Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Description

Creamy Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food — tender strips of beef smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles or rice. This classic Russian-inspired dish became a Western favorite for its luxurious texture and deep flavor. The balance of tangy sour cream, hearty beef, and earthy mushrooms creates a meal that’s both cozy and elegant — perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients For Creamy Beef Stroganoff

For 4 servings:

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

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)

• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 8 oz (225g) cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef:
   Season the beef strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef quickly in batches until browned (do not overcook). Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté onions until soft and golden, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and become browned.

3. Build the sauce:
   Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Add the beef and cream:
   Return the beef (and its juices) to the pan. Lower the heat and stir in sour cream. Do not boil after adding sour cream—just warm through gently until creamy and smooth.

5. Serve:
   Spoon the stroganoff over egg noodles or rice, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine or brandy before adding broth.

• If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

• Use high-quality beef (like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin) for the most tender results.

• To make ahead: prepare sauce up to step 3, then reheat and finish with sour cream before serving.

Tips

✅ Slice beef against the grain for tenderness.
✅ Don’t overcook the beef — it only needs a quick sear.
✅ Add a small pinch of paprika for depth and color.
✅ Substitute ground beef for a quicker, budget-friendly version.
✅ Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Servings

Serves 4 people
(Approx. 1½ cups stroganoff + 1 cup noodles per serving)

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

• High in protein — supports muscle health and repair.

• Contains B vitamins and iron from beef for energy and blood health.

• Mushrooms add antioxidants and minerals.

• Customizable fat content — use lean beef or light sour cream for a healthier version.

Q & A

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of strips?
A: Yes! Brown 1 lb ground beef, then follow the same sauce steps — it’s quicker and just as tasty.

Q: How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
A: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream gently; never boil after adding it.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream — it’ll still be creamy and flavorful.

Q: What’s the best side dish for Stroganoff?
A: Egg noodles are traditional, but rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles work great.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, but freeze before adding sour cream. Add the cream fresh when reheating for the best texture.