Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Hearty Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Homemade Comfort

Whipping up a delectable beef stroganoff can transport you to comfort food heaven with minimal effort.

Creamy sauces sometimes intimidate home cooks, but this approach breaks down complicated techniques into straightforward steps.

Tender strips of beef nestled in rich, velvety sauce create a meal that feels luxurious yet surprisingly easy to prepare.

Traditional Russian recipes inspired this classic dish, which now appears in kitchens worldwide with endless variations.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the meat’s savory profile perfectly.

Weeknight dinners call for simple solutions that don’t compromise on flavor, and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Let’s uncover how you can craft a restaurant-worthy meal in under thirty minutes.

Simple Beef Stroganoff For An Easy Weeknight Dinner

  • Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this comforting beef stroganoff in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, savory blend of beef, mushrooms, and rich sauce that makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses simple pantry staples and common ingredients, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated shopping or expensive components.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Reduces cleanup time with a single pan cooking method, making this recipe not just tasty but also incredibly convenient for weeknight cooking and tired parents.

A Look At What’s Used In Simple Beef Stroganoff

Pasta Base:
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, classic pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce and provides a comforting base for the dish.
Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Primary protein that adds rich, hearty flavor and substance to the stroganoff.
Sauce Components:
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps create a smooth, thick sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a velvety texture.
  • Beef Broth: Enhances meat flavor and helps create a more liquid sauce consistency.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation to the dish's overall flavor profile.
  • Mushrooms: Adds earthy depth and complementary texture to the beef.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers a consistent, warm garlic flavor throughout the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, umami depth to the meat and sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a slight tang and sharpness to balance the creamy sauce.
Seasoning:
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the dish's flavors.

Making Simple Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil egg noodles following package instructions until al dente.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping them warm and ready for the delicious topping.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add to the skillet:
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Sliced mushrooms

Cook until vegetables become soft and release their wonderful fragrance, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Stir in:
  • Garlic powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Pour into the skillet:
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • Beef broth

Stir completely to combine, ensuring a smooth and rich sauce develops.

Step 6: Simmer And Blend Flavors

Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and develop a deep, comforting taste.

Step 7: Final Creamy Touch

Remove from heat and fold in sour cream.

Season with salt and black pepper to your preferred taste level.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Generously spoon the beef mixture over the prepared egg noodles.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Smart Tips for Simple Beef Stroganoff

  • Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry while simmering to enhance the richness of the sauce and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Remove the skillet from heat before stirring in sour cream to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use sliced steak for a more premium stroganoff experience.
  • Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the dish.
  • Use gluten-free egg noodles or serve over cauliflower rice, and replace condensed soup with a homemade cream sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Save And Warm Up Simple Beef Stroganoff Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying and maintain creamy texture.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent uneven hot spots.

Dishes to Pair with Simple Beef Stroganoff

  • Enhance with Bold Red Wine: Pair a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, savory beef flavors and cut through the creamy sauce.
  • Crisp Side Salad Contrast: Create a tangy green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy stroganoff and provide a fresh palate cleanser.
  • Roasted Vegetable Accompaniment: Prepare simple roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious and slightly charred element that enhances the main dish's depth.
  • Crusty Bread Bonus: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft noodles and tender beef.

Simple Stroganoff Updates

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check Worcestershire sauce for gluten content.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap egg noodles for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Replace condensed soup with heavy cream and additional seasonings for a lighter, low-carb meal.
  • Greek Yogurt Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, tangier version with fewer calories and increased creaminess.

FAQs

  • Is beef stroganoff hard to make?

No, it’s super easy! This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef works great, you can substitute it with ground turkey, sliced steak, or even ground chicken for variety.

  • What if I don't have condensed cream of mushroom soup?

You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk as an alternative.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and whole wheat egg noodles to reduce calories and increase nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

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Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Warm comfort finds its home in classic beef stroganoff, blending tender strips of beef with creamy mushroom sauce over hearty egg noodles. Russian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each comforting, rich bite of this timeless culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, then set aside after draining.
  2. Heat a large skillet and thoroughly cook ground beef over medium heat, carefully removing any accumulated fat.
  3. Introduce chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing until they become soft and translucent.
  4. Enhance the meat mixture with garlic powder, adding depth through Worcestershire sauce and a touch of Dijon mustard for complexity.
  5. Pour condensed cream of mushroom soup and beef broth into the skillet, thoroughly blending the ingredients to create a rich, creamy base.
  6. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and develop a robust taste profile.
  7. Incorporate sour cream into the beef mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a smooth consistency and adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper according to personal preference.
  8. Transfer the savory beef mixture over the prepared egg noodles, creating an inviting and hearty dish ready to be served immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to enhance flavor and prevent raw meat texture.
  • Drain excess fat completely to reduce greasiness and keep the dish lighter.
  • Slice mushrooms uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
  • Experiment with Greek yogurt as a healthier sour cream alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 395
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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