If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that wraps you in rich, creamy flavor and tender, juicy beef, this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with layers of savory mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a velvety sour cream sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest with roots firmly planted in classic Russian-American cuisine. Perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress friends with something both simple and delicious, this dish brings that nostalgic warmth and timeless charm back to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe is delightfully uncomplicated because every ingredient plays a vital role. From the tender beef strips to the earthy mushrooms and tangy sour cream, each one adds a unique texture or flavor that builds the perfect balance in this dish.
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or top round: Choose a tender cut for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth strips.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce and lightly coats the beef.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor for sautéeing and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents sticking while providing a subtle fruity undertone.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Sweetens and softens to form the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a punch of aromatic depth.
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced: Brings earthiness and texture, soaking up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and richness to deepen the sauce color.
- 1 cup beef broth: The backbone liquid that enhances the beefiness of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami with its savory, slightly tangy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a mild sharpness to brighten the cream sauce.
- 1 cup sour cream: Creates the signature creamy finish that makes stroganoff irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes: The perfect base to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh burst of color and mild herbaceousness.
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef
Start by lightly tossing your thinly sliced beef in flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. This thin coating helps the beef develop a nice crust when seared. Heat a tablespoon of butter along with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully cook the beef strips in batches. Browning them well on all sides locks in their juices and builds flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside; don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and gently cook the finely chopped onions until they become soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just a minute until fragrant. Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until they exude their juices and start to brown, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. This deepens the dish’s earthy profile beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir the tomato paste into the mushrooms and aromatics, cooking it for about a minute to mellow its brightness and add richness. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, then stir everything until smoothly combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; these ingredients will marry together to create the luscious sauce that defines this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
Step 4: Return the Beef and Simmer
Carefully slide the browned beef strips back into the skillet with the sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly. The slow simmer ensures that every bite is succulent and infused with all the savory goodness you’re craving.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the sour cream, stirring to create the creamy, luscious sauce this dish is famous for. Take special care not to let the sauce boil once you’ve added the sour cream to keep it silky smooth and prevent curdling. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, then you’re ready to enjoy the magic of this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
To bring your stroganoff visually to life and add a hint of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving. The vibrant green color contrasts beautifully against the rich cream sauce, and its mild herbal notes cut through the richness fantastically well. A little extra cracked black pepper on top can also elevate the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this dish shines served over buttered egg noodles that soak up every joyful drop of the sauce. If you prefer a heartier base, creamy mashed potatoes work wonderfully, offering a silky-textured contrast. For those wanting a lighter touch, steamed rice or even a vegetable medley can complement the stroganoff without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like switching up the usual? Consider serving your stroganoff in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. You can also pile it over baked sweet potatoes for a modern twist, or transform leftovers into sliders using crusty bread for a casual, fun meal that keeps the comfort food vibes alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly made Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, offering you quick, delicious meals without extra cooking. The flavors often deepen with time, making reheated servings just as comforting as the fresh batch.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Place cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and it will taste almost as fresh as when first cooked.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stroganoff gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much during storage, and avoid boiling to keep the sour cream from separating. This easy reheating method preserves the creamy texture and robust flavors of your Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and top round are ideal for tenderness, other cuts like ribeye or flank steak can work as long as you slice them thinly and cook quickly to avoid toughness.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
If you want a lighter alternative, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. Just be sure to stir it in at low heat to prevent curdling and maintain that creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the sour cream with coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative. The flavor will differ slightly but remain delicious.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
The key is to lower the heat before adding the sour cream and avoid boiling once it’s incorporated. Gentle warming keeps the sauce smooth and luscious.
What can I serve instead of egg noodles?
Besides classic egg noodles, try mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta as your base. Each option soaks up the rich stroganoff sauce beautifully and complements the dish well.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings that warm, comforting feeling quite like this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to gather ’round, share stories, and savor every creamy, flavorful bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends—or just for yourself—trust me, this timeless dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a taste of pure, nostalgic happiness!
Print
Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A classic Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff recipe featuring tender strips of beef sirloin seared and simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. This comforting Russian-American main course is rich in flavor and perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or top round, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Mushrooms and Sauce
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
Serving and Garnish
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Lightly toss the thinly sliced beef with flour and a pinch of salt and pepper to coat the strips evenly.
- Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides, then remove the beef and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
- Cook mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and begin to brown, approximately 6 to 8 minutes, enhancing the sauce’s richness.
- Add tomato paste and liquids: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer beef in sauce: Return the seared beef strips to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Finish with sour cream: Lower the heat further and gently stir in the sour cream, warming it through without boiling to keep the creamy texture intact.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the beef stroganoff over warm egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Choose sirloin or top round for tender beef strips that cook quickly and stay moist.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine along with the beef broth when simmering.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and calories while maintaining creaminess.
