Easy Beef Stroganoff

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Easy Beef Stroganoff

Easy Beef Stroganoff

This Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender strips of beef and earthy mushrooms in a luxuriously creamy sauce. Ready in about an hour, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant yet hearty meal. It’s the perfect comforting dinner for a cozy family gathering or a special weeknight treat.

How to Make Beef Stroganoff

I remember the first time I tasted a traditional Beef Stroganoff during a chilly autumn evening years ago. The rich, savory aroma that filled the kitchen promised a meal that was both comforting and sophisticated. I’ve since perfected my version, making it a staple for our family’s Sunday dinners, often pairing it with my favorite garlic mashed potatoes or serving it as the main attraction for a game day dinner. It’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it balances elegance with homestyle ease. Whether I’m hosting a small dinner party or simply craving something deeply satisfying, this stroganoff delivers every time. The process of slowly building the sauce, from searing the beef to deglazing the pan, is a culinary ritual I genuinely cherish.

What Makes This Beef Stroganoff Special

  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Deep, savory notes from seared beef and red wine create a complex sauce.
  • Surprisingly Simple: Uses one pan for easy cooking and even easier cleanup.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This creamy, hearty dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen overnight, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Beef Stroganoff

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

  • Beef Sirloin: Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  • Cremini Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor is essential for an authentic stroganoff taste.
  • Dry Red Wine: A Pinot Noir adds acidity and depth to the sauce base.
  • Beef Broth: Use low-sodium to control the salt level of your final dish.
  • Sour Cream: Full-fat and room temperature ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Wide Egg Noodles: The classic choice for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Easy Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff

Make this classic Beef Stroganoff with tender beef strips in a creamy mushroom sauce served over egg noodles. Perfect comfort food dinner ready in 85 minutes.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Russian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon
  • whisk
  • pot
  • paper towels
  • plate

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds beef sirloin cut into 1/2-inch thick strips
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature
  • 12 ounces wide egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Pat the beef sirloin strips completely dry with paper towels. Season the beef generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the finely chopped yellow onion and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are well browned, and the onions are softened and translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the 1/2 cup of dry red wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices from the plate to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, ensuring it is at room temperature to prevent curdling. Mix until the sour cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy. Do not bring the sauce to a boil after adding the sour cream, as it can cause it to separate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • While the stroganoff simmers, cook 12 ounces of wide egg noodles according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles well.
  • Serve the Beef Stroganoff immediately over the cooked egg noodles, garnished with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Ensure the sour cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream.
Keyword Beef Stroganoff, comfort food, egg noodles

Creative Stroganoff Variations

  • Chicken Stroganoff: Substitute sliced chicken breast for a lighter version.
  • Mushroom Lover’s: Double the mushrooms for an extra earthy, vegetarian-friendly option.
  • Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour and serve over gluten-free pasta.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Stroganoff

  • Pat the Beef Dry: This is crucial for achieving a deep, caramelized sear instead of steaming.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear the beef in batches to ensure each piece browns properly.
  • Room Temperature Sour Cream: Adding it off the heat prevents the sauce from curdling.
  • Season as You Go: Layer flavor by seasoning the beef and tasting the sauce before serving.
Cozy Serving of Beef Stroganoff

How to Store and Reheat Beef Stroganoff

  • Store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze without noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the entire stroganoff sauce a day ahead and gently reheat it before serving with freshly cooked noodles, similar to my method for crockpot Salisbury steak meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for Beef Stroganoff?

Beef sirloin is ideal for stroganoff because it’s tender and cooks quickly. You can also use tenderloin for a more luxurious version. Tougher cuts like chuck roast require much longer, slower cooking to become tender.

Can I make Beef Stroganoff without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the red wine with an equal amount of additional beef broth. For extra depth, add a teaspoon of red wine vinegar to the broth to mimic the wine’s acidity.

Why did my sour cream curdle in the stroganoff?

Curdling usually happens if the sour cream is too cold or added while the sauce is boiling. Always take the pan off the heat and use room temperature sour cream, stirring gently to incorporate.

What can I serve with Beef Stroganoff besides egg noodles?

This creamy sauce is delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta. For a lower-carb option, try serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

More Hearty Beef Dinners to Try

Why This Beef Stroganoff Is a Favorite

With its tender beef and luxuriously creamy sauce, this Beef Stroganoff is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s remarkably easy to make from scratch yet delivers a depth of flavor that feels truly special. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table for years to come.