Comforting and Creamy Beef Stroganoff – A Classic Dish Made Easy

Beef Stroganoff is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly seasoned flavors, it’s a timeless comfort food that has been loved for generations. Originally from Russia, this dish has traveled the world, picking up unique variations along the way. Whether served over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, it’s a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table.

This recipe is inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s take on Beef Stroganoff but with a few twists to make it even more approachable for home cooks. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich & Creamy: The sauce is incredibly velvety, with just the right balance of flavors.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables for a delicious meal.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)

How to Make Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. This helps it cook quickly and stay tender. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef strips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should become golden brown and slightly tender. If they release a lot of liquid, let it cook off before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the mushrooms and stir in the Dijon mustard. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits (this adds amazing flavor). Let the broth simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Worcestershire Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Return the Beef to the Pan

Add the seared beef back to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through and cooked to your desired doneness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.

Helpful Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff

• Use the Right Cut of Beef: Sirloin or tenderloin works best because they’re tender and cook quickly. Avoid tougher cuts unless slow-cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Since the beef is sliced thin, it cooks fast. Sear it quickly and let it finish cooking in the sauce to keep it tender.
• Balance the Flavors: The Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang, while the mustard enhances the depth of the dish. Adjust these to your taste preference.
• Make It Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or sour cream, adding it at the very end to prevent curdling.
• Serving Suggestions: While egg noodles are the classic choice, try serving it over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or even roasted veggies for a low-carb option.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Russian-inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if served without noodles or with gluten-free pasta)

Notes

• Best Beef for Stroganoff: Tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin work best since they cook quickly and stay juicy. Avoid tougher cuts unless slow-cooking.
• Mushroom Variations: Cremini or white mushrooms are commonly used, but you can experiment with shiitake or baby bella for a deeper flavor.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) at the end.
• Substitutes for Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or sour cream. Add them at the end and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Reheating Tips: When reheating, do so over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to bring back the creamy consistency.
• Serving Ideas: Egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can also serve Stroganoff over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or rice, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Beef Stroganoff Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and beef ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and add the beef back in just before serving.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I Freeze Beef Stroganoff?

The sauce freezes well, but cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture after thawing. If freezing, do so before adding the cream, then stir it in after reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?

If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or sour cream. Just be sure to add it at the end and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Related Recipes

If you love this Beef Stroganoff, here are a few other cozy and delicious dishes you might enjoy:

• Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comforting Classic for Any Night of the Week
• Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles: A Timeless Comfort Food
• Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comfort Food Classic
• Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Beef Stroganoff has remained a favorite for generations—it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out!

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