Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Surprisingly Easy

There’s something oddly comforting about beef stroganoff. Maybe it’s the tender strips of beef, maybe the creamy mushroom sauce, or maybe it’s just one of those dishes that feels more impressive than it is complicated. You don’t have to be a trained chef to make a solid stroganoff—it’s just a matter of layering flavors, using decent ingredients, and not rushing the sauce.

This beef stroganoff recipe is a one-pan wonder made with simple pantry staples, fresh mushrooms, and sour cream for that classic richness. And while some folks use stew meat or cubes, I’d say go for sirloin or something tender—you’ll taste the difference.

It’s hearty, nostalgic, and makes a killer leftover lunch the next day.

🕒 Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

🍽️ Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (or both!)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white), sliced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup sour cream (room temp is ideal)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Beef
   Lightly salt and pepper your beef strips. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want color, not steam. Set beef aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
   In the same pan, lower the heat a bit and add the rest of the oil. Cook onions and mushrooms for 4–5 minutes, stirring now and then. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
   Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. It’ll look kind of dry—don’t worry. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens just slightly.
4. Add the Sour Cream
   Remove the pan from heat. Stir in sour cream slowly (this helps avoid curdling). Once it’s smooth, return the beef and any juices to the pan. Simmer on low for 3–4 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve Warm
   Spoon over noodles, rice, or mash. Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

📝 Recipe Notes

• Meat Tips: Sirloin, tenderloin, or even ribeye are ideal. Avoid stew meat unless you’re braising.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or baby bellas give more flavor than white button mushrooms, but any type works.
• No sour cream? Greek yogurt works in a pinch—just make sure it’s full-fat and not cold when you stir it in.
• Want extra richness? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or finish with a pat of butter.

🧊 Storage Tips

Fridge:
Store leftover stroganoff (without noodles if possible) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Freezer:
You can freeze it, but dairy-based sauces sometimes separate. If freezing, skip the sour cream and add it fresh when reheating.

Reheat Tip:
Always reheat on low heat. Stroganoff isn’t a fan of microwaves, but it can be done with care—just go slow and stir often.

⚖️ Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – sauce + beef only)

(Doesn’t include noodles or sides.)

🍴 Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Tongs or fork for handling beef

🌟 Extra Tips for Perfect Stroganoff

• Slice the beef thinly—like, really thin. It cooks faster and stays tender.
• Don’t rush the mushrooms. Let them brown for flavor.
• Room temp sour cream is a small detail…but it makes a big difference.
• Want it thicker? Simmer longer before adding the beef back in.

Honestly, the biggest thing is not overcooking the meat. That’s where most people go wrong. Less is more.

🍛 How to Serve Beef Stroganoff

This dish begs for something to soak up that sauce. A few good options:

• Classic egg noodles
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• White rice or even wild rice
• Cauliflower mash for a lower-carb twist
• Crusty bread (because sauce + bread = yes)

You could even serve it with a simple side salad or roasted green beans for a balanced meal.

❓ FAQs (Beef Stroganoff Edition)