Beef Stroganoff: A Classic Comfort Food

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Beef Stroganoff is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style. Originating in Russia, this creamy, savory meal has made its way into kitchens around the world. Its rich flavors, tender beef, and silky sauce make it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, beef stroganoff is an excellent choice. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through an easy, yet flavorful, recipe for this timeless dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Stroganoff Recipe

• Comforting and Creamy: The blend of tender beef and a creamy mushroom sauce is indulgent but not too heavy.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for hard-to-find items! You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
• Versatile: Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes—whatever suits your mood.

Equipment Needed

• large Dutch oven (like this one)
• measuring cups/spoons

Ingredients

For the Stroganoff

• 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work great)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving

• 12 oz (350 g) egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Optional: rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread as alternatives

How To Make Beef Stroganoff

Prepare the Beef

• Begin by slicing the beef into thin strips. This helps ensure that the meat cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Sear the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef slices in batches (avoid overcrowding) and sear them for about 1-2 minutes per side. You want a nice brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
• Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the minced garlic and mushrooms, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are golden.

Create the Sauce

• Stir in the flour to help thicken the sauce, and cook for about 1 minute.
• Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Then, mix in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Bring It All Together

• Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, making sure it’s fully incorporated. Don’t let the sauce boil once the sour cream is added to avoid curdling.
• Add the cooked beef back into the pan and simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy

• Taste the stroganoff and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve the beef stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stroganoff

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye work best for stroganoff. These cuts cook quickly and remain tender.
• Don’t Overcook the Meat: Since you’re using a tender cut, sear the beef quickly over high heat. Overcooking can lead to tough, chewy meat.
• Control the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit of flour when sautéing the vegetables. If you like it thinner, simply skip this step or add a little more broth.
• Sour Cream Substitution: If you’re out of sour cream or prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead.

Variations to Try

• Mushroom Lover’s Stroganoff: Add extra mushrooms, or use a variety like shiitake or portobello, for a deeper, earthier flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, or use a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice.

Conclusion

Beef Stroganoff is a dish that embodies comfort and flavor. It’s rich and creamy but light enough for an everyday meal. The combination of savory beef, tangy sour cream, and a well-seasoned sauce is what makes this dish so special. So, the next time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying dinner, give this beef stroganoff recipe a try. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are!

Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe and what you think. Also, feel free to share any creative variations or tips you’ve discovered!