How to Make Beef Stroganoff: A Complete Guide with Recipes

Introduction

Beef stroganoff is a classic dish that originated in Russia. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or even special occasions. Made with tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce, this dish is both delicious and filling. In this article, we’ll explore how to make beef stroganoff from scratch, including common mistakes to avoid, tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time, quick and easy recipes for busy weeknights, vegetarian alternatives, and healthier versions of this classic dish.

How to Make Classic Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

The traditional beef stroganoff recipe consists of beef, mushrooms, onions, sour cream, and egg noodles. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare four servings:

1 lb. beef tenderloin or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
1/2 cup sliced onions
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp. flour
2 tbsp. butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Egg noodles, cooked according to package directions

Here’s how to prepare and cook this classic dish in just a few easy steps:

In a skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and sauté until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until everything is coated.
Slowly add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir and cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Return the beef to the skillet and cook until it’s heated through and coated in the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Using the wrong cut of beef. Tenderloin or sirloin work best for stroganoff.
Overcooking the beef. You want it to be tender and juicy, not tough and dry.
Not letting the mushrooms brown enough. This step is important for flavor.
Adding the sour cream too early. It can curdle if you add it before the liquid has thickened.
Not seasoning the dish enough. Be sure to add enough salt and pepper to taste.

10 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Beef Stroganoff Every Time

Here are our top 10 tips for making perfect beef stroganoff:

Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest and most delicious sauce.
Slice the beef against the grain to make it more tender.
Add a splash of red wine for added depth of flavor.
Top with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor.
Use a mix of mushrooms, such as button, shiitake, and cremini, for a more complex flavor.
Try using a different type of meat, such as pork or chicken, for a twist on the classic.
Make extra sauce for leftover meals.
Use a slow cooker for an even easier preparation method.
Try serving over mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles.
Add sautéed bell peppers for a colorful and tasty addition to the dish.

Beef Stroganoff for Busy Weeknights: Quick and Easy Recipe Ideas

If you’re short on time but still crave a delicious beef stroganoff, try these quick and easy recipes:

Ground Beef Stroganoff: In a skillet, brown 1 lb. of ground beef. Drain any excess fat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender. Add 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp. paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff: In a slow cooker, combine 2 lbs. beef stew meat, 1 diced onion, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp. paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over cooked egg noodles.
One-Pan Beef Stroganoff: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb. sliced sirloin steak and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 diced onion and 1 cup sliced mushrooms. Cook until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender. Add 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup uncooked egg noodles. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are cooked and the liquid has reduced. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream.

Meal prep tip: Cook the egg noodles in advance and store them in the fridge for up to three days. This will save you time and make meal prep even easier.

Beyond Beef: Creative Ways to Make Vegetarian Stroganoff

If you’re a vegetarian, or simply want to try a plant-based version of this classic dish, here are three meatless alternatives to beef stroganoff:

Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff: In a skillet, cook 4-6 sliced Portobello mushrooms until browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. Add 2 tbsp. butter to skillet and sauté 1 diced onion until it’s translucent, about 2-3 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tbsp. cornstarch, 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard. Add the mixture to the skillet and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Return the mushrooms to the skillet and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Tofu Stroganoff: Press 1 lb. of extra firm tofu to remove any excess water. Cut into cubes and sauté in a skillet until lightly browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 1 cup sliced mushrooms until tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tbsp. cornstarch, 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard. Add the mixture to the skillet and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Return the tofu to the skillet and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Mushroom Stroganoff: In a skillet, cook 1 lb. sliced mushrooms until browned and tender, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. Add 2 tbsp. butter to skillet and sauté 1 diced onion until it’s translucent, about 2-3 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tbsp. cornstarch, 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard. Add the mixture to the skillet and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Return the mushrooms to the skillet and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Healthier Beef Stroganoff: Lightened-Up Versions of the Classic Dish

For those who want to enjoy beef stroganoff without all the calories and fat, try these healthier alternatives:

Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Substitute ground turkey for beef and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein than sour cream, making it a healthier alternative.
Whole Wheat Pasta Stroganoff: Swap the egg noodles for whole wheat noodles. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and protein than regular pasta, so it will keep you feeling full for longer.
Sautéed Veggies Stroganoff: Load up on the veggies and use them as a substitute for noodles. Sautéed zucchini, squash, cauliflower, or broccoli are good options. This will add more nutrient density to your plate and keep your carb count lower.

Health benefits: By making these healthier choices, you’ll be able to enjoy this classic comfort food guilt-free. Greek yogurt is lower in fat than sour cream and contains probiotics, which promote gut health. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and protein, which helps with digestion and satiety. Veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which all contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or simply want to make healthier choices, beef stroganoff can be adapted to fit your needs. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make this classic dish from scratch and impress your family and friends. Alternatively, try our quick and easy recipes for busy weeknights or experiment with creative variations. This comforting and filling meal is perfect for any occasion.