There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy dish that brings together tender strips of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious sauce that hugs every bite just right. This Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly that kind of meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with deep, rich flavors, and feels like a cozy hug at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this classic recipe promises satisfaction with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe, you’ll want to keep things straightforward with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role: butter and olive oil bring richness and help with browning, mushrooms offer earthiness and texture, and the blend of broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard builds that signature tangy, savory sauce. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- 1 pound beef sirloin or tenderloin: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps develop a golden crust on the beef.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents burning at higher heat.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle, aromatic kick.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and juicy, they soak up flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup beef broth: The base for the rich, savory sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a little tang for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle sharpness that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides color and a warm, smoky nuance.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings the creamy finish and balances the acidity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect cling.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice, cooked: The classic base or a gluten-free alternative.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens and freshens each serving with a burst of green.
How to Make Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add those thin slices of beef, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Sear them quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Then, remove the beef and set it aside. This step locks in juicy flavor and forms the foundation for your stroganoff.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In that same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it softens and turns translucent, about 2 minutes. This soft base lends subtle sweetness and balances the savory elements to come.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic and Mushrooms
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them together until the mushrooms tenderize and start to brown, releasing their earthy juices—this usually takes around 5 minutes. The aroma alone at this stage is worth the wait!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir everything together in the skillet, letting these flavors meld. This combination gives your Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe its signature tang and depth, elevating the dish beyond a simple stew.
Step 5: Return Beef and Simmer
Slide the seared beef back into the skillet with the sauce. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to mingle and the beef to soak in the wonderful, savory juices.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Turn the heat down low and stir in the sour cream, which transforms the sauce with its creamy, tangy richness. If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings beautifully to every bite, mix the cornstarch with a little water and stir it in now. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until perfectly luscious.
Step 7: Serve it Up
Serve your homemade stroganoff over a bed of cooked egg noodles or fluffy rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, colorful finish that invites you to dig right in!
How to Serve Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here; it adds a pop of color and a mild, clean herbal note. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of chopped chives or a dollop of additional sour cream can also be delightful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own over noodles or rice, but you can also serve it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for contrast. The bright, fresh veggies help balance the hearty richness of the stroganoff perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe, consider stuffing it into puff pastry for mini stroganoff pot pies, or layering it over mashed potatoes for a comforting casserole. These variations bring new life to a beloved classic and make for a memorable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with a little rest, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your stroganoff longer, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that freezing may change the texture of the sour cream slightly, but it will still taste delicious once reheated.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid curdling the sour cream. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick, stirring frequently until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or tenderloin are ideal for tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use ribeye or even flank steak if sliced thinly. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
The sauce can be made ahead and stored separately, but for best results, add the sour cream and combine with beef just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
What if I don’t have egg noodles or rice?
No worries! Mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables make excellent bases for the stroganoff, each bringing their own texture and flair.
Is this Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Definitely! It’s quick to prepare, with a total time of just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect hearty meal even on busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like home with every bite, the Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe is ready to become your new go-to. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to make. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a delicious, comforting classic that never goes out of style!
Print
Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
This Simple Beef Stroganoff recipe features tender slices of beef sirloin cooked with mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a creamy sour cream sauce. Enhanced with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika, it delivers a rich and comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Served over egg noodles or rice and garnished with parsley, it’s a hearty classic made easy.
Ingredients
Beef Stroganoff
- 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 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 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Cook Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Simmer Beef and Sauce: Return the seared beef to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Thicken: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream gently. If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For tender beef, slice the meat thinly against the grain.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, do not skip the cornstarch step.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Egg noodles provide a traditional base, but rice works well for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
