Creamy Beef Stroganoff has been around since the mid-19th century. It has stayed popular for good reasons. It is rich and delicious! Although its origins are unclear, it was once considered Russian royalty. It makes sense, considering its luxurious ingredients and preparation.
What is Creamy Beef Stroganoff?
Beef Stroganoff has long been one of the most popular dishes in Russian cuisine. It consists of beef and mushrooms cooked in a sour cream sauce. The dish gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It has since become a comfort food staple.
Today, almost every country has a version of Stroganoff. Traditionally served over noodles, this easy beef dish is comforting and hearty. The taste makes everyone feel special when they eat it. It is perfect for feeding family and friends alike. With this comfort food classic, every bite is as good as the first.
Get Ready to Drool: Mom's Creamy Beef Stroganoff
If you are a food lover, you know that a good meal can change your day. That is what my Mom’s cooking could do. Regardless of how my day went, her cooking made the day better.
I remember the times she would make Creamy Beef Stroganoff. The aromas of beef, garlic, and onion wafted through the house. The meat was always tender and juicy. I was always a big fan of mushrooms, and she used plenty. She would make a cream gravy that was thick and rich. Sour cream added a nice twang that coated the delicious beef.
She would serve the meal with egg noodles and a side of Roasted Brussels Sprouts. The texture of the sprouts paired well with the creamy mushroom sauce. Recalling the experience, my mouth waters at the mere thought of it.
One of the things I remember most was how it made me feel. It was not any ordinary meal. The flavors and textures of the dish were bold and authentic. It was a comforting meal that seemed to take all the problems away.
Over time, I realized this dish is more than just a hearty meal. It is a symphony of flavors. I could not wait to create other Beef Stroganoff recipes that put a unique spin on this classic dish.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 ½ lbs. cubed sirloin steak,
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. season salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. butter
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1-diced yellow onion
- 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
- 1-clove minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 16 oz. beef broth
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked wide egg noodles.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff Directions
Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef with pepper, salt, and flour.
- Add olive oil and butter into a large skillet and heat over medium-high flame.
- Working in batches to not crowd the pot, add the beef and cook until browned.
- Transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add onion and butter, and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the thyme, Dijon mustard, broth, and Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine the beef, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream and simmer for 5 minutes
- Season with pepper and salt.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Stroganoff Recipe Tips to Elevate Your Cooking Game
Take your beef stroganoff game to the next level. Here are clever recipe tips to make your family and friends think you are a gourmet chef.
Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
The classic beef stroganoff recipe calls for thinly sliced beef sirloin or tenderloin. While these cuts are undeniably delicious, they can also be pricey. If you are on a tight budget, opt for less expensive cuts like stew meat. Just slice them thin against the grain to prevent them from getting tough.
Do not Skimp on the Mushrooms:
Mushrooms are a crucial ingredient in beef stroganoff. They add depth, flavor, and texture to the sauce. Do not make the mistake of using canned or bland-tasting mushrooms. Instead, use fresh ones. Sauté the button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms until golden brown. Then, add them to the creamy sauce.
Make Your Beef Stock:
Some beef stroganoff recipes call for store-bought beef broth or bouillon cubes. However, making beef stock is easy and yields a richer, more complex flavor. Simmer beef bones and aromatics like onion, carrots, and bay leaves for several hours. Then, strain the liquid and use it as the base for your sauce. Trust me; it is worth the extra effort.
Add a Touch of Booze:
Adding a splash of brandy, cognac, or red wine can elevate the flavor and aroma of the sauce. Use the alcohol to deglaze the pan. As the browned bits of meat and mushrooms release from the pan, they infuse the sauce with savory flavors. Just remember to cook off the alcohol before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Serve with a Twist:
The classic accompaniment to beef stroganoff is buttered egg noodles. Switch things up by serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs and add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
With these recipe tips, you can make a creamy beef stroganoff that will please everyone. Go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you.
Variations to Creamy Beef Stroganoff
The essential components in this dish are beef, mushrooms, and a sour cream sauce. But, there are many variations to the recipe. These delicious alternative recipes will fulfill your craving for comfort food.
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff:
Braise the beef in a slow cooker. Make the sauce and add the tender chunks when ready. This option is great for working families.
Simple Beef Stroganoff:
This recipe is a quick alternative. Use ground beef and make the sauce with a can of mushroom soup. Add other ingredients to round out the flavors.
Mushroom Stroganoff:
For the mushroom lover, this recipe replaces beef with hearty portabellos. Sauté them in butter, and add them to a creamy sour cream sauce.
Chicken Stroganoff:
Swap out the beef for the chicken. This recipe combines tender strips of chicken smothered in a rich, chicken-flavored sauce.
Turkey Stroganoff:
Another alternative meat option is turkey, which adds a lean protein to this dish. Add some roasted vegetables or spices to give this dish some extra kick.
Seafood Stroganoff:
For a lighter version, consider substituting the beef with seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and clams pair well with a vegetable mushroom sauce.
These alternative Beef Stroganoff recipes will bring new life to an old favorite. Try experimenting with different proteins and ingredients. Make this dish unique to your tastes and preferences.
Leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest!
Tag @One_Plate_at_a _Thyme on Instagram and hashtag it #OnePlateataThyme.
2 comments
This recipe is now one of my go-to’s. I love that the recipes give lots of alternatives. My favorite is the ground beef version and have even used meatballs.
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with the recipe! It’s fantastic to hear that it has become one of your go-to favorites.
I’m thrilled that you appreciate the variety of alternatives provided. In recipes – versatility is key in the kitchen! The ground beef version is delicious, but using meatballs is a creative twist.
It’s always great when a recipe can be adapted to suit individual preferences. If you have any other favorite variations or tips, please share. I love hearing about how people make recipes their own.
oneplateatathyme.com
instagram.com/one_plate_at_a_thyme
facebook.com/OnePlateatathyme
Comments are closed.