Creamy Classic Beef Stroganoff: a Weeknight Winner

Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Creamy Weeknight Winner!

By Amara Vitalis June 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Alright, here's that section of the article, all written as if we're just chatting over a cuppa, right? Let me know what you think.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving something rich, creamy, and totally comforting? Honestly, that’s how I stumbled upon my love for the beef stroganoff recipe . The incredible blend of flavors is just heavenly.

Brief Overview

Beef stroganoff, with its roots in 19th-century russia, is proper posh nosh. it's a simple meal for one or a dinner idea with red meat for the whole family.

My version? it's a medium difficulty dish, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves 4-6 hungry souls. think downton abbey but in a bowl!

Main Benefits

This isn't just tasty; it's also got a decent protein punch! plus, it's the perfect easy delicious family dinner to impress without slaving away for hours.

What makes this recipe special is the depth of flavor. you know? it's like a warm hug on a plate, and it is a crowd pleaser, trust me.

What's the Story with Beef Stroganoff Gravy Anyway?

So, the secret to a cracking beef stroganoff recipe? it's all in the stroganoff gravy, innit? it has to be silky smooth and packed with flavour.

It needs to be just right! the other day, i read somewhere that martha stewart beef stroganoff included an extra splash of sherry.

Blimey, what a revelation!

Ingredients for the Best Stroganoff Noodles Recipe

To get started, you'll need:

1.5 lbs (680g) of beef sirloin, cut into thin strips.
One medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
8 oz (225g) of cremini stroganoff mushroom , sliced.
Sour cream. Full fat is best, yeah?
Egg beef stroganoff noodles , of course!

Honestly, finding good quality beef is half the battle. And don't skimp on the mushrooms! Cremini adds such a depth of flavour.

Alright, let's chat about the heart of any beef stroganoff recipe : the ingredients and the kit you'll need. Honestly, it's simpler than you might think!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Right, so for this gorgeous beef stroganoff recipe , we're aiming for flavour. for the beef, you will need 1.

5 lbs (680g) of sirloin or ribeye. thinly sliced. i mean thinly ! about 1/4 inch will do. if it’s tough? no amount of cooking will fix it.

And 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil for searing the beef.

You will also need 1 medium yellow onion. finely chopped, please. and 2 cloves of garlic. minced, obvs. a teaspoon of paprika, too.

Sweet or smoked. your call. and some salt and pepper ( 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon respectively). i learned the hard way: bad beef in, bad stroganoff out.

For the sauce, get 8 oz (225g) of cremini mushrooms. sliced. 2 tablespoons (30g) of butter, some dry sherry or white wine (optional, but adds a certain je ne sais quoi ), 2 tablespoons (15g) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240ml) of beef broth, 1/2 cup (120ml) of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard.

And lastly, 1 teaspoon of worcestershire sauce. oh, and some parsley. because, why not? that's optional and you will need 2 tablespoons .

I have been working on this beef stroganoff gravy for years. my nan always said, "good ingredients make a good cook", and she was never wrong.

Especially for easy delicious family dinners like this one.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

Okay, listen up. the right spices can make or break a dish. paprika is key. it adds colour and a subtle smokiness.

You can add more for your liking. the dijon mustard is important. a good dijon adds a tang that balances the richness of the cream.

Oh my gosh! worcestershire sauce? pure umami magic.

Stroganoff noodles recipe ? That's another chapter!

Don't have sherry? No worries. A splash of white wine works just as well. You could also sub in soy sauce for that umami kick. Just a dash.

Thinking dinner ideas with red meat ? this beef stroganoff recipe is pure gold, especially when you need a simple meal for one or a comforting dish for the whole family.

The stroganoff mushroom flavour really shines through.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Right, you don't need fancy gadgets for this martha stewart beef stroganoff level recipe. just a large skillet or dutch oven is perfect for this stroganoff gravy .

A cutting board and sharp knife. you know, standard stuff. measuring cups and spoons. honestly, you could even get away with a large frying pan if that’s all you’ve got.

Alright, let's get into making some proper good food, shall we? i'm talking about a beef stroganoff recipe that's so tasty, you'll be licking your plate clean.

Seriously, this is one of those easy delicious family dinners that everyone will love, even the picky eaters. you know?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let’s get organized. this is the essential mise en place , mate. chop up 1 medium yellow onion finely.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . slice 8 oz of cremini mushrooms . cut 1.5 lbs of beef sirloin into thin strips.

Mix 1 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper into a bowl. got it? good.

This way you won't be scrambling about like a headless chicken later.

Stroganoff step-by-step: Simple as Pie (Almost!)

Right then, here's the lowdown on how to make this stroganoff gravy dream a reality:

Toss the beef in that spice mixture.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium high. Brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam.
Remove the beef and add the onion . Cook 'til soft (about 5 minutes ). Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute . Smells lush, doesn't it?
Chuck in 2 tablespoons of butter and the mushrooms . Cook for 8- 10 minutes . Until they’re soft and have released their moisture.
Sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of flour . Cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 1 cup of beef broth . Make sure it's smooth!
Simmer for 5- 7 minutes until thickened.
Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce . Don't boil it! .
Add the beef back in, heat it through, and garnish with parsley. Bob's your uncle!

Pro Tips: Stroganoff Secrets

Want to take your Beef Stroganoff recipe to the next level? Here's how:

Don't skimp on the beef: Quality matters!
Stroganoff mushroom prep is crucial. Slice 'em evenly for consistent cooking.
Avoid boiling the sour cream . Seriously. Low and slow is the key. You could add a little Stroganoff Gravy that's been cooled to temper the sour cream before adding to the main dish to avoid any curdling.

Honestly, this simple meal for one (or four!) is a lifesaver. leftovers are fab, too. it's one of my go-to dinner ideas with red meat , alongside a nice stroganoff noodles recipe ! it’s not quite martha stewart beef stroganoff but it has my own personality.

Don't forget to try it with beef stroganoff noodles , you won't regret it!

Alright, so you've got your beef stroganoff recipe ready to go. ace! but hold on a tick, before you dive in and start scoffing it down, let's talk about some key bits and bobs.

These are my recipe notes , based on things i've learned over years of cooking up a storm.

Serving It Up Right: Plating & More

Think about making your martha stewart beef stroganoff worthy presentation. a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of parsley - it makes all the difference.

For complementary sides , you can't go wrong with a simple green salad. it's a real easy and simple meal for one .

Also, consider what you want to drink. i've found that stroganoff mushroom dishes pair nicely with a crisp white wine.

Storage Savvy: Keep It Fresh

Pop it in the fridge! you can keep your lovely stroganoff in an airtight container for 3-4 days. honestly, it's even better the next day.

The flavours have more time to get to know each other.

Fancy freezing it? go for it. just make sure it's properly cooled first. freeze for up to 3 months. when reheating, defrost it properly, and gently reheat on the hob, stirring often.

Watch out, though! sometimes the sauce can split a bit.

Stroganoff Shenanigans: Variations

Need to adapt the recipe? No worries. For a Stroganoff Gravy that's gluten-free, swap the flour for cornstarch. Sorted.

Feeling seasonal? Chuck in some wild mushrooms in autumn. Or maybe some asparagus in spring. Remember, you can also easily make Dinner Ideas With Red Meat for all seasons.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Know Your Stuff

Okay, so it's not exactly health food, is it? but it's got protein from the beef, and some vitamins from the mushrooms.

The gravy beef stroganoff gravy has a fair bit of fat, so maybe don't have it every day! remember, this is intended to be one of those easy delicious family dinners , and should be regarded as a sometimes treat.

Right then, that's your lot. Give this beef stroganoff noodles recipe a go. Experiment, have fun. I am sure you'll absolutely nail it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this beef stroganoff recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Beef stroganoff is often even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Just be aware that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to get it back to the desired consistency.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days - a bit like a good Sunday roast, the leftovers are always welcome!

What's the best cut of beef to use for this beef stroganoff recipe, and can I use ground beef?

For the most tender and flavorful beef stroganoff, sirloin or ribeye is ideal as they are relatively tender cuts. They cook quickly and stay tender in the sauce. While you can use ground beef in a pinch for a budget friendly version, the texture will be quite different, more like a hamburger helper vibe than a proper stroganoff.

If you do use ground beef, brown it thoroughly and drain off any excess fat before adding it to the sauce. Think of it as a "cheater's" stroganoff!

My beef stroganoff sauce is too thin! How do I thicken it up?

A thin sauce is a common stroganoff problem, but easily fixed! The simplest solution is to make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisking it into the simmering sauce.

Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Just be careful not to overcook the beef. This is when Delia Smith's advice on sauce making comes in handy!

Can I freeze beef stroganoff?

Freezing beef stroganoff is possible, but be aware that the sour cream in the sauce can sometimes change texture upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy. To minimize this, allow the stroganoff to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. When thawing, do it slowly in the refrigerator.

It's best enjoyed within 2-3 months for optimal quality. It's a good way to portion control, very slimming world!

Is there a vegetarian version of this beef stroganoff recipe?

Yes, absolutely! You can easily make a delicious vegetarian stroganoff by substituting the beef with a generous amount of sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms work well) and perhaps some hearty vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use a plant based beef substitute.

Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It's a brilliant way to get your five-a-day, like a healthy hug in a bowl!

What are some good sides to serve with beef stroganoff?

Classic beef stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles, and that's always a winner! However, mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also make fantastic bases to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed green beans, a simple green salad, or buttered rice.

A crusty baguette for mopping up the sauce is always a good idea too pure comfort food bliss!