If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings the warmth of classic home cooking to your table, this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe is the perfect answer. Featuring tender strips of beef kissed by a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, it strikes just the right balance between savory and satisfying. With a hint of tang from sour cream and a burst of umami from Worcestershire sauce, this dish offers flavors that comfort and delight every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the depth of flavor, the luscious texture, and the inviting color that make this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe truly special.
- Beef sirloin or top round: Choose tender cuts for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat strips.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to lightly coat the beef, developing a beautiful sear and thickening the sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients to perfection.
- Olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents burning while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a soft base for the sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a gentle aromatic punch.
- White or cremini mushrooms: Bring earthy flavor and delightful texture to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the savory notes with a concentrated umami boost.
- Beef broth: Creates the hearty, flavorful liquid foundation for the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a little tang to enhance the meatiness.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Sour cream: The key to that luscious, velvety finish with just the right amount of tang.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes: Classic, comforting vehicles for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef
Lightly toss the thinly sliced beef with flour, salt, and pepper. This coating helps achieve a golden sear while creating a base for thickening the sauce. Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches so it browns evenly without overcrowding. Once beautifully caramelized on all sides, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and gently sauté the finely chopped yellow onion until it softens and turns translucent. Add in minced garlic, cooking just a minute more to awaken its flavor without burning. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, letting them cook until they release their juices and start to brown, creating deep, savory layers that are essential to this dish’s signature taste.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Mix in tomato paste and cook it briefly to deepen its flavor before pouring in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination infuses the sauce with richness, tang, and that unmistakable classic beef stroganoff flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Beef and Finalize Sauce
Return the browned beef strips to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let them cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes until tender and fully flavorful. Be careful to avoid boiling once you add the sour cream in the next step, as this ensures the creaminess remains silky and smooth.
Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Season
Lower the heat even more and stir in the sour cream to create a luscious, creamy sauce that envelops the beef and mushrooms perfectly. Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is an absolute must here. It adds a cheerful burst of green color and a whisper of herbal freshness that brightens this rich dish beautifully. Feel free to sprinkle extra just before serving for an inviting finishing touch.
Side Dishes
The traditional choice is egg noodles, but creamy mashed potatoes make a wonderful alternative to soak up the hearty sauce. For a lighter meal, steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus provide a crisp counterpoint to the silky stroganoff. Whichever you pick, make sure it complements the creamy and savory character of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the stroganoff over a bed of buttery spaetzle for a European twist or spoon it into large mushroom caps and bake briefly for an elegant appetizer. Serving it in warm bread bowls can also make for a fun and rustic presentation that’s sure to impress guests at your next dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors tend to meld even better, making for delicious next-day meals that require just a quick reheat.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover stroganoff, it’s best to avoid freezing the sour cream-based sauce if possible, as it may separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, separate the beef and mushroom mixture from the sour cream sauce and combine them after thawing for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much, ensuring it stays silky and smooth just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or top round are recommended for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with other tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin if you prefer. Just remember to slice thinly and don’t overcook to keep it juicy.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess. Also, using olive oil instead of butter can lighten the richness without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover stroganoff?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sour cream. Adding a few tablespoons of broth or water can keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
You can prepare the beef and sauce a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Just stir in fresh sour cream if you prefer an extra fresh taste, and keep noodles or potatoes separate until serving.
What can I serve instead of egg noodles?
Mashed potatoes are a classic alternative, but you can also serve the stroganoff over rice, polenta, or even wide pasta like pappardelle for a different twist that still captures the spirit of the dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe that makes it a treasured comfort food favorite. Its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef provide the kind of satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. If you haven’t tried this classic yet, it’s the perfect time to embark on a delicious journey back to comforting, homemade flavors that everyone will love.
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
Description
This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff recipe is a classic Russian-American comfort food featuring tender strips of beef sirloin or top round cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce with sour cream, served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. It’s a rich, hearty dish perfect for a satisfying 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
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
To Serve
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Lightly toss the thinly sliced beef strips with all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt and black pepper to coat evenly.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their juices and start to brown, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return Beef and Cook: Return the seared beef to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Add Sour Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. Warm the stroganoff through, making sure it does not boil to avoid curdling. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For tenderness, use a cut like sirloin or top round.
- For richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine with the beef broth.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
