HOMEMADE BEEF STROGANOFF

Beef Stroganoff is a timeless dish that brings together tender beef sirloin, earthy mushrooms, and a tangy, velvety sour cream sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish delivers a balance of rich flavors and textures, ideal for anyone seeking a warm and comforting classic with a bit of elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Creamy Sauce: Sour cream and Dijon mustard give the sauce a creamy, tangy flavor that’s irresistibly good.
Tender Beef: Searing the beef locks in juices and adds a delicious crust, making it perfectly tender.
Versatile Base: This dish pairs well with noodles, rice, or potatoes, giving you flexibility to suit any craving.
Quick Comfort Food: Despite its rich flavors, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for cozy, satisfying dinners.

Key Ingredients:

Beef Sirloin: Choose thinly sliced sirloin or beef tenderloin for the best tenderness. Avoid overcooking to keep the beef juicy.
Mushrooms: Cremini or white mushrooms work well, adding earthy, savory notes.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a subtle tang that balances the creamy richness of the sauce. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Full-fat sour cream works best for a rich sauce, but low-fat versions also work if preferred.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (but does not smoke). This ensures it’s hot enough for searing.
Cook the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin in a single layer. Sear until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Searing adds a flavorful crust and locks in the beef’s juices.
Set Aside: Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This prevents the beef from overcooking while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Cook the Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until they release their juices and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. The mushrooms will add a deep, savory flavor as they caramelize.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these will add extra flavor to the sauce.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly for a more intense taste.
Add Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The sour cream should blend well, creating a rich, velvety texture.
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.

Step 4: Serve

Prepare the Base: While the sauce is simmering, cook your choice of egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice according to package instructions. Each works beautifully as a base for the stroganoff.
Plate the Dish: Place a generous portion of the base on each plate, then spoon the beef stroganoff over it, making sure each serving has plenty of sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, and savor this comforting, flavorful meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Beef Stroganoff is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can complete the meal. Here are some ideas:

Steamed Green Beans: Adds color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a contrasting texture.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A light salad with a vinegar dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Beef Stroganoff makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stroganoff in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Variations:

Add your own twist to this classic dish with one of these variations:

Creamier Stroganoff: Add a splash of heavy cream or replace half of the sour cream with cream for an even richer sauce.
Herbed Stroganoff: Add fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking the mushrooms for an aromatic flavor.
Wine-Infused Sauce: Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine with the beef broth for a subtle acidity that enhances the sauce.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace the beef with hearty mushrooms, such as portobello or shiitake, and use vegetable broth for a satisfying meat-free version.

Conclusion:

This Homemade Beef Stroganoff is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s full of rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s a timeless recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even casual gatherings with friends. With tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a velvety sauce, it’s a meal that’s bound to impress. Enjoy each comforting bite!