Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Quick & Comforting Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Culinary magic happens when hearty beef stroganoff meets comfort food perfection.

Creamy sauces and tender meat create an irresistible combination that speaks to hungry souls.

Traditional Russian roots blend seamlessly with modern kitchen techniques.

Nostalgic flavors transport you to cozy dinner tables where warmth and satisfaction reign supreme.

Silky mushrooms and rich cream transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through classic cooking traditions.

This recipe will make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Beef Stroganoff That Comforts Every Time

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this hearty beef stroganoff in just 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Master Easy Cooking: No advanced culinary skills needed – even beginners can nail this restaurant-quality dish with simple steps and basic ingredients.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the creamy, savory sauce and tender beef strips that make this meal a crowd-pleasing dinner solution.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy over classic egg noodles, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a flexible meal that adapts to your preference.

What Forms Classic Beef Stroganoff

Meat:
  • Steak: Protein base for the dish, choose tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for best results, rich in flavor.
  • Flour: Helps coat the meat for a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce, all-purpose flour works well.
Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the meat, provides aromatic base.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste, brings out natural meat flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Provides warm, spicy undertone to the meat.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Creates rich, golden sear on meat and provides base for cooking vegetables, helps develop deep flavors.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational flavor profile, adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Vegetables:
  • Mushrooms: Adds earthy texture and umami flavor, white or cremini mushrooms work great.
Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth: Creates savory base for the sauce, provides moisture and depth.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, complex flavor to the dish.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces sharp, slightly spicy note to the sauce.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Sour Cream: Provides creamy, tangy finish, creates smooth, rich sauce texture.
Serving Options:
  • Egg Noodles, Rice, Mashed Potatoes: Classic accompaniments that complement the stroganoff sauce.

Beef Stroganoff Cooking Process

Step 1: Prepare and Season Beef

Slice the steak into thin, tender strips.

Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef, ensuring each piece gets an even coating of seasoning.

Step 2: Dust with Flour

Gently coat the seasoned beef strips with flour, creating a light, protective layer that will help develop a golden crust when cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the floured beef strips into the hot pan, allowing them to sizzle and brown beautifully on both sides for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Remove and Rest Beef

Transfer the perfectly seared beef to a separate plate, keeping the delicious browned bits in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 5: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms

Introduce sliced mushrooms to the pan, cooking until they become tender and release their moisture.

Step 7: Build the Sauce

Pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich, complex flavors.

Step 8: Reunite Beef with Sauce

Return the seared beef strips to the pan, allowing them to mingle with the savory sauce.

Step 9: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Reduce heat to low and gently stir in sour cream, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the beef.

Step 10: Final Warming

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is heated through and incredibly tender.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the luscious beef stroganoff over egg noodles, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Stroganoff Cooking Tips That Stick

  • Slice steak against the grain for maximum softness and easier chewing.
  • Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and ensure even browning of the beef.
  • Add sour cream off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Swap beef with chicken or mushrooms for vegetarian alternatives without changing core cooking techniques.
  • Use high-quality beef broth and fresh Dijon mustard to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.

Beef Stroganoff That Warms Up Just Right

  • Store leftover beef stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
  • Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation.
  • Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy sauce's texture.

Cozy Complements For Stroganoff

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot to complement the rich, hearty beef stroganoff, enhancing the meaty flavors and cutting through the creamy sauce.
  • Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a refreshing contrast by adding a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a sharp vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh palate cleanser.
  • Create Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Select a crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious stroganoff sauce, adding texture and helping to absorb the savory flavors of the dish.
  • Complement with Chilled Beer: Select a smooth, medium-bodied beer like a pilsner or amber ale that can match the robust beef flavor while providing a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

Stroganoff Protein Variations

  • Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, using same seasoning method and cooking technique for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and add extra mushrooms for volume.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sour cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use olive oil instead of butter, and maintain the same rich flavor profile with additional herbs and spices.

FAQs

  • What cuts of beef work best for Stroganoff?

Tenderloin, sirloin, or ribeye are ideal. These cuts are tender, lean, and cook quickly, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for this classic dish.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour when coating the beef. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.

  • Is this dish traditionally Russian?

Beef Stroganoff originated in 19th-century Russia, named after the Stroganov family. Though the original recipe was different, modern versions have become popular worldwide, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

  • How can I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Lower the heat when adding sour cream and stir constantly. Remove the pan from direct heat and gently fold in the sour cream to maintain a smooth, creamy sauce without separation.

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Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Hearty Russian classic Beef Stroganoff mingles tender strips of beef with creamy mushroom sauce over silky egg noodles. Comfort cuisine perfected with rich flavors that welcome you to savor each comforting, satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (450 g) round steak, sliced into thin strips

Seasonings and Flour:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Cooking and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Serving Options:

  • Egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes

Instructions

  1. Combine meat with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing container, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
  2. Lightly dust seasoned meat with flour, coating each piece thoroughly to create a delicate exterior layer.
  3. Preheat a heavy skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for searing.
  4. Carefully place meat strips into the hot pan, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden-brown crust on both sides.
  5. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful caramelized exterior.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant.
  7. Add sliced mushrooms to the aromatic mixture, sautéing until they release their moisture and develop a tender texture.
  8. Pour beef broth into the pan, incorporating Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to create a complex, savory liquid base.
  9. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors and developing a rich consistency.
  10. Gently return the reserved meat strips to the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling sauce.
  11. Reduce heat and fold in sour cream, stirring carefully to create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the meat evenly.
  12. Let the stroganoff rest briefly to allow flavors to meld and meat to reach perfect tenderness.
  13. Serve the stroganoff over your preferred accompaniment, such as egg noodles, steamed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Use room temperature steak for even cooking and better browning, ensuring maximum flavor development.
  • Pat beef dry with paper towels before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
  • Choose tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for the most succulent stroganoff experience.
  • For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and use lean beef cuts to reduce overall fat content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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