Beef Stroganoff Recipe – A Classic Comfort Dish

Beef Stroganoff is one of the most loved comfort meals in the world.

It is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

The dish comes from Russia but has become popular in many countries because of its rich taste and simple preparation.

Imagine tender beef strips cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce and served over noodles or rice—

it’s the perfect dinner after a long day.

In this article, you will learn how to make Beef Stroganoff step by step.

The instructions are written in very simple words so anyone, even a beginner cook, can follow them easily.

Ingredients

Here is the full list of ingredients with exact quantities.

Gather these before starting:

• Beef sirloin or tenderloin – 500 g (cut into thin strips)
• Mushrooms – 250 g (sliced)
• Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
• Garlic – 2 cloves (minced)
• Butter – 3 tablespoons
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
• Beef broth – 1 ½ cups
• Sour cream – ¾ cup
• Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (freshly ground)
• Paprika – ½ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
• Egg noodles or rice – 400 g (for serving)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

The first step is to prepare the beef.

Good Stroganoff depends on tender beef, so cutting it the right way matters.

Slice the beef into thin strips, about half an inch wide.

Thinner strips cook faster and stay soft.

If the beef is too thick, it may turn chewy.

Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper before cooking.

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.

Once hot, add the beef strips in a single layer.

Do not crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

Sear the beef for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until brown.

Remove the beef and keep it aside.

Remember, you don’t need to fully cook it yet, as it will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables

After removing the beef, add another tablespoon of butter to the same pan.

This way, the vegetables pick up all the beef flavors left behind.

Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden.

This should take about 4–5 minutes.

Then, stir in the garlic and let it cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Next, add the sliced mushrooms.

Mushrooms release water at first, but after a few minutes, they turn golden and full of flavor.

Cook them on medium heat for about 6–7 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Step 3: Making the Sauce Base

The sauce is what makes Stroganoff so creamy and special.

To build the sauce, you need a mixture of flour, broth, and seasoning.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mushrooms and onions.

Stir well so the flour coats everything evenly.

This step helps thicken the sauce later.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly.

Add Dijon mustard, paprika, and a little more salt and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.

It should thicken slightly as it cooks.

Step 4: Bringing the Beef Back

Now it’s time to bring back the beef strips.

Add the cooked beef into the sauce and stir gently.

Any juices that came out of the beef while resting should also go into the pan—those juices add extra flavor.

Simmer everything together for another 3–4 minutes.

This step allows the beef to finish cooking while soaking in the rich sauce.

Step 5: Adding the Creaminess

The final magic touch in Beef Stroganoff is the sour cream.

Turn the heat down to low before adding it.

If the pan is too hot, the sour cream may curdle, so gentle heat is important.

Stir in ¾ cup of sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

Once the sauce is ready, sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

This adds both color and freshness.

Step 6: Serving the Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is usually served with egg noodles, but rice or mashed potatoes also work well.

If using egg noodles, cook them according to the package instructions, then drain and toss with a little butter.

Place the noodles on a plate and spoon the hot Stroganoff over them.

If using rice, make sure it is fluffy and well cooked before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stroganoff

Choose the Right Beef

Tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye work best.

Avoid tough cuts like stew beef, as they may turn chewy.

Cook Quickly

Do not overcook the beef.

Quick searing keeps it juicy and tender.

Balance the Sauce

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth.

If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.

Extra Flavors

You can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of white wine for deeper flavor.

Why Everyone Loves Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is not just another dinner recipe.

It’s a dish that feels fancy but is simple to make.

The creamy sauce, tender beef, and comforting noodles make it a family favorite.

It is also flexible—you can serve it at a casual dinner or even at a small celebration.

The best part is how easily it can be adjusted.

Some people add extra vegetables like bell peppers, while others prefer more mushrooms.

No matter how you tweak it, the dish stays rich and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Making Beef Stroganoff at home is easier than it looks.

With simple ingredients, clear steps, and a little patience, you can cook a meal that will impress anyone.

The creamy mushroom sauce and tender beef create the kind of flavor that makes you want seconds.

So, next time you want to prepare something warm, filling, and full of taste, give this recipe a try.

Serve it over noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate.