Introduction

Beef Stroganoff is a rich, comforting dish that originated in Russia during the 19th century and quickly became popular around the world. It features tender strips of beef simmered in a luscious mushroom and onion gravy, enriched with tangy sour cream. Served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate hearty meal for cozy evenings.

The classic flavor combination of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce makes this recipe timeless. This version is straightforward yet indulgent, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about Beef Stroganoff, and this classic recipe delivers rich flavors and creamy indulgence in every bite. What I love most is how tender strips of beef are cooked to perfection and combined with earthy mushrooms in a luscious sour cream sauce that’s both savory and tangy. Served over egg noodles or rice, every forkful is a satisfying mix of tender beef, creamy sauce, and flavorful mushrooms that warms the soul.

This recipe is a celebration of classic comfort food. The sour cream adds a silky richness that balances the savory beef and mushrooms, creating a harmonious and indulgent dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough to impress guests, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

For me, this dish is a must-have because it’s more than just beef and noodles—it’s a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. The creamy sauce, tender meat, and earthy mushrooms create a combination that’s classic, timeless, and always a hit with family and friends.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Sour Cream is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful classic that brings warmth to any meal. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Tender, Juicy Beef – The beef is cooked to perfection, remaining tender and flavorful in every bite.
2. Rich, Creamy Sauce – The combination of sour cream and mushrooms creates a luscious, savory sauce that coats every strand of pasta or spoonful of rice beautifully.
3. Comfort Food Favorite – This dish is warm, filling, and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
4. Simple Yet Elegant – Using everyday ingredients, this recipe transforms a simple meal into a classic, restaurant-quality dish at home.
5. Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults, its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a go-to recipe for family meals and special occasions alike.

Trying this recipe guarantees a rich, comforting, and indulgent meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 calories per serving (varies depending on portion size and side dish)

Ingredients

For the Stroganoff:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for coating beef)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 10 oz (280g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Pat beef strips dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. (Optional) Lightly dust with flour for a thicker sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef in batches, searing for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through.
3. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
2. Add onions and mushrooms; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
2. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Beef & Sour Cream

1. Return beef (and any juices) to the pan.
2. Stir in sour cream until sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until beef is just cooked through. Do not boil (to avoid curdling the sour cream).

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

How to Serve

• Traditionally served over buttered egg noodles, but rice or creamy mashed potatoes work just as well.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
• A glass of red wine, like Pinot Noir, complements the flavors beautifully.

Additional Tips & Variations

• Meat Swap: Use ground beef for a budget-friendly version.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach or peas for more color and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and plant-based butter.
• Thicker Sauce: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) at the end.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without noodles for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat; add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp chef’s knife

FAQ

Q: Can I make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce and beef in advance, store separately from noodles, and reheat gently.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely — chicken breasts or thighs work great; just adjust cooking time.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for this dish?
Tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye work best because they cook quickly and stay tender.

Q: My sauce curdled — what happened?
This usually happens if sour cream is added to boiling liquid. Lower the heat before adding it.

Conclusion

Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Sour Cream is a timeless comfort dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a silky sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners, romantic evenings, or impressing guests. Once you master this classic, it will become a permanent part of your recipe collection.