Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, classic dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’re gonna love this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s packed with tender strips of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that’s just the right amount of tangy thanks to sour cream and a hint of Dijon mustard. Trust me, once you make this, it will become one of those dishes you turn to again and again on chilly nights.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mix of sour cream and Dijon mustard gives this stroganoff a creamy richness with a subtle tang, making every bite exciting.
- Tender Beef Strips: Coating the sirloin in flour before searing helps create a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- One-Pan Convenience: Using the same skillet for browning the beef and cooking the sauce means more flavor and less cleanup—a win-win!
- Classic Comfort Food: This recipe stays true to its roots, delivering nostalgia and satisfaction on every plate.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The flavor and texture of this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe depend on a few simple but well-chosen ingredients that come together in pure harmony. Each one plays a key role, so picking good quality basics will make a big difference.
- Olive Oil: Adds a light fruitiness and is perfect for sautéing without overpowering your flavors.
- Beef Sirloin Steak: Tender and lean enough with just enough marbling for flavor, sliced thin against the grain for the best texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps to coat the beef so it browns beautifully and thickens the sauce naturally.
- Egg Noodles: The classic pasta pairing that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, making every forkful a delight.
- White Onion & Mushrooms: These add savory depth and earthiness that elevate the dish beyond just meat and cream.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness to the pan and helps build the foundation of flavor.
- Beef Broth: Gives a robust, meaty base to the sauce that keeps this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami and complexity that brightens the sauce.
- Sour Cream: Gives that signature tang and creamy texture without overpowering the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch brings a subtle, zesty note that lifts the flavors nicely.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor note in the dish.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe just how my family likes it, but it’s so adaptable that you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Believe me, experimenting with a recipe like this can be a ton of fun.
- Variation: I sometimes swap the beef sirloin for ground beef when I’m in a hurry—it’s not quite the same, but still delicious and quicker to prep.
- Vegetarian Twist: Try replacing the beef with hearty mushrooms and using vegetable broth. The sauce still shines without the meat.
- Healthier Options: Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or serve over mashed cauliflower to lighten it up.
- Extra Creamy: Add a dollop of cream cheese for an indulgent touch that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Noodles
Start by slicing your sirloin steak thinly against the grain—that’s the trick to super tender beef. Toss the strips in a bowl with the flour to get them lightly coated. This helps the beef brown nicely and thickens your sauce. Meanwhile, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions, drain them well, and set aside. Noodles ready means less stress later!
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and toss in sliced onions and mushrooms. Let them cook down until tender and fragrant, about 7 minutes. This step builds the savory base of the stroganoff. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Without washing the skillet (those tasty bits stuck on the bottom are flavor gold!), add the butter and let it melt over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef strips and sear them until they get a nice brown crust, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to keep that gorgeous caramelization.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Return the cooked onions and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Now stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard until smooth and delicious—avoid boiling after adding sour cream to keep it from curdling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Toss in the cooked egg noodles and gently stir until everything is coated with that creamy sauce. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning, then serve it up while it’s hot. You’re in for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s perfect any night of the week.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Slice Against the Grain: This makes the beef tender and prevents it from feeling chewy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown the beef in batches if needed—crowding causes steaming, not searing.
- Add Sour Cream Last: To avoid curdling, stir in sour cream off the heat or on very low heat just before serving.
- Use Beef Broth Not Stock: Beef broth has a richer flavor that really brings out the meaty goodness in this stroganoff.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I typically finish off my stroganoff with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens every bite. If you want a little extra, a few sliced green onions scattered on top add a mild crunch and mild zing that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this stroganoff right over those classic egg noodles, but it’s also fantastic spooned on top of creamy mashed potatoes or over steamed rice if you want to change things up. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts balance the rich sauce deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated this stroganoff inside hollowed-out small bread bowls—which makes it fun and adds a crunchy contrast. You can also try layering it in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and broiled briefly for a golden crust. Presentation really amps up the “wow” factor if you’re entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let the stroganoff cool down a bit then transfer any leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it sealed well to preserve the creamy texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
I’ve frozen stroganoff before, though I’ll admit the texture changes slightly after thawing because sour cream can separate. If you want to freeze it, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I recommend reheating stroganoff slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often and add a tiny splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. This helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from curdling or drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to for its balance of tenderness and flavor, boneless ribeye or beef tenderloin work beautifully too. They tend to be a bit pricier but offer an even more tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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What’s the best way to prevent the sour cream from curdling in the sauce?
The key is to add sour cream off the heat or over very low heat at the end of cooking, stirring gently until incorporated. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding sour cream to keep it smooth and luscious.
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Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can slice and flour the beef in advance and store it in the fridge for several hours before cooking. Also, chopping your onions and mushrooms ahead helps speed up the cooking process when you’re ready to start.
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What can I substitute for egg noodles if I can’t find them?
Feel free to swap egg noodles for any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne. Other great alternatives include mashed potatoes, rice, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter, gluten-free option.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s pure comfort—and yet it feels a little fancy too. It’s the kind of meal I love making when I want to slow down, savor cooking, and share something wonderful with the people around my table. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and hear how it brings warmth and smiles to your kitchen as it has mine. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your family’s favorites too!
Print
Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender strips of beef sirloin cooked with onions and mushrooms in a rich sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles. A comforting classic perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds beef sirloin steak sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 1 medium white onion sliced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the sirloin against the grain into thin strips and dust with flour to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and mushrooms and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet without cleaning it, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the floured steak strips and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the cooked onions and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add sour cream and mustard: Stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard until fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Mix with noodles and season: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, stir everything to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Steak Options: Use cuts with good marbling like boneless ribeye or beef tenderloin for extra tenderness.
- Ground Beef Variation: Brown ground beef until cooked through, drain excess fat, add flour and cook for 2 minutes before continuing with the recipe.
- Serving Variations: Substitute egg noodles with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or for a healthier option, zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg