Traditional Beef Stroganoff Recipe: A Creamy Classic Worth Mastering

Beef Stroganoff is a dish steeped in rich flavors and an even richer history. Originating in 19th-century Russia, this hearty meal has become a worldwide favorite for its irresistible combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and comforting noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or meal prep, this recipe guarantees satisfaction. Let’s explore how to craft this timeless classic with some added tips and variations to make it uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Stroganoff is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Decadent Comfort Food: The creamy sauce, savory mushrooms, and succulent beef make for a soul-warming dish.
2. Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Flavor: With a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
3. Versatility: From serving it over egg noodles to mashed potatoes or even rice, this recipe adapts to your taste.

Cooking Details

• Cuisine: Russian (originating in the 19th century and evolving into a global favorite)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 hearty portions
• Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
• Best Served: Fresh, warm, and creamy

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe sticks to the traditional roots but also adds modern flair.

For the Main Dish:

• 1 pound (450g) of tender sirloin or filet strips, cut thinly for quick, even cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth (or stock)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 12 oz (350g) egg noodles (or your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Optional Additions:

• 1/4 cup white wine for deglazing the pan (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for added depth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra richness

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Thinly slice the beef into strips approximately 1/4 inch wide for optimal tenderness and even cooking.
2. Warm the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, signaling it’s ready for cooking.. Sear the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

3. Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
4. Toss in the mushrooms, cooking until they release their liquid and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring to coat evenly.Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the white wine (if using) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook gently until the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

8. Return the beef strips (and any juices) to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until the beef is warmed through and tender.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika.

Expert Tips for Perfect Stroganoff

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Tenderloin, sirloin, or ribeye work best for their tenderness. Avoid tougher cuts unless slow-cooked.
• Cook the Beef in Batches: Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming instead of searing, which reduces flavor.
• Mind the Sauce: Don’t boil the sauce after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
• Enhance with Wine: Deglazing the pan with wine adds a gourmet touch to the sauce.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

1. Make It Light: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy, lower-fat alternative.
2. Vegan Version: Substitute the beef with seitan or mushrooms and use coconut cream in place of sour cream.
3. Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or even bell peppers for a colorful twist.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour and serve with gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pairing: Serve the Beef Stroganoff over buttery egg noodles.
2. Comfort Food Heaven: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent treat.
3. Low-Carb Option: Spoon the Stroganoff over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
4. Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.

For beverages, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a robust beer complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make Beef Stroganoff Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and beef separately. Reheat gently over low heat, combining just before serving to maintain the texture.

Can I Freeze Beef Stroganoff?

Absolutely. Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?

Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or coconut cream are excellent substitutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g

This dish provides a hearty dose of protein and calcium, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Traditional Beef Stroganoff Recipe: A Creamy Classic Worth Mastering

Course: MainCuisine: RussianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

520

kcal

A creamy, comforting Beef Stroganoff with tender beef, mushrooms, and a rich sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into thin strips

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 12 oz (350g) egg noodles

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
• Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, melt butter, cook onions and garlic, then add mushrooms and cook until browned.
• Make Sauce: Stir in flour, then gradually add beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
• Finish Sauce: Lower heat, add sour cream, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
• Combine Beef: Add beef back to the pan, simmer for 5 minutes until tender.
• Serve: Cook noodles, serve beef mixture on top, and garnish with parsley.

Recipe Video

Notes

• For Tender Beef: Use sirloin or tenderloin for the best texture and flavor.
• Mushroom Variations: Swap cremini for white mushrooms or try adding a mix of wild mushrooms.
• Creamy Texture: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream along with sour cream.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Divide the Stroganoff into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid boiling the sauce to keep it creamy.

Freezing:

• Portion the Stroganoff into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the sauce and beef separately from the noodles or side dish.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

This Traditional Beef Stroganoff recipe is a culinary treasure that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or creating new ones, this creamy classic is a surefire hit.

We’d love to hear how your Stroganoff turned out! Drop your thoughts in the comments below or share your photos by tagging us on Instagram. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!