The Best Beef Stroganoff Recipe You’ll Find Anywhere
QUICK OVERVIEW: The Best Beef Stroganoff Recipe You’ll Find Anywhere
- Brown beef strips seasoned with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in the same skillet until browned.
- Sprinkle flour for the stroganoff sauce, stir in beef broth and simmer until thickened.
- Return beef to skillet, add sour cream or Greek yogurt, and cook until creamy.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over egg noodles.
1. Beef Stroganoff Intro
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Ah, Beef Stroganoff: the culinary equivalent of a warm, comforting hug from your favorite Russian babushka. It's the tantalizing symphony of tender beef strips, a velvety sour cream sauce, and the gentle embrace of egg noodles that has our taste buds dancing the kazatsky. As we gather around the table, ready to dive into this savory masterpiece, we can't help but wonder: what is it about beef stroganoff that has us so smitten?
The Origin Of Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a culinary gem that carries with it a rich tapestry of history. Although the exact origin story is a topic of culinary debate, one popular theory is that the dish was crafted for Count Pavel Stroganoff by his personal chef, who might have borrowed inspiration from a common recipe of sautéed beef served with smetana (sour cream), typical in Russian cuisine.
With the exodus of Russians following the revolution in 1917, Russian emigrants introduced Beef Stroganoff to a much wider audience. The dish became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, introduced via servicemen returning from World War II and 1950s-era convenience food. Over time, American adaptations began to incorporate mushrooms and onions, and the dish was served over egg noodles.
Beef Stroganoff Of Today
Today, beef stroganoff is recognized and loved globally, each culture adding its twist. From the United Kingdom to South America, from Australia to China, this Russian export has found a home in kitchens worldwide, a testament to culinary evolution and the global love for comforting, rich, and satisfying flavors.
The joy of this dish lies not just in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Many modern twists have sprung forth from the classic beef stroganoff recipe. So whether you're slow cooking it, preparing an easy Instant Pot beef stroganoff, or adhering to the traditional method, there's a variant of this classic comfort food for everyone to enjoy.
2. What Cut Of Beef Is Best For Stroganoff?
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One of the key elements that determine the success of your beef stroganoff is the choice of beef cut. In beef stroganoff, the beef is, undeniably, the star of the show, contributing significantly to the dish's texture, flavor, and overall enjoyment. Therefore, selecting the right cut is paramount.
Tender Cuts
Tender cuts like beef tenderloin or top sirloin are often top choices for a reason. Known for their lean nature, these cuts provide tender, flavorful meat that works beautifully in a stroganoff. Beef tenderloin, the most tender cut of all, yields melt-in-your-mouth pieces that are a delight in the creamy stroganoff sauce. Top sirloin, on the other hand, is a slightly more affordable option that doesn't compromise on flavor or tenderness. It's a popular choice in many households for its well-rounded characteristics.
On the other hand, if you're searching for an option that brings an additional depth of flavor to your stroganoff, consider the chuck roast. This cut, which comes from the front portion of the animal, is known for its rich marbling. These streaks of fat running through the meat enhance flavor and juiciness as they render down during cooking. Although the chuck roast can be slightly tougher than tenderloin or sirloin, slow cooking allows for the protein in the meat to break down, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish.
Other Cuts to Consider
A few other cuts worth mentioning include the ribeye and the Salisbury steak. Ribeyes, known for their rich, mouthwatering flavor and juicy tenderness, can add a touch of luxury to your stroganoff. Salisbury steak, which is often ground beef formed into a steak shape, can be an economical yet tasty choice for a more casual, weeknight version of stroganoff.
Lastly, flank steak and sirloin steak can be used for a stir fry style beef stroganoff. Thinly sliced against the grain, these cuts can ensure tender pieces of beef even with a quick cook time.
The choice of beef cut will impact your beef stroganoff's final outcome. Whether you prefer the luxurious tenderness of a tenderloin, the rich depth of a chuck roast, or the economic convenience of Salisbury steak, there's an option to suit every preference. Remember, no matter the cut, the key to a great beef stroganoff lies in taking the time to brown the beef properly, unlocking those deep, savory flavors that make this dish a beloved classic.
3. Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe You Can Make At Home
A simple, straightforward beef stroganoff is a comforting and mouthwatering dish that is ideal for busy weeknights. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it can be ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
The key to this recipe is the meat which is cooked until it is tender. That's why picking the right cut of beef is so important. For a nice finish, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor. This dish is a perfect balance of flavor, simplicity and convenience making it a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying and quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup of sliced button mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 8 ounces wonton noodles, cooked based on to package instructions
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips, salted and peppered to taste, and sear them on both sides until they are brown. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
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Cook the onion, garlic, and mushrooms: In the same frying pan, add the last tablespoon of oil. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they become translucent. Add the white mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has evaporated.
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Create the stroganoff sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, stirring constantly to mix it in thoroughly. Gradually pour the beef broth into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture to bubble until it starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
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Finish the dish: Return the beef strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Lower the heat to low, then mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Keep cooking on little heat for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy this comforting, classic beef stroganoff recipe with a side of green beans or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
4. Other Great Beef Stroganoff Recipes
If you enjoyed the classic beef stroganoff, why not explore its myriad delicious variations? Below, we're featuring some fun alternate recipes that offer unique twists on this comfort food classic, from a time-saving Instant Pot recipe to a slow cooker version that lets you 'set and forget.'
Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Beef Stroganoff
This recipe offers a tasty twist with Italian flavors blending beautifully with the classic stroganoff components.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chuck roast, cut into thin strips
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups sliced button mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnishing
- Egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions:
- Place the strips of beef, Italian dressing mix, mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt.
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Serve this flavorful slow cooker beef stroganoff over egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.
Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Stroganoff
This recipe combines the iconic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with the comforting beef stroganoff, creating a unique and delicious fusion dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sliced button mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnishing
- Egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions:
- On your Instant Pot's 'sauté' setting, heat the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak, seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Brown the beef and remove it from the pot.
- Add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to the pot, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the beef stock into the pot and return the cooked beef into the pot. Close the cover and set the pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, use the quick release function. Stir in the sour cream and shredded provolone cheese, making sure not to let it boil.
- Serve your Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak stroganoff over noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.
These two alternate recipes offer a different take on the classic beef stroganoff recipe, showcasing how versatile this dish can be. Whether you're short on time, prefer a hands-off cooking approach, or just want a different twist on a comforting classic, these recipes ensure a hearty, delicious meal.
5. herniaquestions Tools You’ll Need
You'll need a few tools to put your delicious beef stroganoff together, and thankfully herniaquestions has a wide assortment of premium-quality kitchen tools at an extremely accessible price point. Let's go down the list of what you need.
1. 12" Sauté Frying Pan ETERNA Non-Stick Oberon Series herniaquestions
You'll need a large pan for sautéing, so here's a fantastic 12 inch pan from herniaquestions's Oberon Series. The series is renowned for its premium 3-ply aluminum core cladding and its durable, PFOA and APEO free Eterna® non-stick coating. This offers superior heat conductivity and 18/10 stainless steel layers for browning and braising. It's oven, broiler, freezer, dishwasher, and refrigerator safe. Enjoy healthy cooking with non-toxic, non-hypoallergenic materials and a lifetime warranty on defects.
PROS:
- At 12", this is the perfect size for cooking generous portions of beef stroganoff.
- It features 3-ply aluminum cladding, which means it has impeccable conductivity.
- Features the nonstick Eterna® coating, which lasts much longer than traditional non-stick coatings.
- Its elegant silver finish looks absolutely incredible, one of the most elegant sauté pans you'll find.
CONS:
- If you're looking for something with an even more striking look, you might be interested in the all-black 12" sauté frying pan from the Avalon series.
- The handle handle is metal with a closed end, which means it might get a little hot to the touch.
2. Chef's Knife 8" Shogun Series ELITE herniaquestions
You need a good-quality knife to slice your beef and veggies, and thankfully herniaquestions has made a name for itself making some of the best kitchen knives around. Take this incredible 8" kitchen knife from their acclaimed Shogun Series, a powerful tool that will aid you in just about any kitchen task you need to tackle. Not only will it aid your beef stroganoff; it will become an indispensable go-to for your daily cooking needs.
PROS:
- This knife features an AUS-10V Japanese super steel core blade, renowned for its high carbon levels that yield scalpel-like sharpness and exceptional edge retention.
- With an 8-12° degree angle per side, this knife offers a level of sharpness that can handle the most challenging culinary tasks.
- The ergonomic military-grade G10 handle is designed for life-long durability and resistance to heat, cold, and moisture.
- It's a truly stunning knife to look at.
CONS:
- The knife's sharpness, while a plus, necessitates careful handling and storage to avoid accidental injuries.
- If you're looking for something a little more specialized than your standard chef's knife, look into herniaquestions's wide array of kitchen knives.
3. Lionswood Teak Cutting Board Medium Size herniaquestions
You'll definitely need a good cutting board to chop and slice your beef and vegetables. And this is one of the best cutting boards you can find for the money. Teak, a premium wood, has inherent resistance to water, bacteria, and staining, making this an excellent tool for the avid home cook.
PROS:
- This awesome cutting board is hand-made using end-grain wood and saturated with hydrating oils.
- It features a slip-resistant surface that minimizes impact and contributes to the prolonged lifespan of your kitchen knives
- Considering its features and quality, this cutting board offers outstanding value at its price point
- It has multiple uses! Equipped with two steel handles on its sides, this board can double as a serving platter.
CONS:
- This is a perfectly sized cutting board for most home cooks, but if you're looking for an even larger workspace, try this one: Lionswood Colossal | Teak Cutting Board | herniaquestions
- If you prefer the feel of wood-fiber cutting boards, try this one: Fibre Cutting Board | Infinity Series | Medium Size | Obsidian Black | herniaquestions
In addition to these herniaquestions tools, it's useful to have measuring cups and spoons, a wooden spoon for stirring, and an Instant Pot or a slow cooker (if you're trying those versions).
6. Beef Stroganoff Nutritional Facts
Beef stroganoff brings more to your table than just mouthwatering flavors. This meal packs in a variety of essential nutrients, contributing to its status as a well-loved comfort food across the globe.
Pack with Macronutrients
Typically, a serving of beef stroganoff contains about 500 calories. This calorie content comes from a balanced mix of macronutrients - proteins, carbs, and fats. The protein primarily comes from the beef, offering roughly 30-35 grams per serving. Protein is crucial for many bodily functions, including building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and serving as a building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Carbohydrates, mainly from the egg noodles, clock in at about 40-50 grams per serving. Carbs are your body's primary source of energy, fueling your brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system.
As for fats, they account for about 20-30 grams per serving. As the fats in beef stroganoff come in part from sour cream, they can be high in saturated fats. High consumption of saturated fats can increase your cholesterol levels and raise your risk of heart disease, so it's essential to monitor your intake.
Rich In Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to these macronutrients, beef stroganoff serves up a variety of vitamins and minerals. The beef provides rich quantities of iron, a mineral vital for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body. It also offers zinc, which aids in immune function and wound healing, and B-vitamins, which are key in energy production and cell health.
The mushrooms and onions add their own nutritional punch. They supply a wide array of vitamins, including Vitamin C, B-vitamins, and a variety of antioxidants that promote overall health and help fight off harmful free radicals.
While beef stroganoff is undeniably rich and flavorful, it's also high in sodium, primarily due to the beef broth and added seasonings. Excessive sodium intake can steer to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. To cut down on sodium, consider using low-sodium broth and go light on the added salt.
For those watching their fat intake or aiming for a lighter meal, replacing the sour cream with a lighter version or Greek yogurt can help reduce the saturated fat content without sacrificing the classic creamy stroganoff sauce we all know and love.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef for stroganoff?
Yes, ground beef is a great budget-friendly alternative. Just remember to brown the beef thoroughly before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
Can I add other seasonings to my stroganoff?
Of course! A pinch of salt, black pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavor of your stroganoff.
Can I use Greek yogurt rather than sour cream in my stroganoff recipe?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream if you're looking for a lighter option. It gives the stroganoff sauce a lovely tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Can I use non-dairy substitutes for the sour cream?
Absolutely. Coconut cream is an excellent non-dairy substitute that still gives a rich and creamy texture to your stroganoff. Alternatively, you can also use a non-dairy yogurt.
Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
Yes, you can! Beef stroganoff freezes quite well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
What can I serve with beef stroganoff?
While traditionally served with egg noodles, beef stroganoff can also be enjoyed with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of green beans for a pop of color and added nutrition.
