The short answer: This beef stroganoff recipe sears thin strips of sirloin, then simmers them with mushrooms and onions in a savory broth finished with sour cream. Spoon it over buttered egg noodles for a cozy dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes and serves 4 to 6. A ground beef version makes it even faster and cheaper.
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Prep time: 25 minCook time: 15 minTotal time: 40 minServings: 4 to 6 servings
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Cooking a warm, creamy dinner is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a cold evening with family.
Beef stroganoff at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Serves | 4 to 6 |
| Total time | 30 to 35 minutes |
| Beef | Sirloin, tenderloin or ground beef |
| Sauce | Beef broth, mustard, sour cream |
| Served over | Egg noodles |
| Key tip | Add sour cream off the heat |
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, sliced thin against the grain
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked
- Chopped parsley
How to make beef stroganoff
- Sear the beef. Season the beef and sear it in hot oil in batches, about 1 minute per side. Move it to a plate.
- Cook the vegetables. Melt the butter and cook the onion and mushrooms for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned. Add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Thicken. Sprinkle in flour and stir 1 minute.
- Add broth. Whisk in broth, Worcestershire and mustard. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
- Return the beef. Add the beef and juices and simmer 2 minutes.
- Finish with sour cream. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Serve. Spoon over egg noodles and top with parsley.
The FoodSafety.gov temperature chart lists 145°F with a 3-minute rest for beef steaks and 160°F for ground beef.
Steak vs. ground beef stroganoff
| Steak stroganoff | Ground beef stroganoff | |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Sirloin or tenderloin | 85% to 90% lean ground beef |
| Time | 30 to 35 minutes | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Texture | Tender strips | Saucy and hearty |
Swaps and variations
- Ground beef stroganoff: brown the beef to 160°F, drain and continue from step 2.
- Lighter sauce: use Greek yogurt and stir it in off the heat.
- Mushroom stroganoff: skip the beef and double the mushrooms.
- Slow cooker: use chuck and cook low 6 to 8 hours, then add sour cream. See more slow cooker recipes.
- Over potatoes: serve it on mashed potatoes instead of noodles.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days, per the USDA leftovers guide. Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth, and stir often so the sour cream stays smooth.
How to slice beef for stroganoff
Find the lines running through the steak, called the grain, and cut across them in strips about ¼ inch thick and 2 inches long. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, so each bite is tender.
Tips for the best beef stroganoff
- Partly freeze the steak. 20 minutes in the freezer makes thin slicing much easier.
- Sear in batches. A crowded pan steams the beef instead of browning it.
- Brown the mushrooms well. Let them sit undisturbed until golden for deeper flavor.
- Warm the sour cream. Room-temperature sour cream blends in smoothly and is less likely to curdle.
- Season at the end. Broth and Worcestershire are salty, so taste before adding more salt.
What to serve with beef stroganoff
| Side | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Buttered egg noodles | The classic, soaks up the sauce |
| Mashed potatoes | Extra hearty for cold nights |
| White or brown rice | Budget-friendly base |
| Green beans or peas | Adds color and freshness |
| Cucumber salad | Crisp contrast to the rich sauce |
Plan a comfort food night
- Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99): plan stroganoff night and next-day lunches together.
- Family Recipe Binder ($6.99): save your sauce ratio and favorite cut.
- Budget Planner Printable ($5.99): compare steak and ground beef nights against your grocery budget.
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More cozy beef dinners
Want another cozy beef and noodle dinner? Our one-pot goulash uses ground beef, macaroni and a tomato paprika sauce. For sliced beef with peppers instead of a creamy mushroom sauce, try our pepper steak recipe. For a ground-beef bake instead of sliced beef and noodles, try easy cottage pie.
Frequently asked questions
What is beef stroganoff? Beef stroganoff is tender strips of beef and mushrooms in a creamy sour cream sauce, usually served over egg noodles. It started as a Russian dish and became a classic American comfort dinner.
What cut of beef is best for stroganoff? Sirloin is the best everyday cut for beef stroganoff because it's tender and affordable. Tenderloin is more luxurious, and chuck works if you simmer it longer.
Can I make beef stroganoff with ground beef? Yes, ground beef stroganoff is faster and cheaper. Brown 1 pound of ground beef, cook it to 160°F, drain it, and build the sauce in the same pan.
Why does my stroganoff sauce curdle? Stroganoff sauce curdles when sour cream boils or is added cold. Take the pan off the heat, stir in room-temperature sour cream, and warm it gently without boiling.
What can I use instead of sour cream in stroganoff? Plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese can replace sour cream in stroganoff. Add them off the heat, since yogurt can split if it gets too hot.
What do you serve beef stroganoff over? Egg noodles are the classic base for beef stroganoff. Mashed potatoes, rice and buttered toast also soak up the creamy sauce.
How do you keep the beef tender? Slice the beef thin against the grain and sear it quickly in batches over high heat. Crowding the pan steams the meat and makes it tough.
Can I make beef stroganoff in a slow cooker? Yes, cook chuck, onions, mushrooms and broth on low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir in the sour cream at the end so the sauce stays smooth.
How long does beef stroganoff last in the fridge? Beef stroganoff lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Refrigerate it within 2 hours and reheat it gently to 165°F so the sauce doesn't break.
Can you freeze beef stroganoff? You can freeze beef stroganoff for 2 to 3 months, though sour cream sauces may turn grainy. Freeze it before adding sour cream, then stir it in after reheating.
Does beef stroganoff have mushrooms? Most beef stroganoff recipes include mushrooms, which add an earthy, savory flavor. You can leave them out or swap in extra onions if your family doesn't like them.
Is beef stroganoff good for meal planning? Yes, beef stroganoff is a strong meal-plan pick because it cooks in about 30 minutes and reheats well for lunch. The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. helps you plan it and the leftover lunches on one page.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov