Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe for a Cozy Dinner

Name: Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin, thinly sliced; 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Egg noodles or rice for serving

By Sophie Hart – Recipes and Home Inspiration

March 2, 2025

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Have you ever tasted the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every bite? Beef stroganoff is that dish—a creamy, savory delight that brings together tender strips of beef and earthy mushrooms in a luxurious sauce. The aroma fills your kitchen, enticing everyone around to gather and savor its rich flavors.

Growing up, I fondly remember my grandmother’s kitchen bustling with laughter and the mouthwatering scent of her famous beef stroganoff. She taught me that this dish is not just about ingredients; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive family gathering, this classic recipe never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This beef stroganoff

Flavor Explosion: This dish combines tender beef and savory mushrooms in a velvety sauce that dances on your palate. The balance of flavors from garlic and onions complements the richness of the sour cream, making every bite an unforgettable experience.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious meal ready in less than 30 minutes without sacrificing quality or taste.

Versatile Serving Options: Beef stroganoff pairs beautifully with various sides. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that fits any occasion.

Comforting and Hearty: On chilly evenings or when you need some emotional comfort food, this dish provides warmth and satisfaction. It’s a great way to feed your family while offering them something truly special.

Ingredients

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

Beef Tenderloin or Sirloin: Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness; slice them thinly against the grain for best results.
Mushrooms: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms add depth of flavor; clean them gently before slicing.
Onion: A medium onion enhances the base flavor of the sauce; chop it finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for a punch of flavor; minced garlic will infuse the dish nicely.
Sour Cream: This ingredient gives the sauce its signature creaminess; opt for full-fat sour cream for richness.

For the Sauce:

Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while providing deep flavor in the sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Adds zest to the sauce; use it sparingly for balanced flavor.

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:

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your beef into thin strips against the grain. Clean and slice your mushrooms and chop your onion finely. Mince garlic cloves to make sure they’re ready when needed.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil or butter. Once hot, toss in chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they soften and gain color—about 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Beef: Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add sliced beef to the other side in batches if necessary. Cook until browned on all sides—this should take about another 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Make Sauce: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant—about one minute. Pour in low-sodium beef broth along with Dijon mustard; bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

Finish with Creaminess: Reduce heat lower before stirring in sour cream until combined well into the sauce. Allow it to cook slightly more—for about two minutes—to meld flavors together while ensuring it doesn’t boil.

Serve It Up!: Transfer your delicious beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice on plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving warm!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

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

Choose Quality Meat: Opting for high-quality cuts like tenderloin or sirloin ensures tenderness throughout cooking; budget-friendly options may result in tougher bites.

Mushroom Selection Matters: For maximum flavor depth consider using a mix of mushrooms like button and shiitake; they provide varied textures enhancing overall taste.

Avoid Overcooking Beef: Searing quickly keeps meat juicy; avoid prolonged cooking which can lead to dryness—just brown until cooked through!

Sour Cream Temperature Tip: Let sour cream come closer room temperature before adding into hot mixture prevents curdling ensuring smoothness.

Serving Suggestions Variations!: Not only does this pair well with egg noodles but also try it over mashed potatoes or even zucchini noodles for lighter options!

Storage Tips!: Leftovers can be refrigerated up three days easily reheated stovetop ensuring nothing goes wasted from deliciousness!

Mistakes to avoid

Overcooking the beef

One common mistake when preparing beef stroganoff is overcooking the beef. If you cook the beef for too long, it can become tough and chewy. To achieve tender meat, sear the beef strips quickly over high heat, just until browned. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pan before adding the sauce to prevent it from cooking further while you prepare the other ingredients.

Skipping the browning process

Another error is skipping the browning step for your beef and mushrooms. Browning enhances flavor through caramelization, giving your beef stroganoff a rich taste. Take time to sauté your meat and mushrooms until they are nicely browned, which typically takes around 5-7 minutes. Skipping this step results in a dish lacking depth and richness, so always prioritize this crucial aspect of cooking.

Using low-quality ingredients

Using low-quality or pre-packaged ingredients can severely impact the taste of your beef stroganoff. Opt for fresh mushrooms, quality cuts of beef like sirloin or tenderloin, and homemade broth if possible. Lower-quality alternatives may contain preservatives or artificial flavors that detract from the overall dish’s authenticity. Investing in high-quality ingredients can elevate your meal significantly.

Neglecting seasoning adjustments

Failing to adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process can lead to bland beef stroganoff. Always taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust with salt, pepper, or even Worcestershire sauce as needed. Each ingredient can change how much seasoning is necessary, so keep tasting and adjusting until you achieve a well-balanced flavor profile that enhances the dish rather than diminishes it.

Serving Suggestions

This beef stroganoff is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Egg Noodles

Classic egg noodles are a traditional accompaniment to beef stroganoff. Their smooth texture absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, allowing for a satisfying bite in every forkful. Cook the noodles according to package directions, usually around 7-9 minutes in boiling salted water, until tender but still firm to the bite. For added flavor, toss them with a little butter and parsley before serving alongside your beef stroganoff.

Rice

Serving beef stroganoff over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice creates a delightful combination. The rice not only soaks up the creamy sauce but also adds a hearty element to the meal. Prepare rice by simmering it in water or broth for approximately 15-20 minutes, using the absorption method for best results. This option is particularly great for those looking for gluten-free alternatives.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes serve as an excellent base for beef stroganoff. Their buttery richness complements the savory flavors of the dish perfectly. To make mashed potatoes, boil peeled and cubed potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then mash with butter, milk, and seasoning to taste. This pairing offers a comforting meal ideal for chilly evenings.

Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty bread or baguette is perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce from your beef stroganoff. Choose a sourdough or rustic loaf that can stand up to hearty dipping. Toast slices lightly in the oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This crunchy addition enhances the overall dining experience and provides a delightful contrast in textures.

FAQs

What is beef stroganoff?

Beef stroganoff is a classic Russian dish made with sautéed pieces of beef served in a creamy mushroom sauce. The dish often includes onions and is typically served over egg noodles or rice. Its rich flavors make it a popular comfort food choice worldwide.

Can I make beef stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare beef stroganoff ahead of time! Cook the dish fully and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

What can I substitute for sour cream in beef stroganoff?

If you need a substitute for sour cream in your beef stroganoff, plain Greek yogurt works well due to its similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use crème fraîche or even cream cheese mixed with some milk as alternatives that provide richness without compromising taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of beef stroganoff?

Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version of beef stroganoff by substituting mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for the beef. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth and opt for plant-based sour cream or yogurt to maintain that creamy consistency while accommodating vegan diets.

Conclusion

In summary, beef stroganoff is a delightful dish that showcases tender beef enveloped in a rich sauce complemented by mushrooms and onions. It pairs beautifully with various sides like egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, making it adaptable to any palate. Cooking this recipe ahead allows you to enjoy its comforting flavors at your convenience while offering fantastic substitutes ensures everyone can relish this classic meal. Whether it’s served on special occasions or simple weeknights, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite!

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