Beef Stroganoff
Tender strips of beef and sautéed mushrooms bathed in a rich, creamy sour cream sauce. This classic Russian comfort food is perfect served over buttery egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the beef
- a.Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels and season generously with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. This helps create a good sear.
- 2
Sear the beef
- a.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add half the beef in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until deeply browned. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef.
- 3
Sauté aromatics
- a.Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt, cooking for 7-9 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Build the sauce
- a.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Combine and finish
- a.Reduce the heat to low. Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from the heat entirely and let it cool for 1-2 minutes. This is crucial to prevent curdling. Stir in the room-temperature sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve. While the stroganoff is finishing, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Serve the beef stroganoff immediately over the hot noodles, garnished with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender beef, use a quality cut like sirloin, ribeye, or beef tenderloin and slice it thinly against the grain.
- 2Ensure the sour cream is at room temperature and add it off the heat to prevent the sauce from splitting or curdling.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the beef. Searing in batches ensures each piece gets a beautiful, flavorful brown crust.
- 4For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of brandy or dry white wine after cooking the mushrooms and before adding the flour.
- 5Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms provide a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or even meatballs for a different take on the classic.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the beef and double the amount of mushrooms. Use a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the flour for a smoky depth, or stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill with the parsley at the end for a more traditional Eastern European flavor.
Cream AlternativeCream Alternative
If you don't have sour cream, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy, creamy finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
Rich in B Vitamins
This dish is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12 from beef and B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin) from mushrooms. These vitamins are crucial for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Provides Essential Minerals
Beef provides highly absorbable iron, which is vital for preventing anemia, as well as zinc and selenium, which support immune function and antioxidant defenses.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Beef Stroganoff, including about 1.5 cups of the stroganoff and a portion of egg noodles, contains approximately 900-950 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and sour cream.