Creamy Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Hearty Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Sumptuous Comfort Food

Tender strips of beef dance with rich, creamy sauce in this classic beef stroganoff recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Generations have savored this hearty Russian-inspired dish for decades.

Succulent beef mingles with silky mushrooms and a luxurious sour cream base that melts in your mouth.

Every forkful brings a symphony of robust flavors that transport you to a cozy European kitchen.

The combination of tangy and umami notes creates a deeply satisfying meal that never goes out of style.

Sautéed to perfection and seasoned with love, this stroganoff turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when only pure, soul-warming goodness will do.

What Goes in Homemade Beef Stroganoff

For Protein and Base:
  • Beef Sirloin: Lean, tender cut that brings rich, meaty flavor and provides the main protein for the dish, choose well-marbled meat for extra juiciness.
  • Egg Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Rice: Classic companions that soak up the delicious sauce, select fresh noodles or fluffy potatoes for the best texture.
For Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base, pick firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp kick that brightens the entire dish, opt for smooth, high-quality mustard for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and balance all other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant taste.
For Creamy Sauce and Finishing Touches:
  • Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that provide a meaty texture and umami depth, choose firm, unblemished mushrooms with no soft spots.
  • Beef Broth: Liquid foundation that builds intense savory notes, select low-sodium broth to control overall saltiness.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce with a subtle tanginess, use full-fat version for richest consistency.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh color and light herbal notes, choose crisp, green leaves with no wilting.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking, select extra virgin for best flavor.

Tools That Make Stroganoff a Breeze

  • Large skillet: Perfect for searing beef and cooking all ingredients in one pan.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing beef and chopping onions and mushrooms.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add exact amounts of mustard and seasonings.
  • Measuring cups: Useful for measuring broth accurately.
  • Serving platter or individual plates: For presenting the final dish.

The Stroganoff Cooking Sequence You’ll Love

The Stroganoff Cooking Sequence You’ll Love
  • Beef Preparation

Slice beef into thin, elegant strips that will cook quickly and absorb delicious flavors.

  • Sizzling Start

Heat a large skillet with olive oil, creating a golden sear on each beef slice until edges turn crispy and rich brown.

  • Aromatic Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic until they release a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma and become soft and translucent.

  • Mushroom Magic

Add mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to caramelize and develop a deep, earthy flavor that enhances the entire dish.

  • Liquid Infusion

Return beef to the pan, pour in broth and a touch of mustard, letting everything simmer and blend into a harmonious sauce.

  • Creamy Finish

Remove from heat and gently fold in sour cream, creating a silky, luxurious coating that brings all ingredients together.

  • Serving Suggestion

Spoon the stroganoff over your favorite starch – whether pasta, rice, or potatoes – and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Tips for Creamy Sauce & Beef

Tips for Creamy Sauce & Beef
  • Transform extra beef stroganoff into a delicious next-day lunch by tucking it into a warm tortilla or spreading it over toasted bread for a quick sandwich.
  • Replace beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like seitan or mushroom chunks for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt or a blend of low-fat cream cheese and milk to reduce calories without sacrificing rich flavor.
  • Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process to give the classic dish a zesty twist.
  • Prepare the stroganoff a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Gently reheat before serving for an even more delicious meal.

Serving Ideas from Noodles to Bread Bowls

Serving Ideas from Noodles to Bread Bowls
  • Hearty Plate Companion: Serve the beef stroganoff over a bed of wide egg noodles for classic comfort and perfect sauce absorption.
  • Rustic Potato Base: Spread creamy mashed potatoes as a delicious foundation that catches all the rich, savory stroganoff sauce and enhances each bite.
  • Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright color pop and light herbal freshness that cuts through the dish's richness.
  • Tangy Side Spark: Add a small dollop of extra sour cream or a quick pickle salad on the side to provide a zesty contrast to the warm, creamy stroganoff flavors.

Saving & Reheating Stroganoff Without Drying Out

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover beef stroganoff in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring optimal taste and food safety.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Separate sauce from noodles before freezing to maintain texture. Freeze beef mixture in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm stroganoff slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce from separating. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
  • Portion Control Hack: Divide leftovers into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 554 kcal

Servings: 5

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Creamy Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Creamy Beef Stroganoff


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty beef stroganoff brings comfort from Russian kitchens with tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce. Served over egg noodles, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction for diners seeking a rich, classic meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) beef sirloin (thinly sliced)
  • 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)
  • egg noodles
  • mashed potatoes
  • rice
  • fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Searing Protein: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, caramelizing beef strips for 2-3 minutes per side until developing a rich, golden exterior. Remove meat and set aside.
  2. Aromatic Base: Reduce heat to medium, sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until onions become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mushroom Integration: Introduce sliced mushrooms, allowing them to release moisture and transform into a golden-brown delicacy while stirring intermittently for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Sauce Development: Reintroduce seared beef strips, pour beef broth and Dijon mustard into the skillet, creating a robust sauce. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, allowing liquid to condense and concentrate flavors.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Remove skillet from heat, gently fold in sour cream to achieve a silky, luxurious texture without compromising the sauce’s integrity.
  6. Seasoning and Presentation: Enhance with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve atop steamed white rice, egg noodles, or roasted potatoes, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Sear Like a Pro: Get your skillet scorching hot before adding beef to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization, which locks in incredible flavor and creates a restaurant-quality crust.
  • Prevent Sauce Splitting: Remove skillet from heat before adding sour cream to avoid curdling, gently folding it in for a silky, smooth sauce that coats every bite.
  • Mushroom Magic: Use fresh mushrooms and don’t overcrowd the pan, allowing them to release moisture and develop deep, rich color for maximum umami depth.
  • Temperature Control: Adjust heat between steps to ensure each ingredient cooks perfectly without burning, maintaining the dish’s delicate balance of textures and flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering, Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 554
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 635 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 109 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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