Delicious Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Easy Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance

My grandma’s classic beef stroganoff recipe carries memories of cozy weekend dinners that always made everyone smile.

Tender strips of beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce create pure comfort on a plate.

Family gatherings meant watching her skillfully blend sour cream and mushrooms into a magical combination.

German immigrants brought this dish to america, perfecting a recipe that has delighted generations.

Hearty egg noodles provide the perfect base for catching every delectable drop of sauce.

Our kitchen always filled with anticipation when this classic meal was being prepared.

You can recreate these cherished moments with just a few simple ingredients and some love.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Beef Stroganoff

  • Store leftover beef stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based sauces, as texture might separate.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce from breaking. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
  • Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of broth to maintain sauce consistency. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

Sides That Go with Stroganoff Like a Dream

  • Select medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Merlot that complement the rich, creamy beef dish with their smooth tannins and balanced flavor profiles.
  • Prepare a tangy green salad with light vinaigrette dressing to cut through the stroganoff's heavy creaminess, providing refreshing contrast and balancing the meal's richness.
  • Serve warm, crusty artisan bread or garlic-herb focaccia to soak up the delectable sauce, adding textural interest and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the stroganoff's incredible flavor.
  • Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots to introduce a caramelized, slightly charred element that beautifully complements the stroganoff's savory-creamy character.

Ingredient Substitutions for Stroganoff

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace beef with plant-based protein like seitan, portobello mushrooms, or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for coating beef. Use gluten-free tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free. This version keeps the creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Lighter Beef Stroganoff: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and replace heavy cream with low-fat milk. Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or tenderloin to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Classic Beef Stroganoff You’ll Want to Keep

  • Quick and easy beef stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Professional-tasting recipe allows home cooks to impress family and guests with minimal culinary skills, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated dinner experience.
  • Affordable beef cuts and pantry staples combine to produce an elegant dish that feels luxurious without breaking the bank, making it an economical yet satisfying dinner option.
  • Adaptable recipe works for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions, appealing to both kids and adults with its creamy, comforting flavors and hearty texture.

Ingredients That Make This Classic Beef Stroganoff Stand Out

Meat:
  • Beef Strips: Tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, best with sirloin or tenderloin for softness.
  • Flour: Light coating for beef that helps create a golden crust and thickens sauce.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic enhancers for bringing out beef's natural flavors.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds depth and tanginess to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Rich, umami-packed liquid for complex flavor profile.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that provide sweet and pungent base notes.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds texture and woodsy flavor to stroganoff.
Dairy and Liquids:
  • Beef Broth: Rich liquid base that builds sauce's depth and moisture.
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creamy components that create smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
Cooking Fats:
  • Oil, Butter: Versatile cooking mediums for searing meat and sautéing vegetables.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Egg Noodles: Traditional pasta partner that soaks up delicious sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step to Cook Traditional Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare Beef For Sizzling

  • Beef strips
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Coat beef strips thoroughly with flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat skillet with oil over medium-high temperature. Sear beef in quick batches, creating beautiful golden edges. Cook each side swiftly for maximum flavor. Transfer browned pieces to separate plate.

Step 2: Develop Vegetable Base

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Mushrooms

Slide onions into hot skillet, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic, letting aromatic flavors bloom. Introduce sliced mushrooms, cooking until they release moisture and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Pour broth into skillet, mixing with Worcestershire and mustard. Scrape delicious browned bits from pan bottom. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, concentrating incredible flavors.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Goodness

  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream

Lower heat and gently incorporate sour cream and heavy cream. Stir until sauce becomes silky smooth. Return seared beef to skillet, allowing meat to absorb sauce’s rich flavors.

Step 5: Serve With Excitement

Cascade stroganoff over warm egg noodles. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy immediately while steaming hot.

Tips for Creating a Stroganoff Sauce with Great Texture

  • Sear Beef Perfectly: Pat beef strips dry before flouring to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Prevent Sauce Curdling: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding sour cream and stir gently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without separating.
  • Mushroom Tip: Use fresh mushrooms like cremini or white button for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they're sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free version of the classic dish.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of dry white wine or a teaspoon of paprika to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity and richness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Delicious Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Delicious Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic beef stroganoff weaves Russian culinary heritage with comforting, creamy elegance. Tender strips of beef, silky sour cream sauce, and fragrant mushrooms create a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

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

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz (225 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Coat beef strips thoroughly with flour, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and create a protective layer for searing.
  2. Heat skillet with oil and quickly sear beef strips in small batches, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, caramelize onions until translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to awaken its aromatic qualities.
  4. Add mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to release moisture and develop a deep golden-brown color through consistent stirring and patient cooking.
  5. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, incorporating Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to create a complex, savory foundation. Scrape accumulated browned bits from skillet bottom to maximize flavor depth.
  6. Reduce sauce slightly, concentrating its robust flavors and creating a harmonious base for the creamy components.
  7. Gently fold sour cream and heavy cream into the sauce, maintaining low heat to prevent curdling. Stir until a smooth, luxurious texture is achieved.
  8. Reintroduce seared beef to the creamy sauce, allowing meat to finish cooking and absorb surrounding flavors for maximum tenderness.
  9. Serve stroganoff immediately over warm egg noodles, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Tenderize beef by slicing against the grain for maximum softness and easier chewing.
  • Use high-quality sour cream at room temperature to prevent sauce from separating during cooking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when coating beef.
  • Enhance umami flavor by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of mushroom powder during sauce preparation.
  • Vegetarian alternative: Swap beef with plant-based protein like cremini mushrooms or seitan for similar texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent sauce from breaking.
  • Freeze sauce separately from noodles to maintain optimal texture when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star