Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

---

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: The combination of sour cream and beef broth creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the tender beef and mushrooms perfectly.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights while still being hearty and satisfying.
• Comfort Food Favorite: This is the ultimate comfort food, with its warming flavors and tender beef served over soft egg noodles.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding more vegetables or using different types of beef.

---

Key Ingredients for Classic Beef Stroganoff

1. Beef

• Use tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or beef tenderloin for the best results. Slice the beef into thin strips for quick cooking.

2. Mushrooms

• Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work well in this dish, adding a savory, earthy flavor.

3. Sour Cream

• Sour cream adds tang and creaminess to the sauce, balancing the rich flavors of the beef and broth.

4. Beef Broth

• Beef broth provides depth and richness to the sauce. Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor.

5. Onion & Garlic

• Onion and garlic create a flavorful base for the dish, adding aromatic depth to the sauce.

6. Butter & Flour

• Butter and flour are used to create a roux, which helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture.

---

How to Make Classic Beef Stroganoff

This simple yet flavorful beef stroganoff comes together quickly for a hearty, satisfying meal. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Sear the Beef

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound of thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in the hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté 1 medium onion (finely chopped) and 3 cloves of minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Sour Cream

• Lower the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Return the seared beef to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes until heated through and the beef is cooked to your liking.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

---

Tips for Making the Best Beef Stroganoff

1. Use Tender Cuts of Beef

• Tender cuts like sirloin or beef tenderloin are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and remain tender in the creamy sauce.

2. Don’t Overcook the Beef

• Sear the beef quickly at high heat to develop flavor, but don’t overcook it during this step. It will finish cooking when simmered in the sauce.

3. Thicken the Sauce

• The roux (butter and flour mixture) helps thicken the sauce. Be sure to cook the flour for a minute to remove the raw taste before adding the broth.

4. Add Sour Cream at the End

• Stir the sour cream into the sauce at the end of cooking to prevent it from curdling. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little more beef broth.

5. Serve Immediately

• Beef stroganoff is best served fresh and hot, as the sauce will thicken as it cools. Reheat gently if making ahead.

---

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Stroganoff

• Substitute chicken breast or thigh strips for the beef, and use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter version.

2. Vegetarian Stroganoff

• Use a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant instead of beef. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian option.

3. Spicy Stroganoff

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier take on the classic dish.

4. Crockpot Stroganoff

• For a slow-cooked version, combine all the ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the sour cream just before serving.

5. Gluten-Free Stroganoff

• Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free to adapt the recipe for gluten sensitivity.

---

FAQs: Classic Beef Stroganoff

1. Can I Make Beef Stroganoff Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

2. Can I Freeze Beef Stroganoff?

• Beef stroganoff can be frozen, but the sauce may separate slightly when thawed. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

3. What Can I Serve with Beef Stroganoff?

• Beef stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles, but it also pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

4. How Do I Prevent the Sour Cream from Curdling?

• To prevent curdling, stir the sour cream into the sauce at the very end of cooking over low heat. Avoid adding it when the sauce is too hot.

[tasty-recipe id=”3429″]