If comfort food had a name, it would be Beef Stroganoff. This classic dish is everything you want in a hearty meal—tender beef, a creamy, dreamy sauce, and a touch of richness that makes it feel extra special. The moment you dig in, you’re hit with layers of flavor from the perfectly seared beef, mushrooms, onions, and the luscious sour cream sauce. It’s cozy, it’s satisfying, and it’s a meal that always feels like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Classic Beef Stroganoff
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with reasons to love it. Here’s why it’s a go-to favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or even a dinner party, Beef Stroganoff fits every occasion. It’s just as comforting as it is elegant.
Budget-Friendly: Despite its rich flavors, Beef Stroganoff is surprisingly affordable. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a fine-dining restaurant.
Quick and Easy: This dish may sound fancy, but it’s actually super easy to prepare. The steps are simple, and the cooking process is quick enough for a weeknight dinner.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Want to add some garlic or herbs? Go for it! Not a fan of mushrooms? No problem, you can leave them out or replace them with something else.
Crowd-Pleasing: The creamy, savory sauce and tender beef are sure to win over anyone at the table. It’s a dish that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients in Classic Beef Stroganoff
Here’s everything you need to make this indulgent, creamy dish:
Beef: Tender cuts of beef, like sirloin or tenderloin, work best for Stroganoff. The beef is seared to perfection and soaks up all the savory flavors from the sauce.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness and depth to the dish. They pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Onions: A touch of sautéed onion gives the dish a hint of sweetness and extra flavor.
Sour Cream: This is what gives the sauce its creamy texture and tangy flavor, making the dish rich but balanced.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and savory goodness to the sauce.
Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and sharpness to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy.
Butter: For sautéing the beef and vegetables and adding that rich flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this savory masterpiece:
Preheat Your Pan: Start by heating a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for searing the beef to perfection.
Sear the Beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pan with some butter. Sear the beef on both sides until browned. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more butter, then sauté the onions and mushrooms until they’re soft and golden. This helps build flavor for the sauce.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Then, slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Add the Beef and Sour Cream: Once the sauce has thickened, return the beef to the pan and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer for a few minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Beef Stroganoff over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a filling, comforting meal. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Classic Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but it pairs perfectly with several sides. Serve it over a bed of rice or egg noodles to soak up all that rich, creamy sauce. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes for an extra comforting touch. Don’t forget a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It won’t be quite as creamy but will still give you that tangy flavor.
– Make sure your beef is tender; cuts like sirloin or tenderloin will give you the best texture and flavor.
– If you want a bit more flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the mushrooms.
– For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce along with the sour cream.
– This dish reheats wonderfully, so feel free to make a bigger batch and enjoy leftovers the next day.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Stroganoff?
Yes! While sirloin and tenderloin are the best options, you can also use flank steak or chuck roast. Just be sure to cut the beef into thin strips for tenderness.
2. Can I leave out the mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or replace them with another vegetable like bell peppers or spinach.
3. How do I make Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Beef Stroganoff stores well in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I freeze Beef Stroganoff?
You can freeze the beef and sauce (without the sour cream) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it and reheat, then stir in the sour cream just before serving.
6. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Yes! Ground beef works well if you prefer a more budget-friendly option. Just be sure to cook the beef fully before adding it to the sauce.
7. Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Absolutely! Garlic adds a wonderful flavor. Just sauté a few cloves with the onions for an extra burst of savory goodness.
8. Is there a vegetarian version of Beef Stroganoff?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms or tofu instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
9. Can I use heavy cream instead of sour cream?
Yes, if you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, heavy cream can replace the sour cream. It will change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.
10. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, just simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or add a bit more flour (or cornstarch if you’re gluten-free) to thicken it up.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like Classic Beef Stroganoff—a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its tender beef, creamy sauce, and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it up on a chilly evening, and you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your skillet and get ready to indulge in one of the most comforting meals out there!
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Classic Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 35min
- Total Time: 50min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
Classic Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish featuring tender strips of beef and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce, traditionally served over egg noodles. This recipe combines savory flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a favorite in many households.
Ingredients
**For the Beef and Marinade:**
– 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into thin strips
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
**For the Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces (225g) cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional, for added spice)
– 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**For Serving:**
– 12 ounces (340g) egg noodles or your choice of pasta
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Beef:**
– In a medium bowl, toss the beef strips with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. **Sauté Onions and Garlic:**
– In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat.
– Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. **Cook the Mushrooms:**
– Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-6 minutes.
5. **Cook the Beef:**
– Push the mushroom-onion mixture to one side of the skillet.
– Increase heat to medium-high and add the beef strips in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 1-2 minutes to sear the beef, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned. Do not overcook.
6. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot paprika (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. **Finish the Sauce:**
– Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through. Do not let it boil to prevent curdling.
– Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. **Serve:**
– Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
– For a lighter version, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce; cook until thickened.
– This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg