Alton Brown Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Cozy Dinner Magic

Beef stroganoff weaves a tantalizing tapestry of comfort and culinary elegance that transforms mundane meals into extraordinary experiences.

This classic Russian-inspired dish dances with rich, velvety textures and profound umami undertones that captivate every sense.

Tender beef strips melt effortlessly against a backdrop of silky, robust sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers gourmet sophistication.

Earthy mushrooms nestle within the creamy landscape, adding depth and complexity to each sublime forkful.

Sour cream introduces a bright, zesty note that cuts through the dish’s luxurious intensity, preventing heaviness and ensuring a balanced bite.

Strategic slow-cooking techniques unlock the meat’s most tender potential, elevating this recipe from simple sustenance to a culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to savor every decadent moment of this unforgettable stroganoff journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Alton Brown’s Beef Stroganoff

• Chuck Roast: Choose a well-marbled cut with minimal visible fat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Select fresh, high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced meat seasoning.

• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control dish's saltiness and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Onions: Pick firm, glossy onions without soft spots for crisp, sweet aromatic base.
• Beef Broth: Select low-sodium broth to manage overall dish saltiness and control seasoning.
• Dijon Mustard: Choose smooth, tangy mustard for depth and slight sharpness in sauce.

• Sour Cream: Select full-fat sour cream for luxurious, velvety sauce consistency.
• White Wine: Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for subtle acidity.
• Mushrooms: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms without blemishes for earthy undertones.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for smooth sauce thickening without clumping.
• Egg Noodles: Select wide, fresh egg noodles for classic stroganoff presentation.

Tools for Alton’s Creamy Stroganoff Success

• Large Skillet: Spacious pan perfect for searing beef and creating rich sauces.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precisely cutting chuck roast into even strips.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for trimming and slicing meat safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring onions and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season meat and add precise amounts of ingredients.
• Whisk: Smooth tool for blending flour and broth without lumps.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving stroganoff over noodles.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures correct liquid and ingredient proportions.

Making Beef Stroganoff with Alton’s Steps

• Prep Beef Strips

Slice chuck roast into lean, uniform strips after removing excess fat. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

• Sear and Caramelize

Heat skillet on medium and melt butter. Quickly brown beef strips until golden exterior develops, creating rich flavor foundation.

• Build Flavor Layers

Push seared beef aside and sauté onions until softened and translucent. Sprinkle flour over pan juices, whisking smoothly to create creamy base.

• Create Silky Sauce

Pour beef broth gradually, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and bubbles. Blend dijon mustard for depth and complexity.

• Slow Simmer

Reduce heat and cover skillet, allowing beef to become meltingly tender over gentle heat for approximately one hour.

• Finishing Flourish

Introduce sour cream, white wine, and sliced mushrooms. Simmer briefly to marry flavors and adjust seasoning to taste.

• Serve Deliciously

Ladle rich stroganoff over steaming egg noodles, presenting a comforting meal bursting with hearty goodness.

Tricks to Perfect Stroganoff Flavor and Texture

• Choose the Right Cut: Select well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. Trim excess fat carefully to ensure clean, lean meat strips.
• Mushroom Magic: Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, or wild mushrooms to add depth and earthy notes to the stroganoff.
• Wine Wisdom: Swap white wine with dry sherry or brandy for a more intense, sophisticated flavor profile. Each option brings a unique complexity to the sauce.
• Dietary Swap: Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Substitute beef with chicken or plant-based protein for alternative dietary needs.

How to Plate Beef Stroganoff from Alton Brown

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to bring a bright, fresh note to the hearty beef stroganoff.
• Add Crisp Side Salad: Complement the dish with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, savory flavors.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a complete and satisfying meal.

Save and Reheat Alton’s Stroganoff Smoothly

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer stroganoff to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Properly stored, the meal stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm stroganoff gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Portion and Prep: Divide stroganoff into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness. Keep noodles separate from sauce until serving to prevent soggy pasta.

Hearty Alton Brown Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s beef stroganoff combines classic Russian comfort with modern culinary techniques. Hearty beef strips mingle with rich sour cream sauce over egg noodles, offering a satisfying meal that delights home cooks and dinner guests alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) beef chuck roast
• 4 oz (113 g) butter
• 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can condensed beef broth
• 1 (6 oz/170 g) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• ⅓ cup white wine
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 4 green onions, sliced (white parts only)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp prepared mustard
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Meticulously trim chuck roast, removing excess fat, then slice into uniform strips. Season robustly with salt and ground black pepper.
2. Searing Foundation: Activate a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until golden and aromatic. Swiftly sear beef strips to develop a caramelized exterior, creating depth of flavor.
3. Aromatics Development: Introduce chopped onions to the seared meat, sautéing until translucent and lightly caramelized. Create a flavor base by allowing onions to mingle with beef drippings.
4. Sauce Construction: Dust flour over pan juices, forming a roux. Gradually stream beef broth, whisking diligently to craft a silky, lump-free sauce. Integrate mustard for complex undertones.
5. Braising Technique: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow beef to braise gently for approximately one hour. This slow-cooking method ensures extraordinary meat tenderness and flavor infusion.
6. Final Refinement: During concluding cooking moments, delicately incorporate sour cream, white wine, and sliced mushrooms. Calibrate seasoning, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop rich, nuanced flavors.
7. Presentation: Cascade the sumptuous beef mixture over steamed noodles, ensuring each serving is lavishly draped with the luxurious, velvety sauce.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Matters: Trim chuck roast meticulously, removing all excess fat to ensure tender, lean beef strips that cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor.
• Searing Secrets: Brown meat quickly over medium heat to develop a deep caramelized crust, which locks in juices and creates rich, complex flavor profiles.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk broth gradually and consistently to prevent lumpy roux, creating a silky sauce that coats the beef perfectly without separation.
• Timing is Critical: Braise beef slowly for one hour to break down tough muscle fibers, transforming chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat that’s packed with depth and richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg