Beef Stroganoff is a beloved classic that combines tender beef strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy sauce served over noodles or rice. Originating from Russia, this comforting dish has become a favorite in American kitchens for its rich flavor and ease of preparation. Our Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff recipe is simple to make, uses common ingredients, and avoids pork and alcohol, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The creamy sauce with a hint of tang and savory beef makes every bite satisfying and heartwarming. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This recipe is a winner for many reasons. It’s quick and easy, coming together in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender beef and mushrooms, making it rich and comforting. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes. It’s a family-friendly meal that pleases all ages and fits well into busy schedules. Whether you want a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Stroganoff delivers satisfying flavors without any fuss.
What You’ll Need
To make this Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients that pack big flavor. Start with about 1 pound of beef sirloin or ribeye, sliced thinly for tenderness. You’ll also need 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms—white or cremini work well—plus one medium onion finely chopped. Butter and olive oil provide the perfect base for sautéing, while garlic adds a fragrant punch.
For the sauce, sour cream is essential to get that creamy, tangy texture. To build depth, you’ll use beef broth, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s a brand without any alcohol). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for warmth. Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also serve the dish over rice or mashed potatoes if you prefer.
Having these ingredients ready will make your cooking smooth and enjoyable, resulting in a rich, satisfying Stroganoff everyone will love.
How to Make Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice 1 lb beef sirloin thinly against the grain. Chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Clean and slice 8 oz mushrooms.
- Cook Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook quickly for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine: Return beef to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until beef is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in ½ cup sour cream until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon paprika.
- Serve: Spoon over cooked egg noodles (about 8 oz dry) or your choice of rice or mashed potatoes.
You Must Know
To make the best Beef Stroganoff, use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye and slice thinly for quick cooking. Avoid overcooking the beef to keep it juicy. Fresh mushrooms work best—sauté them until golden for rich flavor. Add sour cream off the heat to prevent curdling. Also, check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s alcohol-free for a perfect umami boost. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get great results every time.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Heat your pan well and don’t overcrowd when searing beef to get a nice brown crust. Cook mushrooms and onions slowly to bring out their sweetness. Simmer the sauce gently to thicken it without heaviness. Stir in sour cream off the heat for a smooth sauce. Taste and season gradually to balance flavors. Following these steps will make your Stroganoff truly delicious and comforting.
Add Your Touch
One of the joys of making Beef Stroganoff is customizing it to your taste. Feel free to add herbs like fresh parsley or thyme for an extra layer of freshness. For a little more tang, a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can brighten the sauce. If you like heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
You can also swap out mushrooms for a mix like shiitake or portobello to add depth, or add peas or spinach for a veggie boost. For a richer sauce, try stirring in a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt alongside the sour cream. These small tweaks let you make the dish your own while keeping the classic comforting feel.
Storing & Reheating
Beef Stroganoff stores well and makes great leftovers. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen it up if it thickens too much.
Avoid microwaving on high as it may curdle the sauce. Instead, reheat on the stovetop, stirring often until warmed through. Proper storage and reheating keep your Stroganoff tasting fresh and delicious, making it perfect for busy days or meal prep.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Making a flawless Beef Stroganoff comes down to a few smart tricks. Always slice your beef thin and against the grain to ensure tenderness. Use room-temperature beef for even cooking and faster browning. Don’t rush the mushroom sauté — let them brown well for deeper flavor. When adding sour cream, take the pan off the heat to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
For extra richness without heaviness, consider a splash of cream or half-and-half alongside sour cream. Also, be mindful of seasoning — Worcestershire sauce adds umami, but balance it with salt and pepper carefully. Lastly, using fresh egg noodles instead of dried can elevate the texture and overall experience. These tips will help you create a restaurant-quality Stroganoff at home every time.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin?
A: Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. Ground beef is less tender but works for a quicker version.
Discover More Delicious Recipes
Q: What can I use instead of sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt or cream cheese are good alternatives, but add them off the heat to prevent curdling.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for thickening and gluten-free noodles or rice.
Q: How do I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream, and use oil instead of butter.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, store the sauce and beef separately from noodles to keep textures fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its tender beef, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce create a timeless combination that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights or special occasions. By following this recipe and tips, you can make a classic Stroganoff free of pork and alcohol, suited for your family’s taste and dietary needs.
Whether you stick to the traditional version or add your personal touch, this dish promises to become a favorite in your home. Its versatility, quick cooking time, and rich flavors make it a reliable go-to meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this Stroganoff and savor every delicious bite.
How to Make an Irresistible Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe Delight
Description
A creamy, comforting classic made with tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
Sear beef in olive oil until browned; set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions and mushrooms in butter until soft.
Add garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, and broth. Simmer.
Return beef, simmer 5 minutes.
Off heat, stir in sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
For added flavor, stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Great with mashed potatoes or gluten-free pasta as a base.