Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a cozy, creamy dinner that feels both comforting and practical, which is exactly why it’s stayed popular for so long. Tender beef, a rich sauce, and simple pantry ingredients come together in a way that feels familiar and satisfying. It’s especially loved on busy evenings, during cold weather, or when you need a family meal that doesn’t require extra planning. I usually reach for this recipe when I want something warm and filling without turning cooking into a long project. It’s easy to serve, easy to reheat, and comforting enough to feel like a small reward at the end of the day.

a plate of creamy beef stroganoff on 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for real-life cooking. The flavors are rich and comforting without being heavy, and the steps stay simple enough for weeknights. It’s budget-friendly, stretches well for leftovers, and works with ingredients you probably already have. The sauce comes together quickly, making it a great option when time feels short but expectations are still high. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and freezer-friendly, which makes it easy to save and come back to later. Beef stroganoff is one of those meals that feels familiar and flexible, giving you room to adjust without losing that comforting, homemade feel everyone loves. Looking for more hearty meals? Check out these ground beef recipes for dinner for easy and delicious ideas.

a plate of creamy beef stroganoff on

Ingredients

Tip: Use tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the best texture.

  • 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
all ingredients for beef stroganoff neatly arranged

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Slice the beef into thin strips and let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes. Slice the onion and mushrooms, and measure out the broth and sour cream so everything is ready when the pan gets hot.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat oil in a wide skillet and cook the beef quickly until lightly browned and just cooked through. Remove it from the pan. Add butter, onions, and mushrooms, cooking until soft, golden, and fragrant.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until it disappears. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring as the sauce thickens and looks smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings, letting the mixture gently bubble.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce turns creamy and glossy. Add the beef back to the pan and simmer briefly until warmed through and coated in sauce.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This meal comes together in one pan and doesn’t require long cooking time or special prep. You can slice ingredients ahead of time and cook everything quickly when needed. Leftovers reheat well, making beef stroganoff a great option for planned lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Tips & Tricks

  • Slice against the grain: Cutting the beef this way keeps it tender. Slicing with the grain can make even good cuts feel chewy, which is a common issue when the sauce is otherwise perfect.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook beef in batches if needed. Too much at once releases moisture and prevents browning, which affects both texture and flavor.
  • Keep heat low for sour cream: High heat can cause curdling. Lowering the temperature before adding it keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
  • Season gradually: Broth and Worcestershire already add salt. Taste near the end to avoid an overly salty sauce that’s hard to fix.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Add cooked ground beef or extra sliced steak for a heartier dish. Brown it separately and mix it in at the end. This makes the meal even more filling and works well when feeding larger families.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace the beef with extra mushrooms or a mix of mushrooms and lentils. Cook them until deeply browned for flavor, then follow the rest of the recipe as written.
  • Ingredient swap: If sour cream isn’t available, plain Greek yogurt can work. Add it off the heat and stir gently to keep the sauce creamy without separating.
  • Flavor or herb boost: A pinch of paprika, dried thyme, or fresh parsley at the end adds warmth and freshness without changing the comforting base of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over egg noodles
    Serve the sauce over wide egg noodles for a classic, cozy presentation. The noodles soak up the creamy sauce and make the meal feel extra comforting.
  • With mashed potatoes
    Creamy potatoes pair well with the rich sauce and turn this into a filling family-style dinner that feels perfect for cold evenings.
  • Alongside steamed vegetables
    Simple green beans or peas balance the richness and keep the meal feeling lighter without extra prep.
  • Casual bowl-style serving
    Serve beef stroganoff in deep bowls with a little extra sauce on top for an inviting, cozy look that’s easy to enjoy.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage
    Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it just as enjoyable the next day.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and stir often for even warming.
  • Freezing
    Freeze without the sour cream for best texture. Add it fresh after reheating to keep the sauce smooth. Frozen portions keep well for up to 2 months.
  • Make-ahead tips
    You can prepare the sauce base ahead of time and add sour cream and beef when reheating. This keeps everything tasting fresh and creamy.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not required
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains approximately 400–500 calories and 25–35 grams of protein. It also provides iron from the beef and calcium from the dairy. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients, substitutions, and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prepare and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Overcooking the beef can make it tough.

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well.

Add a little broth while reheating.

Up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Beef stroganoff is one of those comforting meals that fits naturally into everyday cooking. It’s flexible enough to adjust, easy to store, and satisfying without feeling complicated. You can serve it different ways, reuse leftovers, or tweak the ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen. This recipe is meant to be saved, shared, and made again when you need something warm and reliable. Beef stroganoff brings that cozy, familiar feeling to the table, making it a meal people look forward to enjoying together.

Beef Stroganoff
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Beef Stroganoff

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Beef Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook beef quickly until just browned. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and mushrooms and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic.
  • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Slowly pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  • Lower heat and stir in sour cream until smooth. Add beef back to the pan and cook gently until warmed through. Do not boil.

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