The Perfect Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Homemade beef stroganoff enhances ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that whisks you straight to comfort food heaven.

Traditional cooking techniques merge with bold, hearty flavors to create a deeply satisfying meal.

Rich, velvety textures interplay with savory notes, promising a memorable dining adventure.

Each carefully crafted bite represents a delightful balance of tender meat and creamy sauce.

Complex yet approachable, this classic dish connects generations through its timeless appeal.

Rustic ingredients elevate simple cooking into something truly remarkable.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that celebrates home cooking at its finest.

Why Homemade Stroganoff Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Lineup

• Savor Quick Comfort: This beef stroganoff delivers a hearty meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave delicious home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Unlock Rich Flavor Layers: The recipe builds incredible depth by searing beef first, then layering in caramelized onions, golden mushrooms, and a creamy mustard sauce that creates complex, harmonious taste sensations.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: With an impressive 50g of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle health while satisfying hunger with its substantial, filling composition that keeps you energized throughout the evening.
• Versatile Serving Champion: Easily adaptable to different bases like noodles, potatoes, or rice, this stroganoff offers flexibility for various dietary preferences and transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will love.

The Rich, Creamy Ingredients Behind This Beef Classic

• Beef Sirloin: A tender cut perfect for quick cooking, best when sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid for simmering and enhancing meat flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic foundation to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that brings umami and meaty texture to the stroganoff.

• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious, tangy creaminess and smooth finish to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle sharp and tangy flavor that complements the beef.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing beef and sautéing vegetables with a light, neutral taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and subtle green flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall dish flavors.

• Egg Noodles, Rice, Potatoes: Versatile starch options to serve as a delicious base for the stroganoff.

How to Build a Stroganoff That’s Rich but Not Heavy

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling foundation for your delicious beef stroganoff.

Step 2: Sear Tender Beef Slices

Cook beef slices for 5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, then set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Add Earthy Mushrooms

Toss sliced mushrooms into the skillet, cooking until they turn golden and release their rich, savory juices.

Step 5: Reunite Beef with Vegetables

Return the seared beef slices to the skillet, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 6: Create Flavorful Sauce

Pour in beef broth and stir in tangy mustard, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Creamy Touch

Remove skillet from heat and gently fold in smooth sour cream, creating a luxurious sauce that coats every ingredient.

Step 8: Season and Enhance

Add salt and pepper to taste, balancing the dish’s rich flavors.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

• Egg noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Fluffy rice

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Stroganoff Tips That’ll Make Grandma Proud

• Choose the Right Cut: Select tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for the most succulent beef stroganoff, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut beef into thin strips perpendicular to the muscle fibers to maximize tenderness and create easier-to-chew pieces.
• Sear Quickly and Hotly: Use high heat and a heavy skillet to create a beautiful golden-brown crust on the beef, which locks in rich flavor and prevents meat from becoming tough.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Pat beef dry before searing to prevent steaming and achieve perfect caramelization, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high temperature.
• Finish with Fresh Cream: Remove skillet from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling, creating a smooth, silky sauce that coats the beef and noodles perfectly.

Reheating Stroganoff While Keeping Sauce Smooth

• Refrigerate: Store leftover beef stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pack the beef stroganoff in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with sour cream, as the texture might separate when thawed.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Microwave works in a pinch: heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Plate with Stroganoff for a Hearty Meal

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of beef stroganoff. These wines have enough tannin and depth to stand up to the hearty dish.
• Select Crisp Side Salad: Create a tangy green salad with arugula, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Hearty Beer: Opt for a German-style Pilsner or amber ale that offers a crisp, slightly hoppy profile to balance the stroganoff's creamy texture and savory beef.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Include a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.

Ways to Shake Up This Classic With New Ingredients

• Country Classic: Swap beef with tender chicken thighs for a lighter protein option that absorbs rich sauce flavors perfectly.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms and add extra cremini mushrooms for a meaty, satisfying vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy International: Include paprika, red pepper flakes, and a splash of Hungarian-style hot sauce to create a bolder, more intense flavor profile with a warming kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the classic stroganoff experience intact.

Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Russian beef stroganoff brings comfort and elegance to dinner tables with tender strips of beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. Sour cream and mushrooms blend perfectly, delivering a classic meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) beef sirloin (thinly sliced)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Serving Options:

• Egg noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet by warming olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Quickly sear beef strips, ensuring each side develops a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer meat to a separate plate, preserving its juicy texture.
3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet, cooking until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to release moisture and develop a golden-brown color, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes.
5. Gently return seared beef strips to the skillet, maintaining their tenderness and allowing flavors to meld.
6. Pour in beef broth and Dijon mustard, creating a rich, savory sauce. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and intensify.
7. Remove skillet from heat and fold in smooth, creamy sour cream, ensuring a velvety consistency without curdling.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.
9. Plate over steamed white rice, egg noodles, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Grab extra flavor by letting beef marinate in Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste complexity.
• Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing during every delightful bite.
• Choose high-quality, well-marbled beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the most succulent stroganoff experience.
• Control skillet temperature carefully to prevent beef from becoming tough or overcooked, maintaining its juicy texture.
• Swap traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist without compromising the classic creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 115mg