Irresistible Beef Stroganoff Recipe: 7 Easy Steps to Perfection

Few dishes can deliver the kind of comfort and satisfaction that a good beef stroganoff recipe provides. This beloved Russian classic dates back to the 1800s, originally prepared for aristocrats and named after the wealthy Stroganov family. Today, it has become a global comfort food — loved for its tender strips of beef, earthy mushrooms, and silky sour cream sauce served over noodles or rice.

What makes this dish truly special is its balance of flavors: savory beef, slightly tangy cream, and a hint of mustard that ties it all together. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, quick, and absolutely foolproof, so you can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin – thinly sliced into strips for quick cooking
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – for flavor
• 1 medium onion – finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms – sliced (white button or cremini work well)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour – to thicken the sauce
• 1 cup beef broth – use low-sodium for better control
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – adds a gentle tang and depth
• 1 cup sour cream – full-fat for a luxuriously creamy sauce
• 1 tsp paprika – optional but highly recommended
• Salt & black pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
• Cooked egg noodles or rice – to serve

This combination of ingredients creates the classic flavor we all know and love. If you want to keep things lighter, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, but the richness of sour cream is what gives this dish its signature creaminess.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these 7 simple steps to make the perfect beef stroganoff at home:

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Pat your beef strips dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps achieve a good sear. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in batches (avoid crowding the pan) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. You don’t need to cook them through yet — they’ll finish cooking later. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions & Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in the onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their liquid and turn a rich golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step builds a deep umami flavor base for your sauce.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard and paprika (if using), then let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6: Add Cream & Return Beef

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pan. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the beef is heated through. Avoid boiling at this stage — boiling can make the beef tough and cause the sour cream to curdle.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

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💡 Chef’s Tips, Substitutions & Variations

• Best Cut of Beef: Sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye are top choices. If using tougher cuts like chuck, consider slow-cooking for tenderness.
• Mushroom Swap: If you dislike mushrooms, try zucchini or bell peppers for a different twist.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to keep the sauce creamy.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

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🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

This makes it a balanced meal — rich in protein and perfect when paired with vegetables or a fresh salad.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Egg noodles (classic choice)
• Mashed potatoes for extra comfort
• Rice or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option
• Steamed green beans or broccoli for a fresh contrast
• A glass of dry red wine or sparkling water with lemon

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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📚 External Resource

For more on the history of beef stroganoff and other classic dishes, check out BBC Good Food’s guide to Beef Stroganoff.

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✅ Conclusion

This beef stroganoff recipe is more than just dinner — it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. The creamy sauce, tender beef, and savory mushrooms make it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

Give it a try this week, experiment with a few variations, and share your results — I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!