gently fold room-temperature sour cream into sauce until completely integrated.

Step 8: Plate and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Serve over warm egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice.

Stroganoff Tips For Quick 30-Minute Success

• Sear mushrooms in a hot, dry skillet before adding butter to intensify their natural umami taste and create deeper caramelization.
• Remove skillet from heat and let it cool slightly before stirring in sour cream to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without separation.
• Pat ground beef dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming, which develops richer flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version of the classic dish.
• Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry after cooking beef to build additional complexity and richness in the stroganoff sauce.

Reheat Tips for Beef Stroganoff Without Drying It Out

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled beef stroganoff to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately to preserve texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce from breaking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Reheat in microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.

Hearty Sides For Stroganoff

• Complement Beef Flavor: Select robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that stand up to the rich, meaty taste of Beef Stroganoff and cut through its creamy texture.
• Enhance Comfort Factor: Pair with crisp German-style pilsner or amber lager that provides refreshing contrast and cleanses the palate between hearty bites of beef and noodles.
• Balance Creamy Sauce: Choose light, acidic white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling that help cut through the dish's creamy sour cream sauce and provide bright, zesty undertones.
• Elevate Side Dish: Consider serving alongside quick pickled cucumber salad or tangy sauerkraut, which adds refreshing acidity and helps balance the richness of the Beef Stroganoff.

Quick Versions of Beef Stroganoff

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use gluten-free egg noodles or serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped portobello mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing mushrooms and beef for a lighter version.
• Low-Sodium Version: Choose low-sodium beef broth and omit added salt. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.

FAQs

• Why use Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?

Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the beef stroganoff by providing a tangy, slightly sweet undertone that complements the meat and mushrooms.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or sliced beef strips as alternatives. Each option will slightly change the texture and flavor profile of the dish.

• How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding sour cream and stir gently. Using room-temperature sour cream and avoiding high heat helps maintain a smooth, creamy sauce without separating.

• Is this dish considered a traditional Russian recipe?

While beef stroganoff originated in Russia, this version is an Americanized adaptation that differs from the classic Russian recipe, which typically used beef tenderloin and had a lighter sauce.

Beef Stroganoff (30 Minutes) Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic beef stroganoff delivers a rich, creamy Russian-inspired comfort dish packed with tender beef strips and silky sauce. Hearty noodles and savory mushrooms combine for a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean or extra-lean ground beef (90 or 93% lean)

Dairy and Mushrooms:

• 8 ounces sliced baby portobello or cremini mushrooms (white button mushrooms may be substituted)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (at room temperature)

Pasta and Pantry Ingredients:

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 1/2 cup yellow or white onion, finely diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon
• 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• Fresh parsley, finely minced (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by cooking wide egg noodles according to package guidelines, then drain and set aside for later incorporation.
2. Elevate the dish’s depth by sautéing mushrooms in butter, creating a golden-brown exterior through occasional flipping within a large high-sided skillet. Transfer the caramelized mushrooms to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to develop robust flavors by combining ground beef, diced onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Break down the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich brown color and onions become translucent.
4. Enhance the sauce’s texture by evenly distributing flour across the beef mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate any raw flour taste during a brief 90-second cooking process.
5. Intensify the flavor profile by introducing tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef bouillon, mixing until the ingredients create a harmonious blend.
6. Reintroduce the previously sautéed mushrooms to the skillet and pour in beef broth. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered, reducing until the sauce reaches a thick, gravylike consistency.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in room-temperature sour cream, ensuring a smooth and creamy integration without curdling.
8. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed. Present the stroganoff over prepared egg noodles, accompanied by a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Perfectly brown mushrooms by avoiding overcrowding the pan, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized flavor without steaming.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding beef broth and stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Prevent sour cream from curdling by removing the skillet from heat before stirring it in, ensuring a silky, rich texture.
• Enhance flavor depth by using high-quality beef broth and freshly ground black pepper for a more complex and satisfying dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 561
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg