We’ve all been there – craving something rich and comforting but lacking the time for complicated cooking. That’s exactly why we fell in love with this easy beef stroganoff recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes.
This classic Russian dish has won hearts worldwide with its tender beef strips swimming in a creamy, tangy sauce served over egg noodles. Our simplified version skips the fussy techniques while keeping all the soul-warming goodness you expect from traditional stroganoff.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something extraordinary. We’re talking about succulent beef that melts in your mouth, a velvety sauce that coats every noodle perfectly, and flavors that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or impressing dinner guests, this foolproof stroganoff delivers every single time.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Our streamlined ingredient list ensures you can create this restaurant-quality dish using items you likely already have in your kitchen.
For the Beef Stroganoff
- 1 pound beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped for garnish
- Additional sour cream for serving
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls (optional)
Equipment Needed
Creating this delicious beef stroganoff requires only basic kitchen equipment that most home cooks already have on hand. We’ve streamlined our equipment list to ensure you can make this comforting meal without any specialized tools or gadgets.
Essential Cookware:
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended for even cooking)
- Medium pot for cooking egg noodles
- Sharp knife for slicing meat and vegetables
- Cutting board (preferably one designated for meat)
Measuring and Mixing Tools:
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring
- Small bowl for mixing flour slurry (if thickening sauce)
Additional Helpful Items:
- Tongs for handling beef strips
- Ladle for serving
- Strainer or colander for draining noodles
The beauty of our easy beef stroganoff recipe lies in its simplicity. We designed this recipe specifically to work with common kitchen equipment that doesn’t require special purchases or storage space. Our non-stick skillet serves as the primary cooking vessel where we’ll brown the beef and build the creamy sauce all in one pan.
Most home kitchens already contain these basic tools. We recommend using a 12-inch skillet to provide adequate space for browning the beef without overcrowding. This size allows proper heat distribution and prevents the meat from steaming instead of searing.
Our streamlined approach means you won’t need multiple pans or complicated equipment setups. The entire stroganoff comes together in approximately 30 minutes using just these essential tools.
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create our delicious beef stroganoff from start to finish. We’ve organized the process into four manageable stages that will have you serving this comforting dish in just 30 minutes.
Prep the Ingredients
Slice 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin steak into 1 1/2 by 1/2 inch strips across the grain for maximum tenderness. Cut 8 ounces fresh mushrooms into even slices and thinly slice 2 medium onions. Mince 1 garlic clove finely to distribute flavor throughout the dish.
Measure out 1/4 cup butter and set it aside with 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Prepare your seasonings by gathering 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup flour for the sauce base. Have 1 1/2 cups sour cream ready at room temperature and cook 3 cups of egg noodles according to package directions.
Cook the Beef
Heat your large skillet over medium heat and add the beef strips in a single layer. Cook the beef until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt completely. Sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic in the butter until the onions become tender and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove this mixture from the skillet and set aside with the beef.
Make the Sauce
Return the beef to the skillet and add 1 cup of beef broth, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes to tenderize the beef.
Mix the remaining 1/2 cup broth with flour in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this flour mixture into the beef and add the mushroom mixture back to the pan. Bring everything to a boil while stirring constantly for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Finish
Remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes creamy and hot. Avoid boiling the mixture once the sour cream is added to prevent curdling.
Serve the creamy beef and mushroom sauce immediately over the hot cooked egg noodles. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Traditional wide egg noodles remain our top choice for serving this easy beef stroganoff recipe. The broad flat surface of these noodles captures the creamy sauce perfectly while providing the authentic texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Rice offers an excellent alternative base that transforms the meal into a different culinary experience. Long grain white rice works particularly well as it absorbs the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and heartier texture for those seeking a more wholesome option.
Mashed potatoes create an incredibly comforting combination that elevates the stroganoff to ultimate comfort food status. The creamy potatoes complement the sauce beautifully and provide a substantial foundation for the tender beef and mushrooms.
Creamy polenta brings an Italian twist to this Russian classic. Its silky texture pairs wonderfully with the stroganoff sauce and offers a sophisticated presentation for dinner parties or special occasions.
Fresh herbs make a important difference in both flavor and visual appeal. We recommend chopping fresh parsley or green onions just before serving to add a bright contrast to the rich cream sauce. These garnishes provide a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the hearty dish.
| Serving Base | Cooking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wide egg noodles | 8-10 minutes | Traditional presentation |
| White rice | 18-20 minutes | Lighter option |
| Mashed potatoes | 20-25 minutes | Ultimate comfort |
| Creamy polenta | 15-20 minutes | Elegant dinner |
Additional sour cream on the side allows diners to customize their portions according to personal preference. Some guests prefer extra richness while others enjoy the stroganoff as prepared.
Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls make perfect accompaniments for soaking up any remaining sauce. These additions ensure nothing goes to waste and provide textural variety to the meal.
Storage and Reheating
Our easy beef stroganoff tastes just as delicious the next day when stored and reheated properly. Following these simple storage guidelines ensures you can enjoy this creamy comfort dish throughout the week.
Refrigerator Storage
We recommend transferring leftover beef stroganoff to an airtight container as soon as it cools to room temperature. Store the stroganoff in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and food safety. The creamy sauce and tender beef will keep their flavor and texture when properly sealed away from air exposure.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, we suggest moving completely cooled stroganoff into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Our stroganoff freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months without losing its rich taste. Thaw the frozen stroganoff overnight in your refrigerator before reheating for the best results and even heating throughout.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Airtight container |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags |
Reheating Instructions
We prefer reheating stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat while stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating. Alternatively, you can microwave the stroganoff in a microwave-safe dish covered loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring between each cycle until evenly hot. Avoid boiling the stroganoff after adding sour cream to prevent curdling, heating just until warmed through to preserve that signature creamy texture.
Recipe Variations
We love how versatile this stroganoff recipe can be to accommodate different dietary preferences and cooking methods. These variations maintain the same creamy comfort food appeal while offering fresh takes on the classic dish.
Mushroom Stroganoff
We can easily transform this recipe into a satisfying vegetarian option by focusing entirely on mushrooms as the star ingredient. Instead of beef, we use a combination of cremini, portobello, and button mushrooms totaling about 1.5 pounds for rich, meaty texture. We substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor profile. The cooking method remains nearly identical: we sauté the mushrooms until golden, add onions and garlic, then create the same creamy sauce with sour cream. This version delivers all the comfort of traditional stroganoff while being completely meat-free.
Chicken Stroganoff
We find chicken stroganoff offers a lighter alternative that still satisfies those creamy comfort food cravings. We substitute 1 pound of boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into strips for the beef, seasoning them with salt and pepper before searing. The chicken cooks faster than beef, requiring only 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. We follow the same process for mushrooms and onions, then create the sauce using chicken broth instead of beef broth. The result is a delicate yet satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with the same egg noodle base.
Slow Cooker Version
We appreciate how the slow cooker method transforms this 30-minute meal into a hands-off cooking experience perfect for busy days. We combine the beef strips, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, minced garlic, beef broth, and seasonings directly in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes fork-tender. The key difference is adding the sour cream or Greek yogurt only during the final 15 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling. This method allows the flavors to develop more deeply while requiring minimal active cooking time.
Tips for Perfect Beef Stroganoff
We’ve discovered that mastering beef stroganoff comes down to understanding a few key techniques that transform this simple dish into something extraordinary. Our years of testing have shown that choosing lean ground beef eliminates excess grease while maintaining rich flavor throughout the cooking process.
Mushroom preparation makes all the difference in achieving restaurant quality results. We recommend avoiding overcooking these delicate fungi since they should remain browned and tender rather than becoming mushy. Sliced white button mushrooms work best when cooked until they develop a golden color and release their natural moisture.
Temperature control becomes crucial when incorporating dairy ingredients into our stroganoff. We always remove the skillet from heat before stirring in sour cream to prevent curdling. Gentle simmering allows the sauce to develop complex flavors without breaking the creamy consistency that defines this classic dish.
Sauce thickness can be customized based on personal preferences. We adjust our sour cream quantity from 1/3 to 1/2 cup depending on desired richness. Adding the sour cream gradually while stirring ensures smooth integration with the beef and mushroom mixture.
Timing plays a vital role in serving the perfect stroganoff. We serve our dish immediately over freshly cooked egg noodles or rice to maintain optimal texture. Hot noodles absorb the creamy sauce better than cooled pasta.
Flavor enhancement comes from incorporating a packet of brown gravy mix with the beef broth for deeper richness. We’ve found this simple addition creates a more complex sauce without requiring additional cooking time.
Fresh parsley serves multiple purposes in our stroganoff preparation. This bright herb adds visual appeal while providing a fresh herbal note that balances the heavy cream sauce. We always reserve some chopped parsley for final garnishing to maintain vibrant color and maximum flavor impact.
Seasoning adjustments should happen at the end of cooking. We taste our stroganoff before serving and add salt and pepper as needed since the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth already contain sodium.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you just how simple it is to create restaurant-quality beef stroganoff right in your own kitchen. This 30-minute recipe delivers all the rich creamy flavors you crave without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of our variations there’s a stroganoff option for every taste preference and dietary need. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and forgiving nature – perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Now it’s time to grab your skillet and start cooking. We’re confident this easy beef stroganoff will become a regular rotation meal in your household just like it has in ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make beef stroganoff?
This easy beef stroganoff recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. The streamlined cooking process uses one pan for most of the preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What type of beef is best for stroganoff?
Beef sirloin or tenderloin work best for this recipe because they’re tender and cook quickly. These cuts provide the perfect texture for stroganoff without requiring long cooking times. Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I make beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can store leftover beef stroganoff in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for 2-3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain the creamy sauce texture and prevent curdling.
What can I serve with beef stroganoff besides egg noodles?
While wide egg noodles are traditional, you can serve beef stroganoff over white rice, brown rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. Each option provides a different texture and flavor profile while still complementing the creamy sauce perfectly.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Remove the skillet from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling. The residual heat will be sufficient to warm the sour cream and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Never add cold sour cream to a hot pan directly.
Can I make a vegetarian version of stroganoff?
Yes, you can make Mushroom Stroganoff by substituting a mix of mushrooms for the beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The same creamy sauce technique applies, creating a satisfying vegetarian alternative with rich, earthy flavors.
What kitchen equipment do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need basic equipment most home cooks already have: a large non-stick skillet, medium pot for noodles, sharp knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon, and a small bowl for mixing. The one-pan approach minimizes cleanup.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Adjust the sauce consistency by varying the amount of sour cream you add. For a thicker sauce, use more sour cream or add a flour slurry. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more beef broth until you reach your desired thickness.
