If you are craving a comforting, rich, and satisfying dish that never fails to impress, this Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe is what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Combining tender strips of beef with earthy mushrooms and a creamy, tangy sauce, it’s an absolute classic that warms the soul and pleases the palate every single time. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers a luscious texture and deep flavors without any fuss or complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and color in your beef stroganoff. Using fresh and simple staples brings out the hearty, homey essence of this dish.
- Beef sirloin or tenderloin (1 pound): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps to sauté the beef and vegetables to perfection.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a stable cooking fat and depth of flavor.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Brings sweetness and aroma as it softens in the pan.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuse the dish with a warm and inviting fragrance.
- Mushrooms, sliced (8 ounces): Their earthy umami flavor is essential for that classic stroganoff taste.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Forms the base of the sauce and enriches the meaty flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds tanginess and depth with a hint of savory complexity.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A sharp bite that balances the creamy components.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For subtle smokiness and a lovely hue.
- Sour cream (½ cup): The creamy star of the sauce, providing tang and smoothness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): A handy thickening agent if you prefer a heartier sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning your dish perfectly.
- Egg noodles or rice (8 ounces, cooked): The perfect vehicle to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating one tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper, then sear it for just 2 to 3 minutes until it develops a lovely brown crust. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure the beef sears instead of steams. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. This searing step locks in flavor and creates a rich foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and fragrant, about two minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which balances the savory ingredients coming next.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Add your minced garlic and sliced mushrooms straight to the onions. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and turn golden brown, about five minutes. This mixture adds the deep umami heart of the dish that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir to combine all these flavors into a cohesive sauce base. The Worcestershire and mustard add a little zing, while paprika gently colors and flavors the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer with the Beef
Return the seared beef to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for five minutes to allow the flavors to marry beautifully. This slow melding of meat and sauce creates a tender, flavorful experience in every bite.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Optional Thickener
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, giving the sauce its signature creamy texture and tang. If you prefer your sauce thicker, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in now, simmering for another two minutes until silky and luxurious. Be careful not to boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Serve
Your stroganoff is ready to be served piping hot over cooked egg noodles or fluffy rice. The noodles soak up the luscious sauce perfectly, making every bite a delight.
How to Serve Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a pop of color but also gives a fresh contrast to the creamy richness. Some like to add a few extra twists of black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika for an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
While your Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe can stand alone with noodles or rice, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to add freshness and crunch. A crusty bread roll is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stroganoff in individual ramekins or over mashed potatoes instead of noodles. Another crowd-pleaser is layering it in a deep-dish casserole, topping with breadcrumbs, and baked until golden for a comforting bake everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store the leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It tends to thicken as it cools, so stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore its creamy consistency perfectly.
Freezing
While this recipe freezes well, keep in mind the sour cream can slightly change texture after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat stroganoff slowly over low-medium heat with a bit of broth or water added to loosen the sauce. This method ensures the beef stays tender and the sauce remains silky smooth without curdling the sour cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and tenderloin are preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use ribeye or even flank steak if sliced thinly. Just be sure to cook quickly to avoid toughness.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in the recipe?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tang and creaminess, but add it at the end of cooking over low heat to prevent curdling. Heavy cream is another alternative if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute the sour cream with a coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to slice the beef for stroganoff?
Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes for easier slicing, then cut thinly across the grain. This ensures tender strips that cook quickly and stay juicy.
Can I make the Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe vegan?
To veganize this dish, swap beef for mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and replace sour cream with a vegan sour cream alternative. The cooking method remains much the same.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for bringing a little specialness to any dinner table. I encourage you to give it a try — once you do, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite for so many home cooks!
Print
Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Simple Beef Stroganoff recipe features tender slices of beef sirloin sautéed with mushrooms and onions, then simmered in a creamy sauce enriched with sour cream and Dijon mustard. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, hearty dish served over egg noodles or rice, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice, cooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef, season with salt and black pepper, and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and nicely browned.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sprinkle the paprika. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer Beef in Sauce: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat further and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the sauce, simmering for another 2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Spoon the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use sirloin or tenderloin for the most tender beef slices.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef during searing to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- The cornstarch is optional but recommended if you like a thicker sauce.
- If preferred, sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a tangier finish.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
