Strips of beef are smothered in a rich savory sauce with onions and mushrooms. Serve this stroganoff recipe over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food that has been around for over a century This tender beef in a creamy, savory sauce served over noodles or rice is a delicious and satisfying meal But the key component that brings this dish together is the beef stroganoff sauce. So how do you make a stellar beef stroganoff sauce? Follow these tips and tricks to create a sauce that makes this retro recipe sing.
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
The first step in crafting a great stroganoff is choosing the right cut of beef. You want something that is tender and won’t get tough and chewy during the quick cooking time. The most common cuts used are:
- Boneless ribeye or scotch fillet
- Boneless sirloin or sirloin tips
- Beef tenderloin
Chuck roast or stew meat can work too if you have time to braise it until tender first Avoid cuts like round or chuck steak – they will turn out too tough for this recipe
Sear the Beef Properly
To get nice browning on the beef without overcooking it, you’ll want to sear the meat very quickly over high heat. Cut it into thin strips first. Then just let it sear for about 30 seconds per side. Don’t worry if it’s still rare inside, it will finish cooking in the sauce. This quick sear gives you tons of flavor.
Cook the Aromatics
Once you’ve seared the beef, set it aside and add some onions to the pan. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes to soften. Then add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they are browned and any liquid has evaporated.
Make a Roux
To thicken the sauce, you’ll need to make a quick roux. Add a few tablespoons of butter to the pan. When melted, stir in an equal amount of flour. Let cook for 1 minute. This flour mixture will thicken up the sauce nicely.
Deglaze with Broth and Wine
Now it’s time to add liquid to the pan to get all those delicious browned bits off the bottom – this is where a lot of flavor comes from! Add in some beef broth and white wine, scraping the bottom as it simmers. Let reduce by half.
Finish the Sauce
Finally, stir in the sour cream and seasonings like mustard, salt, and pepper. Let simmer just until warmed through and thickened slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Then add the beef back to the pan to reheat before serving.
Extra Sauce Tips
- Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, or other seasonings to customize the flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, use a slurry of cornstarch and water instead of a roux.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer for longer to reduce or mix together some cornstarch and cold water and stir in to thicken.
- For a gluten free option, use cornstarch instead of flour.
What to Serve Beef Stroganoff Over
While egg noodles are the most traditional accompaniment, beef stroganoff is delicious served over:
- Wide noodles or fettuccine
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Polenta or grits
The creamy sauce begs for something to soak it up! Add a vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
With tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce, this classic dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Experiment with different seasonings or add-ins to make it your own. Serve beef stroganoff on a busy weeknight or for a comforting weekend dinner. Just be prepared for requests for seconds!
How to Make Beef Stroganoff
This classic beef stroganoff recipe satisfies the hungriest of appetites!
- After cooking the beef in seasoned flour, move it to a plate (recipe below).
- Cook onion in butter and then add mushrooms and garlic.
- Add the flour and the rest of the sauce’s ingredients, and cook until the sauce gets thick.
- Put the beef back in the pan and cook it until it’s hot. Then add the sour cream and mix it in.
Serve with egg noodles, rice, or over mashed potatoes.
Beef Stroganoff Is the Ultimate Comfort Food Because…
- The beef is so tender and full of flavor when I cook it this way.
- Onions and mushrooms not only make the food taste better, but they also make it last longer.
- The best thing about this recipe is that it only needs a few simple ingredients and can be made quickly.
- This recipe is comforting and delicious!
- Beef: This recipe sears the beef quickly so that it stays juicy and tender. It tastes great and has a lot of fat, but sirloin is cheaper and still tender. You can also use leftover steak or beef tenderloin.
- Onions/Mushrooms: Onions and mushrooms add a rich, rustic flavor. There are many kinds of mushrooms that you can use. Portobello or button mushrooms are two of my favorites.
- Broth: Use beef broth or stock in this recipe. If using low-sodium you may need to add extra salt.
- If you add sour cream to the gravy, it turns into a creamy mushroom sauce. To add protein and cut calories, swap it out for full-fat Greek yogurt.
Easy Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe – Natasha’s Kitchen
FAQ
What is the sauce in beef stroganoff made of?
How to make beef stroganoff taste better?
What is the best substitute for sour cream in stroganoff?
How do you make beef stroganoff?
Simmer it in the beef broth, salt, and Worcestershire sauce to lock in that savory flavor. Add a slurry made from broth and flour to form your sauce, then add your onion mixture back in. Keep stirring and bring to a boil. Finally, add some sour cream to give your beef stroganoff that last touch of richness.
How do you thicken beef stroganoff sauce?
Use a combination of flour and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Whisk a small amount of cornstarch into a few tablespoons of cold water and then add it to the simmering sauce. 5. How do I prevent beef stroganoff sauce from curdling?
How long does Stroganoff take to cook?
The 2 hours in the recipe is important, even at 1 ½ hours the meat is still not tender enough, it’s been tested that many times. I think what makes this the best beef stroganoff ever is the sour cream sauce. It’s mixed together with tomato paste and the savory beef broth. Decadent.
What are the ingredients in Stroganoff?
The key to a truly exceptional sauce lies in the quality of its ingredients. For our beef stroganoff, we will gather the following: Beef: Opt for a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into thin strips. Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced thinly. Onion: Yellow or white onion, chopped finely.