Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef stroganoff is a timeless classic that combines tender beef, hearty mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, traditionally served over noodles or rice. This easy beef stroganoff recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and satisfying.
The dish originated in Russia but has become a global favorite thanks to its rich, savory profile and versatility. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour. This streamlined version uses shortcuts to save time while still achieving the creamy depth of flavor that makes stroganoff so beloved. Pair it with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a meal that is both hearty and comforting. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.
Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Minutes
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Classic beef stroganoff made with tender strips of beef, mushrooms, and onions in a creamy sauce, served over egg noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles or rice, cooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef slices and cook quickly until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until well blended.
- Return beef to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use high-quality beef like sirloin or tenderloin for best tenderness.
- Sour cream should be added at the end to prevent curdling.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef sirloin or tenderloin – Thinly sliced strips of beef cook quickly and stay tender, making them ideal for this dish.
Mushrooms – Cremini or button mushrooms add earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
Onion – Sautéed onion provides a sweet and savory foundation for the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic, savory punch.
Butter – Used for sautéing and adds richness to the sauce.
Flour – Acts as a thickener to give the sauce its luscious consistency.
Beef broth – Creates the base of the sauce, bringing depth and savory flavor.
Sour cream – The key to stroganoff’s creamy tang, balancing richness with a slight acidity.
Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle sharpness that lifts the flavors of the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce – Provides umami depth and a slight sweetness.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance every element of the dish.
Egg noodles – Traditionally served with stroganoff, they soak up the sauce beautifully, though rice or mashed potatoes work as well.
Directions
- Begin by preparing the beef. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and sear quickly until just browned, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more butter if necessary. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, then add mushrooms and cook until browned. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then bring to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in sour cream, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Do not let it boil, as this may cause the sour cream to curdle.
- Return the beef to the skillet, stirring to coat with sauce. Cook just until heated through.
- Serve immediately over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time takes 25 minutes, making the total time approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as the sour cream base may separate. This dish is not ideal for freezing, since the creamy sauce can break when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Beef stroganoff is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences.
For a budget-friendly version, substitute ground beef for steak. Simply brown the beef with onions before continuing with the recipe. If you prefer chicken, thinly sliced chicken breast works beautifully in place of beef. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream—it provides creaminess with less fat and a touch of extra tang.
Vegetarians can create a hearty alternative by omitting the beef and doubling the mushrooms or using plant-based meat substitutes. Adding vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or peas can boost the nutritional value and color of the dish.
For added depth of flavor, use red wine to deglaze the skillet before adding broth, or swap in heavy cream for a richer sauce. Spice lovers may enjoy a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Switch up the base by serving the stroganoff over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. The sauce pairs well with almost any starch, making it an incredibly versatile dish.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Yes, ground beef works well and makes the recipe more affordable and quicker to prepare.
Can I make beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently, though the sauce is best fresh.
What is the best beef cut for stroganoff?
Sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye are best since they remain tender when cooked quickly.
Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
It is not recommended, as the sour cream sauce tends to separate after thawing.
Can I replace sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a lighter version.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Stir it in off the heat or on low heat, and avoid boiling the sauce after adding it.
What can I serve with beef stroganoff?
Egg noodles are traditional, but rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread work well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free sour cream and butter alternatives for a lactose-free version.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Add an extra teaspoon of flour during the cooking process, or let the sauce simmer longer.
Can I add wine to the recipe?
Yes, deglazing the pan with red or white wine before adding broth adds extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Easy beef stroganoff is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. With tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, it delivers a rich, satisfying meal in under an hour. Versatile enough to pair with noodles, rice, or potatoes, and adaptable for different diets, this dish is a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. Quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests, it is a recipe you will return to time and again.
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