Beef stroganoff is a classic Russian dish made with succulent pieces of beef, sautéed with shallots and mushrooms, and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a comfort food that's perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to fancy dinner parties.
This recipe calls for top sirloin or tenderloin, which you can find at any good butcher or supermarket. The cremini mushrooms provide a lovely earthy flavor, and the sour cream is essential for the creaminess of the sauce. The use of shallots instead of onions gives a more subtle, refined flavor. Dry tarragon and nutmeg add a hint of warmth and sweetness.
Required Ingredients for Classic Beef Stroganoff
Butter: Butter is used for sautéing the beef, shallots, and mushrooms, and it gives a rich flavor to the dish.
Top sirloin or tenderloin: This is the main ingredient of the dish, chosen for its tenderness and flavor.
Shallots: Shallots are used for their subtle, sweet flavor, which complements the other ingredients.
Cremini mushrooms: These mushrooms have a deep, earthy flavor that enriches the stroganoff.
Salt and Pepper: These are used for seasoning the beef and the overall dish.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds warmth and sweetness to the dish.
Dry tarragon: Tarragon lends a slight anise flavor which pairs well with the beef and cream.
Sour Cream: Sour Cream provides the rich, creamy element of the stroganoff sauce.
One reader, Joanna Mckelvey says:
This classic beef stroganoff recipe is a game-changer! The tender beef, savory mushrooms, and creamy sour cream sauce create a symphony of flavors. It's a family favorite and always a hit at gatherings. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Essential Techniques for Making Classic Beef Stroganoff
How to brown the strips of beef in butter: Melt 3 tbsp of butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Increase the heat to high/med-high. Add the strips of beef in a single layer with space between the strips. Cook the beef quickly, browning on each side. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. When both sides are browned, remove the beef to a bowl and set aside.
How to sauté the shallots: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots. Cook the shallots for a minute or two, allowing them to soak up any meat drippings. Remove the shallots to the same bowl as the meat and set aside.
How to sauté the mushrooms: In the same pan, melt another 2 tbsp of butter. Increase heat to medium-high and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes. While cooking, sprinkle the nutmeg and the tarragon on the mushrooms.
How to add sour cream, beef, shallots: Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream to the mushrooms. You may want to add a tablespoon or two of water or stock to thin the sauce. Mix in the sour cream thoroughly. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil or the sour cream may curdle. Stir in the beef and shallots. Add salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Beef Stroganoff
Easy, creamy beef stroganoff recipe with exquisite beef strips, mushrooms, and sour cream. Serve on top of noodles and don’t forget the sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5tbspbutter
- 1lbtop sirloin,or tenderloin, cut thin into 1-inch wide by 2½-inch long strips
- ⅓cupshallots,chopped, can substitute onions
- ½lbcremini mushrooms,sliced
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- ⅛tspnutmeg
- ½tspdry tarragon,chopped fresh tarragon
- 1cupsour cream,full fat, at room temperature
Instructions
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Melt 3 Tablespoons of butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Increase the heat to high/med-high. Add the strips of beef in a single layer with space between the strips.
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While cooking the beef, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. When both sides are browned, remove the beef to a bowl and set aside.
-
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots. Cook the shallots for a minute or two, allowing them to soak up any meat drippings. Remove the shallots to the same bowl as the meat and set them aside.
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In the same pan, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Increase heat to medium-high and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes. While cooking, sprinkle the nutmeg and the tarragon on the mushrooms.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream to the mushrooms. Mix in the sour cream thoroughly. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil or the sour cream may curdle. Stir in the beef and shallots.
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Add salt and pepper to taste. Taste, and if it needs salt, add ½ teaspoon or more.
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Serve immediately over egg noodles, fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 505.61kcal
- Fat: 42.06g
- Saturated Fat: 22.31g
- Trans Fat: 0.58g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.68g
- Carbohydrates: 6.93g
- Fiber: 0.99g
- Sugar: 3.70g
- Protein: 25.79g
- Cholesterol: 156.51mg
- Sodium: 603.76mg
- Calcium: 116.07mg
- Potassium: 748.09mg
- Iron: 2.26mg
- Vitamin A: 223.04µg
- Vitamin C: 1.64mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Beef Stroganoff
When browning the beef, it's crucial to avoid overcrowding the pan. This is because too much meat in the pan at once can cause it to steam rather than sear, preventing that desirable brown crust from forming. If necessary, cook the beef in batches to ensure each piece has enough space. Additionally, pat the beef dry with a paper towel before searing. Moisture on the surface of the meat can also hinder the browning process.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beef Stroganoff
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and meat in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup, such as stroganoff, to streamline your cooking process.
Organized workspace: Keep your ingredients and tools organized and within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Beef Stroganoff Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.
top sirloin or tenderloin - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich flavor, making them a great vegetarian alternative to beef in stroganoff.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
cremini mushrooms - Substitute with white button mushrooms: White button mushrooms have a mild flavor and similar texture to cremini mushrooms, making them a suitable substitute in the stroganoff recipe.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the stroganoff sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Stroganoff
Elevate the plating: When presenting the classic beef stroganoff, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, flat plate to showcase the dish and ensure that the stroganoff is the focal point of the presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Sprinkle the herbs lightly over the stroganoff to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of brightness to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the dish to elevate the overall dining experience. You can achieve this by serving the stroganoff alongside a crispy potato pancake or a delicate puff pastry to introduce a textural contrast.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated serving ware such as fine china or porcelain dishes to elevate the presentation. The use of elegant dishes can enhance the perception of the dish and create a sense of luxury.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish thoughtfully to create a sense of symmetry and balance on the plate. Pay attention to the placement of the stroganoff, garnishes, and accompaniments to ensure a visually harmonious presentation.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the stroganoff to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and allow for some breathing room around the main components to draw attention to the dish.
Add a touch of luxury with truffle: For an indulgent twist, consider shaving a few delicate slices of truffle over the beef stroganoff. The earthy aroma and exquisite flavor of truffles can elevate the dish and add a luxurious touch to the presentation.
Enhance with edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums to the presentation. The vibrant colors and delicate appearance of edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal of the dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Beef Stroganoff
- Let the beef stroganoff cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled stroganoff in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, warm the stroganoff gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- For freezing, transfer the cooled stroganoff to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen beef stroganoff will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the stroganoff overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little beef broth or water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Note: The sour cream in the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but this will not affect the flavor. Stirring the stroganoff gently while reheating will help to recombine the ingredients.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Stroganoff
Reheat beef stroganoff in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen the sauce if needed. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
For individual portions, place the desired amount of beef stroganoff in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of beef broth or water per serving to help maintain the sauce's consistency. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
If you have leftover beef stroganoff and noodles stored separately, reheat the noodles by placing them in a colander and running hot water over them until they are warm. Shake off excess water and set aside. Reheat the beef stroganoff using one of the methods mentioned above, then serve over the warmed noodles.
For a crispy twist, transform leftover beef stroganoff into a casserole. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef stroganoff to a baking dish, and top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stroganoff is heated through.
Create a beef stroganoff shepherd's pie by placing the leftover stroganoff in a baking dish and topping it with mashed potatoes. Brush the top of the mashed potatoes with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika for added color and flavor. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Interesting Trivia About Beef Stroganoff
The classic beef stroganoff recipe is believed to have originated in Russia during the 19th century. It was named after the Stroganov family, a prominent Russian family. The dish was originally made with sautéed beef in a mustard and sour cream sauce, and it has evolved over time to include mushrooms and onions. The dish gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s and has since become a beloved comfort food. It is often served over egg noodles, fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Is Making Beef Stroganoff at Home Cost-Effective?
The classic beef stroganoff recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients such as top sirloin, shallots, and cremini mushrooms makes it a budget-friendly option. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20-$25. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish earns it a solid 8 out of 10 rating.
Is Classic Beef Stroganoff Healthy or Unhealthy?
The classic beef stroganoff recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in saturated fat due to the generous use of butter and sour cream, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced diet and provide vital nutrients and fiber.
However, with a few simple modifications, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
- Use low-fat or non-fat sour cream to decrease the saturated fat content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Choose lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, to reduce the overall fat content
- Serve the stroganoff over whole grain noodles or rice to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal
- Control portion sizes to maintain a balanced calorie intake
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of the classic beef stroganoff that still satisfies your cravings for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This classic beef stroganoff recipe is a timeless favorite that delivers rich and savory flavors. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and tangy sour cream creates a luscious and comforting dish. The use of nutmeg and tarragon adds depth and complexity to the sauce, elevating the overall flavor profile. The method of browning the beef and sautéing the shallots and mushrooms separately ensures that each ingredient retains its unique taste and texture. This recipe is versatile and can be served over a variety of accompaniments, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
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Why trust this Beef Stroganoff Recipe:
This classic beef stroganoff recipe is a timeless favorite, perfected over generations. The tender top sirloin is seared to perfection, creating a rich and savory flavor. The combination of shallots and cremini mushrooms adds depth and complexity to the dish. The addition of sour cream creates a luscious and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the beef. With the perfect balance of nutmeg and tarragon, this recipe promises to deliver a comforting and satisfying meal every time. Trust in the tradition and expertise behind this recipe for a truly delightful dining experience.
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