There’s just something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy, savory beef Stroganoff—it’s the kind of dish that instantly feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe gives you everything you want in classic comfort food: meltingly tender beef, earthy mushrooms, silky sauce, and all those nostalgic flavors that make it a tried-and-true family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight, it’s one of those meals everyone comes home for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a laundry list of fancy items for this recipe—just a handful of essential, quality ingredients that each play a starring role. Choosing the right cut of beef, fresh mushrooms, and real sour cream will bring depth and richness straight to your table.
- Beef sirloin or top round (1 ½ pounds): Choose thinly sliced, tender cuts for the juiciest, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Lightly coats the beef to help brown and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and brings out those classic, old-world flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps prevent butter from burning and delivers a beautiful sear on the beef.
- Yellow onion (1 medium): Brings sweetness and depth after a gentle sauté.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Delivers aroma and sets the foundation for robust flavor.
- White or cremini mushrooms (8 ounces): Soak up all that savory goodness while adding earthiness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce body and a gentle tang that balances the creaminess.
- Beef broth (1 cup): The silky base that ties everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): This little splash adds layers of umami and depth.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A subtle zing that boosts the overall flavor.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Essential for that luscious creamy finish—don’t skip it!
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning and brightening flavors at every stage.
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes: Your starchy canvas, perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of vibrance to every bowl.
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start your Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe by tossing the thinly sliced beef with flour, salt, and pepper. This light coating not only seasons the beef but also helps you achieve a beautiful, caramelized crust once it hits the skillet. Don’t rush this part—it makes a real difference in the final dish!
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches (crowding the pan will steam it instead of browning) until the pieces are deeply golden on all sides. Remove the beef promptly after browning and set it aside—you’ll add it back to the sauce later for perfect tenderness.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add your remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it’s soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute to avoid any bitterness.
Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Tomato Paste
Now, stir in your sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they release their juices and begin to brown (about 6 to 8 minutes). Don’t rush—the mushrooms should be glossy and deeply fragrant. Mix in the tomato paste, cooking it out for one minute to let its flavors deepen and mellow.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Give everything a thorough stir and bring to a gentle simmer. These ingredients come together for a sauce that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 6: Return the Beef and Simmer
Add the reserved beef back into the skillet, stirring it well into the sauce. Turn the heat to low and let everything cook together for 10 to 15 minutes, until the beef is ultra-tender and has soaked up all those incredible flavors.
Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and gently stir in the sour cream—this is where the Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe truly becomes irresistibly creamy. Don’t let the sauce boil; just gently warm it through so it stays velvety and smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your finished stroganoff generously over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, then scatter with fresh chopped parsley. Take in that glorious aroma, and get ready for one satisfying meal!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley right before serving—its vibrant green color pops against the rich sauce and adds a hit of freshness. If you want to elevate things further, try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a handful of crisp fried shallots for crunch.
Side Dishes
Classic egg noodles are always a slam dunk with this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe, soaking up every bit of luscious sauce. But creamy mashed potatoes are just as delicious and soaks up the gravy just as well. For balance, pair with simple steamed green beans, buttered peas, or a crisp green salad to brighten up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special twist, serve the stroganoff in individual ramekins over a puff pastry round, or pile it onto toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich. If you’re hosting, consider setting up a “stroganoff bar” with noodles, potatoes, and extra toppings so everyone can build their perfect plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra stroganoff (lucky you!), simply let it cool, then cover and refrigerate within two hours. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Store the noodles or potatoes separately so they don’t soak up too much sauce or turn mushy.
Freezing
This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled stroganoff into airtight containers or freezer bags, lay flat, and freeze up to 2 months. Leave out the sour cream when freezing and add it fresh after thawing for the creamiest results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in fresh sour cream if you left it out for freezing. Gently heat until everything’s just warmed through—avoid boiling so the sauce stays silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and top round are classic choices for the Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe, you can use other tender cuts like ribeye, or even substitute in leftover roast beef in a pinch for a delicious shortcut meal.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
Totally! Swap out sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Use a nonstick skillet and less butter to reduce the fat content, and serve over spiralized zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
What can I use instead of mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can try sautéed zucchini, eggplant, or even extra onions for a different take—though mushrooms really do add that classic taste and umami that defines this dish.
How do I avoid curdling the sour cream?
Always add sour cream off the heat or over very low heat, and never let the sauce boil after adding it. This keeps the sauce smooth and silky—an essential touch for the perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe experience.
Can I make this dish gluten free?
Yes! Toss your beef in a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles or mashed potatoes for serving. The rest of the ingredients in the Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe are naturally gluten free.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe is all about gathering everyone around the table and sharing something both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort meal—give it a try, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff recipe that features tender beef strips in a creamy sauce served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. This Russian-American dish is a hearty main course that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or top round, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Lightly toss the sliced beef with flour, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, sear the beef until browned, then set aside.
- Cook the Stroganoff: Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Add tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer with beef until tender. Stir in sour cream.
- Serve: Season to taste and serve over noodles or potatoes. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Choose tender cuts like sirloin for best results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of dry white wine to the sauce.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative to sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
