Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

The Creamiest Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe Ever

Beef stroganoff whispers tales of comfort from rustic Russian kitchens, promising warmth in every creamy bite.

Tender strips of meat dance with silky mushroom sauce, creating a nostalgic melody on your plate.

Traditional recipes often hide secrets passed through generations, waiting to be rediscovered.

Rich, velvety textures tell stories of hearty meals shared around wooden tables.

Hearty ingredients blend into a symphony of flavors that comfort and delight.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic dish invites you to savor each luxurious spoonful.

You’ll want to gather loved ones and celebrate the magic of home cooking with this timeless recipe.

Why Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe Feels Like A Classic

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This old-fashioned beef stroganoff delivers hearty, delicious comfort in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something satisfying but don't have hours to cook.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches basic culinary skills like searing meat, creating pan sauces, and balancing flavors, making it ideal for home cooks wanting to improve their kitchen confidence without complicated steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal: With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, this stroganoff appeals to both adults and kids, transforming a classic dish into a crowd-pleasing option that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different preferences, you can serve this stroganoff over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, ensuring a flexible meal that matches whatever you have in your pantry.

Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe Ingredient List

Meat Base:
  • Beef: Rich, tender protein that is the star of the classic dish. Choose sirloin or tenderloin for best results.
  • Flour: Light coating that helps beef brown beautifully and thickens sauce.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing beef's natural flavors.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Beef Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid base for the sauce. Homemade or low-sodium preferred.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, tangy depth to the sauce. Classic umami enhancer.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp, smooth condiment that adds subtle heat and complexity.
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, creamy texture. Full-fat versions recommended.
  • Paprika: Optional warm spice that adds subtle color and mild pepper flavor.
Vegetable and Aromatics:
  • Onions, Mushrooms: Earthy vegetables that provide texture and rich background flavor. Fresh, firm mushrooms work best.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that deepens overall dish flavor.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Combination provides rich flavor and helps prevent burning.
Serving Components:
  • Egg Noodles: Classic stroganoff base with soft, tender texture. Alternative options include rice or mashed potatoes.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green garnish that adds fresh note.

How To Cook Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Beef

Sprinkle flour, salt, and black pepper over beef slices, ensuring each piece gets a light, even dusting. This coating will help create a delicious golden crust and thicken the sauce later.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Meat

Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place beef slices into the hot pan. Let each piece sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a gorgeous golden-brown color develops. Transfer the browned beef to a separate plate, keeping those flavorful juices intact.

Step 3: Caramelize the Vegetables

In the same skillet with remaining pan drippings, toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Sliced mushrooms

Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables turn soft and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

Pour into the skillet:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. Let the mixture simmer and reduce for 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Blend the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Gently stir in:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Paprika

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Return the seared beef to the skillet and let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare the Accompaniment

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and optionally toss with a pat of butter for extra richness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the rich, creamy beef stroganoff over:
  • Egg noodles
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Rice

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and add a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy this comforting, classic dish that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy hunger!

Tips To Make Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe Easy

  • Flour-Coat Strategically: Lightly dust beef with flour to create a delicate, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and adds rich texture to the dish.
  • Batch-Sear for Perfection: Cook beef in small batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown crust without steaming.
  • Cream Sauce Stability: Temper sour cream by reducing heat before adding to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
  • Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the creamy stroganoff.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce for a celiac-friendly version.

How To Store Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe Well

  • Refrigerate leftover stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Seal the dish tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore sauce consistency.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can break down the creamy sauce and toughen the beef.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, ensuring you wrap them securely to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps preserve the dish's original texture and taste.
  • Always check for any unusual odors or discoloration before consuming stored stroganoff, prioritizing food safety and quality.

Great Matches For Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory beef stroganoff. These wines balance the creamy sauce and provide a delightful tannic contrast.
  • Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's acidity cuts through the dish's creaminess and adds a fresh, clean element to the meal.
  • Match with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty artisan bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy texture and slight tang enhance the stroganoff's rich, hearty flavors.
  • Complement with Dry White Wine: An alternative pairing is a dry Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which provides a crisp, mineral-like backdrop that brightens the dish's creamy, meaty profile.

Simple Swaps For Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

  • Vegetarian Veggie Stroganoff: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles, using similar seasoning techniques for rich flavor depth.
  • Spicy Southwest Stroganoff: Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and swap Dijon mustard for chipotle paste to create a zesty southwestern-inspired version.
  • Lighter Greek Yogurt Stroganoff: Substitute heavy cream and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Wild Game Stroganoff: Experiment with elk, venison, or bison meat instead of traditional beef, bringing a robust wilderness-inspired taste to the classic recipe.

Questions Answered About Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

  • Why should I coat the beef in flour before cooking?

Coating the beef in flour helps create a light, crispy exterior and allows the meat to brown beautifully. The flour also helps thicken the sauce and lock in the meat’s natural juices, making each bite more flavorful and tender.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! While traditional stroganoff uses beef, you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, giving you flexibility based on your preference or what’s available in your kitchen.

  • Is it important to sear the meat in batches?

Yes, searing in batches prevents overcrowding in the pan, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown crust. Overcrowding would cause the meat to steam instead of brown, reducing the depth of flavor and preventing that delicious caramelization that makes stroganoff so irresistible.

  • What's the purpose of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard in the recipe?

These ingredients add incredible depth and complexity to the sauce. Worcestershire sauce brings a tangy, slightly umami flavor, while Dijon mustard provides a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cream, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.

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Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Russian classic Beef Stroganoff delivers rich, creamy comfort with tender beef strips nestled in a velvety sour cream sauce. Savory mushrooms and subtle herbs create a luxurious dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Vegetables and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Garnish and Serving:

  • ½ pound (226 grams) egg noodles (or mashed potatoes/rice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra sour cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Coat thin beef slices with a delicate layer of seasoned flour, ensuring each piece receives an even dusting of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  2. Warm a blend of butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet, creating a sizzling surface for meat caramelization. Quickly sear beef portions in quick batches, developing a rich golden-brown exterior without overcooking. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavors to gently transform chopped onions and sliced mushrooms into tender, translucent morsels. Introduce minced garlic for a brief aromatic moment, releasing its robust essence.
  4. Deglaze the pan with a robust combination of beef broth, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and sharp Dijon mustard. Vigorously scrape accumulated browned fragments from the skillet’s surface, integrating deep, complex flavors into the developing sauce.
  5. Reduce heat and gracefully incorporate velvety sour cream, luxurious heavy cream, and a whisper of paprika. Stir until the mixture achieves a seamless, silky consistency. Reintroduce the previously seared beef, allowing everything to meld and thicken.
  6. Simultaneously prepare egg noodles according to package guidelines, optionally tossing with a touch of butter for added richness.
  7. Elegantly plate the creamy stroganoff atop steaming noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or fragrant rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional dollop of sour cream for a final flourish.

Notes

  • Tenderize beef by slicing against the grain to ensure maximum softness and easier chewing.
  • Choose a well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye for rich, juicy flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Pat beef dry before flouring to help create a perfect golden-brown crust when searing.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet during beef searing to prevent steaming and maintain crisp exterior.
  • Use low-fat Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream without compromising creamy texture.
  • Swap traditional egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
  • Fresh mushrooms provide deeper flavor compared to canned; opt for cremini or shiitake varieties.
  • Add a splash of white wine during sauce preparation to enhance overall depth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 435
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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