Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Discover a classic comfort food perfect for any evening with this creamy beef stroganoff recipe. You’ll create a rich, savory beef dinner recipe that’s surprisingly simple to master, even for beginners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef: Use sirloin, chuck, or stew meat, cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Mushrooms: Fresh cremini or white button mushrooms are ideal.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the best creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the seasoning.
- Egg Noodles: A traditional pairing, but you can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1.5 lbs beef (sirloin, chuck, or stew meat), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz egg noodles
Spices:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 550 (approximate)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or Dutch oven, large pot for noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your beef with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Simmer
Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
4. Cook the Noodles
While the beef simmers, cook your egg noodles according to package directions in a separate large pot of salted boiling water. Drain thoroughly.
5. Finish with Creaminess
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully combined and the sauce is smooth. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your creamy beef stroganoff immediately over the hot egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This makes a fantastic beef dinner recipe for any occasion.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a dash of paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added greens.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even polenta instead of noodles.
- Use different types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for varied texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover creamy beef stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent the sour cream from curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can use chuck roast or stew meat, but you may need to simmer it longer for tenderness.
Q: Why did my sour cream curdle?
A: Sour cream can curdle if added to a boiling sauce or over high heat. Always remove the pan from the heat before stirring it in.
Q: Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
A: While you can freeze the beef and mushroom mixture, the sour cream sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q: What can I use instead of egg noodles?
A: You can serve this beef dinner recipe over rice, mashed potatoes, or even quinoa.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering broth before adding the sour cream.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the beef and mushroom base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the sour cream and cook the noodles just before serving.
