If you love comforting, hearty meals that come together quickly, this easy and creamy Beef Stroganoff recipe will become your new favorite. Packed with tender beef, rich mushrooms, and a velvety sour cream sauce, this dish is both nostalgic and perfect for modern busy nights. Beef stroganoff is a classic, perfect example of comfort food that will warm the hearts of everyone who tries it. Its creamy texture and rich flavor are perfect for a cozy night with friends and family.
The History Behind Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff originated in 19th-century Russia and was named after the Stroganov family, a wealthy noble family from the region. The original recipe called for sautéed beef pieces served in a smetana (sour cream) sauce. The dish is believed to have been created by a French chef working for the Stroganov family, specifically Count Pavel Stroganov, a dignitary at the court of Alexander III. The earliest known recipe appeared in 1861 in Elena Molokhovets’s influential Russian cookbook “A Gift to Young Housewives,” where it was called “goulash à la Stroganov.”
From its Russian origins, the dish spread throughout Europe after World War II, when Russian and Chinese immigrants introduced it to other countries. It eventually made its way to America, where it became a popular comfort food in the 1950s. The American version was adapted to use more readily available ingredients and cooking methods, often including mushrooms and sometimes tomato paste.
The dish’s popularity in America skyrocketed during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in countless cookbooks and on restaurant menus. Its convenience and satisfying flavour profile made it perfect for the post-war suburban dinner table. Many American families developed their own variations, sometimes using cream of mushroom soup as a shortcut for a base sauce.
Today, variations of this dish can be found worldwide, with each culture adding its own special twist. In Brazil, it is commonly served with rice and potato sticks, while in Sweden, it might be served with rice pilaf. Some versions include mustard, others add paprika, and some even incorporate white wine or brandy for additional depth of flavour. Despite these variations, the essence of Beef Stroganoff remains the same: tender pieces of beef in a creamy, tangy sauce that evokes feelings of comfort and satisfaction. Its enduring popularity across cultures and generations speaks to its universal appeal as the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This recipe is great because it’s fast, flavorful, and requires just a handful of ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples and is perfect for feeding the whole family. Serve it over egg noodles, rice or even mashed potatoes for a truly comforting experience. It also reheats beautifully for next-day leftovers.
To prepare this dish, you will need;
Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- 1 ½ pounds of beef sirloin, cut into cubes/thin strips
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 3/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mushrooms and saute until tender and slightly browned. Remove and set aside
- In the same skillet, add the beef and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the marinara sauce and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the rest of the spices and stir will to combine. Stir the sour cream, mushrooms and beef broth, stir well to fully incorporate then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
The Best Home-Made Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin cut into cubes/strips
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- parsley to garnish chopped
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mushrooms and saute until tender and slightly browned. Remove and set aside
- In the same skillet, add the beef and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the marinara sauce and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the rest of the spices and stir well to combine. Stir the sour cream, mushrooms and beef broth, stir well to fully incorporate then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations and Dietary Modifications
Make it Lighter
- Swap sour cream for Greek yoghurt.
- Use lean beef cuts
- Reduce the butter and oil.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Add Vegetables
- Spinach or peas add colour and nutrients.
- Bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions.
- Add carrots and celery for more depth.
Make it Gluten-Free
- Serve over gluten-free noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Ensure all packaged ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are certified gluten-free.
Switch Proteins
- Use ground beef for a budget-friendly option.
- Try chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute with mushrooms and additional vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat:
- Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the sauce.
- Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
Beef stroganoff also freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the sour cream, then add fresh sour cream when reheating.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 381 |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 951 mg |
| Potassium | 1,133 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 568 IU |
| Vitamin C | 9 mg |
| Calcium | 112 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Your Next Comfort Classic Awaits
Ready to bring warmth and flavour to your dinner table? This easy & creamy Beef Stroganoff is just the dish. Quick to make and delicious to devour, it’s ideal for weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends. And that’s it! This delicious beef stroganoff recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It is a simple dish that is simple to make and will leave you feeling satisfied and warm. Give it a try and see why beef stroganoff has been a favourite for generations.
More Comfort Food Recipes
Looking for more cosy meal ideas? Try these favourites:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to add the sour cream just before serving to prevent curdling.
What’s the best cut of beef for stroganoff?
Sirloin is excellent, but tenderloin, ribeye, or even chuck roast (cut into small cubes and cooked longer) work well too.
Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
It’s best to freeze the beef mixture before adding the sour cream. Add fresh sour cream when reheating.
Is marinara sauce traditional in beef stroganoff?
No, traditional beef stroganoff doesn’t include marinara sauce. However, some modern variations incorporate tomato elements for added depth and colour. If you prefer a more traditional version, you can omit the marinara sauce and add a small amount of tomato paste instead.
