Beef Stroganoff is the epitome of cozy comfort food—a luscious, creamy sauce hugging tender slices of beef, hearty egg noodles, and savory mushrooms. This timeless Russian-inspired dish has earned its place in kitchens worldwide for its rich, hearty flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers flawless results every time. With a few pro tips and quality ingredients, you can elevate this classic to restaurant-level excellence.
Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a critical role in building the dish's complex layers of flavor:
- 12 ounces egg noodles: The ideal base for soaking up the creamy sauce, providing texture and heartiness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and is used to sauté the beef, onions, and mushrooms.
- 1 ½ lbs thinly sliced beef steak (such as petite shoulder): Offers tender, flavorful bites. Petite shoulder is budget-friendly yet tender; substitutions like ribeye or sirloin also work.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Balances the savory beef with its natural sweetness.
- 12 ounces cremini mushrooms: Deep, earthy flavor that complements the sauce. Creminis are more flavorful than white button mushrooms.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates the base for the sauce while allowing control over salt levels.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and tang, enhancing the beefy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle, tangy sharpness that balances the creaminess.
- ⅔ cup sour cream: The star of the sauce, delivering tangy creaminess.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Egg Noodles
- Boil the egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions.
- Drain well and set aside. For extra flavor, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
2. Sear the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef slices in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until browned on both sides.
- Remove the beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
- Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan.
- Add the chopped onions and cremini mushrooms, cooking over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until the onions soften and the mushrooms are golden brown.
4. Build the Base
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Create the Sauce
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Finish with Sour Cream
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked beef and noodles to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce.
- Warm over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless yet elegant: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe comes together in under an hour.
- Customizable: Easily swap beef cuts, mushrooms, or pasta to suit your preferences or pantry.
- Rich and creamy: The tangy sour cream and savory sauce coat every noodle and morsel of beef beautifully.
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Stroganoff
- Choose the right beef: Petite shoulder, ribeye, or sirloin ensures tenderness and flavor. Avoid tough cuts like stew meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the beef in batches to achieve a good crust. Overcrowding releases too much moisture, preventing browning.
- Use fresh mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms can work in a pinch.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, use reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season at every stage: Layering salt and pepper enhances the depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Serve with a crisp green salad: A vinaigrette-dressed salad balances the richness of the Stroganoff.
- Complement with wine: A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a dry white like Chardonnay works beautifully.
Conclusion
This Beef Stroganoff recipe is your ticket to an indulgent, satisfying meal that will impress anyone lucky enough to have a plate. Its creamy sauce, tender beef, and hearty noodles create a symphony of flavors and textures. Plus, it's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining. With these expert tips and step-by-step guidance, you’ll make a Stroganoff so good, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ready to savor the ultimate comfort food? Start cooking this irresistible Beef Stroganoff today!