Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty beef stroganoff tickles nostalgic memories of comforting family dinners from decades past.

Grandmothers across America perfected this classic dish through generations of careful cooking.

Rich cream and tender meat combine in a surprisingly simple preparation that connects us to culinary traditions.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious without complicated techniques.

Mushrooms and sour cream create an irresistible sauce that hugs each pasta strand.

Classic ingredients promise a delightful dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Dive into this timeless recipe and rediscover why comfort food never goes out of style.

What You’ll Need for Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff

• Beef Sirloin: Rich, tender meat perfect for stroganoff, best when thinly sliced against the grain.
• Eggs Noodles: Classic base for stroganoff, provides comforting starch foundation.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with tangy depth.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with sautéing and finishing noodles.

• Onions, Mushrooms: Provides earthy, savory base notes and texture.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Deepens overall meat flavor and helps create sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex umami and slight tanginess.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes sharp, bright undertone to sauce.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors.
• Paprika: Optional spice for subtle warmth and color.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for fresh, herbal finish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps coat beef and thicken sauce.

Cooking Traditional Beef Stroganoff at Home

Step 1: Prepare Beef Coating

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss sliced beef with dry ingredients until evenly covered.

Step 2: Sear Meat Perfectly

Heat butter and olive oil in large skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer cooked meat to separate plate.

Step 3: Develop Vegetable Base

In same skillet, saute onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.

Step 4: Create Rich Sauce

Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard into skillet. Scrape browned bits from pan bottom. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Elements

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Paprika

Blend until sauce becomes smooth and consistent.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return seared beef to skillet. Simmer for additional 5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 7: Prepare Serving Base

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Optional: Toss with butter after draining.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Spoon stroganoff over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Top with fresh parsley and extra sour cream if desired.

Stroganoff Tips That Elevate the Flavor

• Flour Coating Trick: Lightly dust beef with flour to create a delicate, crispy exterior that helps seal in juices and develops a rich, golden-brown color during searing.
• Batch Searing Strategy: Cook beef in small batches to maintain high skillet temperature, ensuring a perfect caramelized crust without steaming the meat.
• Cream Sauce Smoothness: Reduce heat before adding sour cream and heavy cream to prevent curdling, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Use Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to add depth and complexity, enhancing the traditional stroganoff taste profile.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice to accommodate different preferences and make the dish more adaptable for various meal settings.

Keeping Beef Stroganoff Delicious for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the stroganoff and noodles separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain food quality.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to preserve flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.

Side Pairings for Old-Fashioned Stroganoff

• Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Merlot that complements the rich, creamy beef stroganoff and cuts through its velvety sauce.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding fresh, tangy notes that refresh the palate.
• Serve roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips seasoned with herbs, providing a caramelized texture and earthy undertones that enhance the stroganoff's savory profile.
• Offer warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an additional layer of flavor and textural contrast.

Classic and Creative Stroganoff Variations

• Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace beef with sliced portobello mushrooms or seitan for a plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour for cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when coating proteins. Choose gluten-free egg noodles or serve over quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sour cream and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free butter alternative when preparing noodles to create a lactose-free version of the classic recipe.

FAQs About Beef Stroganoff Recipes

• What is the secret to tender beef in stroganoff?

Coating the beef in flour before searing helps create a light crust and keeps the meat tender. Quick searing at high heat locks in the juices and prevents the meat from becoming tough.

• Why use both butter and olive oil for cooking?

The combination allows for a higher cooking temperature without burning. Butter adds rich flavor, while olive oil prevents butter from scorching and provides a nice sear on the meat.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute beef with pork tenderloin, chicken breast, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

• How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Lower the heat to medium-low before adding sour cream and heavy cream. Stir constantly and gently to incorporate the cream smoothly into the sauce without separating.

Why This Beef Stroganoff Stays a Classic

• Delivers a hearty, nostalgic meal that reminds you of home-cooked dinners with rich, creamy flavors.
• Prepares in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious yet fast dinner solution without complicated techniques.
• Transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant preparation, yet requires minimal culinary skills to execute perfectly.
• Easily adaptable to serve over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences and pantry availability.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef stroganoff delights palates with rich, creamy sauce and tender meat melding classic Russian flavors. Comfort cuisine arrives quickly, promising delicious satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a timeless culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cooking and Aromatic Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 1 cup beef broth

Garnish and Accompaniments:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles (or mashed potatoes/rice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra sour cream for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Coat sliced beef with seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coverage and light dusting.
2. Create a golden sear on beef in a preheated skillet with butter and olive oil, working in batches to prevent overcrowding and achieve rich caramelization.
3. Transfer browned beef to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful meat juices.
4. Within the same skillet, gently sauté onions and mushrooms until they become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
5. Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast to enhance its robust flavor profile.
6. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, incorporating Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to capture the delectable browned bits from the skillet’s surface.
7. Allow the liquid to gently reduce and concentrate flavors, creating a harmonious sauce base.
8. Reduce heat and incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, and paprika, whisking until the mixture transforms into a velvety, smooth consistency.
9. Reintroduce the seared beef to the creamy sauce, allowing it to simmer and meld flavors while slightly thickening.
10. Simultaneously prepare egg noodles according to package guidelines, optionally tossing with butter for added richness.
11. Plate the stroganoff atop noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, creating an inviting presentation.
12. Embellish with fresh parsley and an optional dollop of sour cream for a final touch of elegance.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by slicing against the grain to ensure maximum softness and easier chewing.
• Pat beef dry before flouring to help create a better golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Use high-quality beef like sirloin or tenderloin for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Choose full-fat sour cream and heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious sauce texture.
• Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
• Add a splash of white wine during deglazing for extra depth and complexity in the sauce.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and simmering time – longer simmer means thicker sauce.
• Enhance umami flavor with a small amount of mushroom powder or additional Worcestershire sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg