A beautifully plated bowl of creamy beef stroganoff with tender beef and egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley, perfect for a classic beef stroganoff recipe.

Get ready to enjoy a truly comforting classic! This easy beef stroganoff recipe brings together tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a surprisingly quick dish that delivers on traditional flavor without all the fuss. We’ll guide you through each step to create a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

You’ll find plenty of reasons to make this easy beef stroganoff a new family favorite. It combines incredible flavor with simple preparation, perfect for busy evenings.

This dish is a fast weeknight dinner solution, coming together quicker than you might expect.
You’ll savor its incredibly rich and savory flavor, thanks to deeply browned beef and caramelized mushrooms.
Enjoy tender beef and perfectly cooked mushrooms enveloped in a luscious, tangy cream sauce.
This recipe is easily customizable to fit various dietary needs or ingredient preferences.
It serves as the ultimate comfort food, ideal for any cozy occasion or family gathering.

Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delectable beef stroganoff recipe:

2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil
2 pounds thinly sliced top sirloin
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 thinly sliced white or yellow onion
1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
3 finely minced cloves of garlic
1/3 cup brandy
3 cups beef stock
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon coarse ground mustard
1 ½ cups sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped parsley + more for garnish
1- pound wide egg noodles, boiled and strained
Coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this classic beef stroganoff recipe with a few simple tweaks. For neutral oil, use canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Instead of top sirloin, try filet mignon or boneless ribeye for extra tenderness. White, yellow, or sweet onions all work wonderfully here. Feel free to use wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster alongside cremini for a deeper flavor. If you prefer to omit brandy, substitute it with red wine, extra beef stock, or even water. For the beef stock, bone broth or vegetable stock can also be used. Both coarse ground mustard and Dijon mustard offer a delicious tang to the sauce. Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can replace sour cream for a similar creamy texture. Any width of egg noodles will do, or try serving it over mashed potatoes.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this fantastic meal. These essential items will help you prepare your easy beef stroganoff recipe:

A large frying pan or rondeau is perfect for searing and sauce-making.
You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients.
A large pot is essential for boiling the egg noodles.
A whisk will help you create a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Instructions

Creating this comforting beef stroganoff recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal!

Prepare your ingredients: Thinly slice your beef, onion, and mushrooms, and mince the garlic.
Sear the beef: Add the oil to a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Once it begins to smoke lightly, sear the beef until lightly browned, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Set the seared beef aside on a plate.
Sauté aromatics: Add the butter to the same pan. Cook the onions and mushrooms until they are deeply caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step builds great flavor.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Combine and deglaze: Return the seared beef to the pan. Pour in the brandy and cook until it’s almost completely absorbed, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all that flavor.
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the beef stock, add the bay leaves, and stir in the coarse ground mustard. Bring the mixture to a medium-high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid reduces by about one-third.
Cook noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook your wide egg noodles according to package directions. Drain them well.
Finish the sauce: Remove the bay leaves. Whisk in the sour cream, then season generously with coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously once the sour cream is added.
Serve: Toss the finished sauce and beef with the strained egg noodles. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results for your beef stroganoff recipe with these helpful pointers.

Pro Tips

Caramelize vegetables slowly: Let your onions and mushrooms cook until they are deeply browned and sweet; this creates a rich base flavor.
Use a wide pan: A large frying pan allows ingredients to spread out, promoting even searing and caramelization.
Sear beef properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear beef in batches over high heat for a beautiful crust and tender interior.
Reduce sauce to consistency: Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This concentrates the flavors.
Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and even mustard levels before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan while searing: This steams the beef instead of searing it, preventing a good crust. Work in batches.
Not fully reducing the brandy: Ensure the alcohol cooks off completely for the best flavor; it should be almost absorbed.
Boiling sour cream vigorously: High heat can cause sour cream to curdle. Whisk it in off the heat or reduce heat to low.
Undercooking or overcooking noodles: Follow package directions carefully for perfectly tender, not mushy, noodles.

Variations

This adaptable beef stroganoff recipe can be tweaked for different cooking methods or dietary needs.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Brown beef and sauté vegetables first, then combine all ingredients (except sour cream and noodles) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in sour cream before serving.
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff: Use the sauté function to brown beef and vegetables. Add stock and seasonings, pressure cook for 10-12 minutes. Release pressure, then stir in sour cream and cooked noodles.
Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegetarian): Omit the beef and double the amount of mushrooms. Consider adding smoked paprika for an earthy, savory depth.
Chicken Stroganoff: Swap the beef for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious beef stroganoff with classic accompaniments.

Egg noodles are the traditional choice and perfectly soak up the creamy sauce.
Creamy mashed potatoes offer another comforting base for the rich sauce.
Offer side dishes like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
A side of crusty bread is excellent for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

Storage & Make-Ahead

This beef stroganoff is best enjoyed fresh, right after preparation.

Refrigeration

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing & Reheating

Freezing: For best results, freeze the sauce and beef separately from the noodles. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce is too thick. Avoid boiling, especially with the sour cream.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this delicious beef stroganoff recipe:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	735 kcal
Carbohydrates	61 g
Protein	49 g
Fat	29 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Trans Fat	0.2 g
Cholesterol	197 mg
Sodium	387 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3 g
Monounsaturated Fat	10 g
Potassium	1161 mg
Vitamin A	526 IU
Vitamin C	3 mg
Calcium	140 mg
Iron	4 mg
Serving Size	1 serving

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best cut of beef for stroganoff?
Top sirloin is an excellent choice for its balance of tenderness and flavor. Other great options include filet mignon, boneless ribeye, or even beef tenderloin tips.

According to culinary experts, selecting a tender, well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye is crucial for juicy beef stroganoff. For more insights into meat cuts, The Wellness Blog offers a guide to the best meat for beef stroganoff.

Can I omit the brandy from the recipe?
Yes, you can easily omit the brandy. Substitute it with an equal amount of beef stock, red wine for depth, or even water without significantly altering the final beef stroganoff recipe flavor profile.

How do I prevent my sour cream from curdling?
To prevent curdling, remove the pan from the heat or reduce it to very low before whisking in the sour cream. Avoid bringing the sauce to a vigorous boil after the sour cream has been added.

What can I serve with beef stroganoff besides noodles?
Beyond classic egg noodles, you can serve stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or even a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A simple green salad or crusty bread also makes a great accompaniment.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free egg noodles or serve the stroganoff over rice or mashed potatoes. Ensure your beef stock is certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free meal.

Conclusion

This easy beef stroganoff recipe proves that incredibly rich, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. With tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s a dish that truly satisfies. Give this classic a try tonight and discover why it remains a beloved family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderfully simple yet sophisticated meal!