Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Name: Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; Olive oil for cooking; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

March 5, 2025

Updated:

March 5, 2025

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Have you ever tasted a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort? Beef stroganoff is one of those meals that can transport you back to family dinners filled with laughter and love. This rich and creamy dish features tender strips of beef cooked in a velvety mushroom sauce, served over a bed of egg noodles or rice. The first aroma wafting from the kitchen will make your mouth water as it promises an unforgettable flavor experience.

This recipe for beef stroganoff combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress. It embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, delivering both nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite. Get ready to enjoy a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This beef stroganoff

Deliciously Comforting: The combination of tender beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce creates a satisfying dish that warms the heart on chilly evenings.
Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this meal in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs, making this dish versatile.
Great for Meal Prep: Beef stroganoff keeps well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to prepare ahead for quick reheating during the week.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for beef stroganoff

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Sirloin: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or filet mignon for the best texture; cut into thin strips against the grain.
Mushrooms: Use fresh button mushrooms or cremini for added flavor and texture; slice them evenly before cooking.
Onion: A medium-sized onion adds sweetness; chop finely to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses delicious flavor; use about two cloves for an aromatic base.
Sour Cream: This ingredient provides creaminess; opt for full-fat sour cream for richness in taste.

For the Sauce:

Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping the deep flavor intact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make beef stroganoff

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add some olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent. Then add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until soft.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Increase the heat to medium-high and add in your thinly sliced beef sirloin. Cook until browned on all sides but do not overcook; around three minutes should suffice.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in low-sodium beef broth along with some Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all flavors while bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Incorporate Sour Cream

Lower the heat and remove from direct flame before stirring in sour cream. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency without boiling.

Step 5: Serve Over Noodles

Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions while your sauce simmers. Drain them well before serving generously topped with your creamy beef mixture.

Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy

Finish off each plate with fresh parsley as an optional garnish. Serve hot alongside bread or salad for balance.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use High-Quality Beef: Selecting quality cuts ensures tenderness and enhances overall flavor during cooking.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your meat while browning; overcooking will lead to toughness instead of tenderness.
Adjust Thickness of Sauce: If too thick after adding sour cream, simply thin it out with more broth until desired consistency is achieved.

Mistakes to avoid

Using the wrong cut of beef: Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial for a tender and flavorful beef stroganoff. Opting for tough cuts like chuck can result in chewy meat that detracts from the dish. Instead, select tender cuts such as sirloin or filet mignon. These cuts cook quickly and absorb flavors well, ensuring a delicious outcome. Remember, the success of your beef stroganoff largely depends on the quality of your meat.
Overcooking the meat: One common mistake in making beef stroganoff is overcooking the meat. When you cook beef for too long, it becomes tough and loses its natural juices. For optimal tenderness, sear the beef quickly over high heat and remove it from the pan while it’s still slightly pink inside. The residual heat will continue cooking it while you prepare the sauce, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
Neglecting to season adequately: Proper seasoning elevates any dish, including beef stroganoff. Many home cooks make the mistake of under-seasoning their meat and sauce. Before cooking, season your beef with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Additionally, don’t forget to adjust the seasoning of your sauce as well; a pinch of nutmeg or paprika can add depth that transforms your dish from average to extraordinary.
Skipping the mushrooms: Mushrooms are a vital ingredient in traditional beef stroganoff. They not only add texture but also contribute umami flavor that complements the beef beautifully. Some cooks omit them entirely or use subpar varieties, which can result in a bland dish. Always choose fresh, high-quality mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms, and sauté them until golden brown for maximum flavor.
Choosing low-fat sour cream: While health-conscious decisions are important, using low-fat sour cream can compromise the richness of your beef stroganoff. Full-fat sour cream adds creaminess and balances acidity in the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead but stick to full-fat versions to maintain that luxurious texture that makes this dish so comforting.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious beef stroganoff, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 lb of beef sirloin, thinly sliced

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced

– 1 cup of beef broth

– 1 cup of sour cream

– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish

– Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering beef stroganoff:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little beef broth to form a slurry. This helps thicken your sauce later. Push the mushroom mixture aside in the skillet and add the sliced beef. Cook until browned on all sides.

Pour in the remaining beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the flour slurry gradually while mixing well to ensure there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This beef stroganoff is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Egg noodles: These classic noodles complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Rice: A fluffy bed of rice absorbs the rich flavors perfectly.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for this dish.

FAQs

What type of beef is best for beef stroganoff?

When choosing meat for beef stroganoff, tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin work best. These cuts cook quickly and remain flavorful without becoming chewy. You may also opt for flank steak if you prefer a more economical choice; just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I use other types of mushrooms in my beef stroganoff?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes often feature cremini or button mushrooms, you can experiment with various types such as shiitake or portobello mushrooms. Each variety adds unique flavors and textures to your dish, enhancing its overall appeal.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of beef stroganoff?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version, substitute beef with plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace sour cream with vegan alternatives made from cashews or coconut cream for similar creaminess.

Can I prepare beef stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes! Beef stroganoff can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat before serving again. For best results, consider cooking fresh noodles or rice just before serving.

Conclusion for beef stroganoff

In summary, this delightful beef stroganoff recipe combines tender slices of meat with creamy sauce and savory mushrooms. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Remember to serve it over your favorite starch—noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes—to enhance its comfort food appeal. Enjoy experimenting with variations that suit your tastes while keeping this classic dish at its heart!