If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug, you’ll want to try this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s a classic that blends tender strips of beef with sautéed mushrooms and onions, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy sour cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. With every bite, you get a taste of nostalgia and hearty flavors that make this recipe a timeless favorite. Whether you paired it with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this dish always delivers cozy satisfaction and joyful smiles around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element brings its own unique touch, lending the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness that makes this dish so memorable.
- Beef sirloin or top round (1 ½ pounds): Choose tender thin strips for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps create a velvety sauce by lightly coating the beef.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps with browning for that deep, savory taste.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the butter from burning and assists with even cooking.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides a sweet and aromatic base flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with a subtle punch of warmth.
- Mushrooms (8 ounces, white or cremini, sliced): Adds earthiness and a meaty texture to the dish.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Enhances the color and depth of flavor.
- Beef broth (1 cup): The essential liquid base that keeps the beef tender and the sauce luscious.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Provides a savory, slightly tangy kick.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Balances the creaminess with a hint of sharpness.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Delivers that signature creamy tang that defines stroganoff.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to bring out all the flavors.
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes: Perfect beds to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by tossing the thin strips of beef gently with the flour, salt, and pepper. This light coating does double duty, helping the beef brown beautifully while also thickening the sauce slightly. It’s a simple step, but it sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. Add the beef in batches so it browns evenly and doesn’t steam. Sear until each side is beautifully browned but not fully cooked through — then remove the beef and set it aside. This searing seals in the juices and gives the final stroganoff its rich flavor depth.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to bring out its fragrant flavor. Then stir in the sliced mushrooms, cooking them until they release their juices and turn a lovely golden brown. This step builds layers of savory goodness that you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for just a minute to mellow its sharpness and deepen its flavor. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring everything together well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer so the liquids reduce slightly, concentrating those rich, savory flavors that make this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe so beloved.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned beef strips to the skillet and turn the heat down to low. Let everything simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the beef to tenderize fully while soaking in the sauce. This slow melding is key for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and balanced flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the sour cream — warming it gently without boiling ensures the sauce stays creamy and luscious without curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then get ready to serve your homemade comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is a must; its bright green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor add a beautiful contrast to the rich and creamy sauce. It lifts the whole dish and makes each serving feel just a bit more special.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this stroganoff is served over tender egg noodles, perfectly catching every bit of the luscious sauce. If you prefer, creamy mashed potatoes also make an incredible base, absorbing the flavors and offering a smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with the beef. For a lighter option, steamed rice or even buttered whole wheat pasta work nicely as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stroganoff in small, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Or try stacking the beef and sauce over a bed of polenta or roasted vegetables for a playful spin. No matter how you plate it, this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe shines as a satisfying centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the stroganoff will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making it a delicious second-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead or keep some on hand for busy nights. Portion the stroganoff into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the noodles or mashed potatoes separately to preserve their texture better.
Reheating
Thaw frozen stroganoff overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the sour cream smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and top round are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can also try ribeye for extra flavor or even stew meat if you allow for longer cooking to become tender.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for sour cream in stroganoff?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream to replicate the richness of sour cream, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor profile of this classic dish.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the beef. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and serve over gluten-free noodles or steamed vegetables.
What can I add to make the stroganoff more flavorful?
A splash of dry white wine added with the broth brightens the sauce beautifully. Some also like a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh thyme to add depth and a subtle smoky undertone.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Always remove the pan from direct heat before stirring in sour cream and warm it gently. Avoid boiling after adding the sour cream to keep the sauce smooth and creamy without curdling.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so wonderfully comforting and satisfying about this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe. From the tender, flavorful beef to the creamy, mushroom-packed sauce, it’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I encourage you to give this classic a try — it’s a true winner that keeps people coming back for seconds and warms every heart at your table.
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
A classic Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff featuring tender strips of beef sirloin sautéed with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sour cream sauce, perfect served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
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
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
For Serving and Garnish
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Lightly toss the thinly sliced beef strips with the all-purpose flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to coat evenly, this helps in browning and thickening the sauce later.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. 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 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquids and start to brown, around 6 to 8 minutes, enhancing their rich flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen the flavor of the sauce base.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Beef in Sauce: Return the seared beef strips to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Lower the heat further and stir in the sour cream carefully, warming through without boiling to prevent curdling. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff hot over prepared egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose tender cuts like sirloin or top round for the best texture.
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of dry white wine with the beef broth.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make a lighter dish.
