Cozy Beef Stroganoff Recipe, Made Simple
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Beef Stroganoff, especially on a calm weekend when you have a little extra time in the kitchen. I love how this classic Russian-inspired dish wraps tender beef and earthy mushrooms in a luscious, creamy sauce that feels both indulgent and homey.
You’ll find this Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for anyone looking to bring a bit of cozy magic to the dinner table. It’s approachable, forgiving, and endlessly comforting—classic vibes with a modern twist.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting this dish, I’ll guide you through every step so that your version turns out golden, joyful, and packed with that happy “done right” feeling. Let’s dive in!
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, rich, and thoughtfully textured.
- Friendly technique: Clear steps built for home success.
- Easy to personalize: Swap in seasonal twists without stress.
- Make-ahead smart: Prep components to save time on busy days.
Ingredient Lowdown
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose tender cuts for quick cooking; sirloin is ideal for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth; you can try shallots for a milder touch.
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced: Button or cremini mushrooms work beautifully—offer earthiness and juicy texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for softness and that rich, toasted flavor in cooking veggies and beef.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce to the perfect velvety consistency.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides savory depth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work well.
- 1 cup sour cream: The creamy star that brings tang and silkiness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A punch of umami that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season thoughtfully to balance every bite.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: Classic pairing to soak up every bit of sauce; feel free to swap for wide pasta or even cauliflower rice for a twist.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens and adds a fresh herbal note at the end.
Set Up for Success
Before you start, get all your ingredients prepped and ready—this mise en place technique makes the cooking flow so much easier. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness, chop onions evenly, and have your mushrooms cleaned and sliced. I also like to loosen up my pan with butter first and keep everything close at hand.
Tools & Kitchen Gear
Helpful tools that make this Beef Stroganoff Recipe smooth from start to finish—plus optional extras for efficiency and precision.
Step-by-Step: Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Cook the egg noodles: Follow package instructions, aiming for tender but still firm noodles. Drain and set aside—these noodles will soak up the sauce beautifully, so don’t skip this step.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onions and mushrooms, stirring frequently until they’re soft, fragrant, and just starting to caramelize. You’ll notice the kitchen fills with a warm, toasty aroma here.
- Brown the beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the sliced beef. Let it brown naturally without crowding the pan—this step locks in juiciness and adds a rich, golden crust.
- Thicken with flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned beef and veggies. Stir well to coat; this will help thicken your sauce without lumps, ensuring a silky finish.
- Add beef broth gradually: Pour in beef broth little by little while stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble gently—a sign you’re building a deep, luscious base.
- Finish with sour cream and Worcestershire sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce carefully. Avoid boiling here to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Serve over noodles: Pile the steaming, golden Beef Stroganoff sauce over egg noodles and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Chef’s Notes & Success Tips
Expert insights on texture, timing, and flavor balance to help your Beef Stroganoff Recipe turn out beautifully every time.
Flavor Twists for Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Switch mushrooms seasonally—try shiitake in fall for a deeper umami profile.
- Add a splash of white wine when deglazing for a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for herbal notes that pair beautifully with beef.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce without losing creaminess.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a gently smoky warmth.
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken if you want a gluten-free take.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftover Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors develop beautifully overnight.
- Freeze portions without noodles to maintain texture; defrost gently in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce without drying it out.
- Cook and store noodles separately to avoid them becoming mushy.
- Prep mushrooms and onions ahead to save time on busy evenings.
Beef Stroganoff Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! Tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin work well. Just make sure to slice thinly for quick cooking.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping regular flour with a gluten-free alternative and choosing gluten-free noodles.
- Can I use cream instead of sour cream? Yes, but sour cream adds a distinctive tang that balances richness—cream will be richer but milder in flavor.
- What’s the best way to prevent the sour cream from curdling? Always stir it in over low heat and avoid boiling after adding it; gentle warming keeps it smooth.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? You can substitute beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This classic Beef Stroganoff recipe features tender strips of beef sirloin simmered in a creamy mushroom and onion sauce, perfectly served over egg noodles. Rich and comforting, this dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients
Beef Stroganoff
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking until they are soft and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides but still tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce base: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently without boiling to avoid curdling the sour cream.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef stroganoff sauce over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use tender cuts of beef such as sirloin or tenderloin for best results.
- Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling; just warm through gently.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free noodles.
- You can add a splash of white wine before adding the beef broth for additional depth of flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
