When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes can rival the timeless appeal of beef stroganoff. With its creamy, savory sauce, tender chunks of beef, and earthy mushrooms, this classic dish has been a family favorite for generations. Originating in 19th-century Russia and evolving into a globally beloved recipe, beef stroganoff is as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether served over buttery egg noodles or fluffy rice, it’s a meal that satisfies cravings and warms the soul. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, offering bold flavors with minimal effort.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through two methods for making beef stroganoff, so you can choose the one that best suits your schedule. The traditional stove-top approach delivers rich, tender results in a couple of hours, while the slow cooker method lets you set it and forget it, producing the same flavorful magic with almost no hands-on time. Both versions ensure the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauce is lusciously creamy, and the aroma is utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for your family, this beef stroganoff will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 900g Beef chuck roast or stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 225g mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 475ml beef stock
- 240ml sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
340g egg noodles or rice
Optional: additional sour cream for garnish
Stove Top Beef Stroganoff
If you’re craving beef stroganoff and want to make it relatively quickly, the stove top method is your best bet. Here’s how to do it:
1. Brown the Beef
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are translucent.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Return the beef to the skillet, then pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender during this time.
4. Add the Sour Cream
Once the beef is tender, stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Cook the Noodles or Rice
While the stroganoff is finishing, prepare your egg noodles or rice according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve the beef stroganoff over the noodles or rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish, if desired. Enjoy!
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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
For those days when you want to set it and forget it, the slow cooker method is ideal. With minimal effort, you’ll come home to tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce.
1. Brown the Beef
Follow the same instructions as above to brown the beef in a skillet. This step helps seal in flavor and is worth the extra effort. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened and golden, about 6-8 minutes total. Add these to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Combine Ingredients
Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef will cook to perfection, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender.
4. Finish with Sour Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with additional beef broth.
5. Cook the Noodles or Rice
While the slow cooker finishes up, prepare your noodles or rice according to the package instructions. Keep them warm until ready to serve.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve the stroganoff over your prepared noodles or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired. This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious!
Tips for Perfect Beef Stroganoff
Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut stew meat. For a more tender result, you can use beef tenderloin instead of chuck roast, though it may be more expensive.
Mushroom Varieties:
Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for a richer flavor.
Don’t Skip the Browning:
Browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables in advance creates deeper, more robust flavors.
Adjust Seasonings:
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and paprika to your liking.
Thickening the Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry and stir it into the stroganoff during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make It Gluten-Free:
Swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or serve over rice for a gluten-free version.
Make-Ahead:
This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing:
Beef stroganoff freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the stove top or slow cooker method, beef stroganoff is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its creamy, savory flavors are guaranteed to satisfy. Happy cooking!
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