Save This dish features tender beef strips sautéed and simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce combining sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. The sauce envelops perfectly cooked wide egg noodles tossed with butter. Onions, garlic, and mushrooms add savory aroma, while parsley garnish brightens each serving. This comforting main is quick to prepare, alcohol-free, and offers a hearty family meal with a balance of tender meat and smooth sauce textures. Variations include lighter dairy swaps and alternative proteins.
The smell of butter melting into egg noodles takes me straight back to my grandmother's tiny kitchen, where she'd hum while stirring her stroganoff. I stood on a step stool just to watch, mesmerized by how mushrooms transformed from rubbery to golden. She never measured anything, yet it was perfect every single time.
Last winter my daughter had three friends over for dinner, and I was nervous about making something they'd all actually eat. They devoured seconds and asked for the recipe before even leaving the table. Now it's their most requested meal when they visit.
Ingredients
- Beef Sirloin or Tenderloin: Cutting against the grain into thin strips ensures tenderness every time
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the beef shine
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light coating that helps the sauce cling
- Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce
- Cremini or White Mushrooms: Brown them well for deeper flavor
- Garlic: Minced fresh releases more oils than pre-chopped
- Unsalted Butter: Control your salt level with unsalted butter
- Olive Oil: Withstands high heat for searing beef
- Tomato Paste: Adds subtle depth without overwhelming
- Beef Broth: Low sodium prevents oversalting
- Sour Cream: Full-fat creates the silkiest texture
- Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon cuts through richness
- Worcestershire Sauce: Umami bomb that ties everything together
- Wide Egg Noodles: Broad surfaces catch more sauce
- Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that makes it pretty
Instructions
- Get Your Noodles Going First:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles until tender, then drain and toss with butter to keep them from sticking
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear seasoned beef strips in batches until browned, removing to a plate
- Build Your Flavor Base:
- In the same pan, cook butter, onions, and mushrooms until softened and golden, then add garlic for one minute more
- Create the Sauce Foundation:
- Stir in tomato paste for one minute, then add beef broth while scraping up browned bits from the bottom
- Add the Creamy Elements:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream, mustard, and Worcestershire until smooth, being careful not to let it boil
- Bring It All Together:
- Return beef and any juices to the pan and simmer gently until heated through, then taste and adjust seasoning
- Plate and Garnish:
- Serve over buttered noodles and finish with fresh parsley
Save This dish became our go-to comfort food after my husband broke his leg and couldn't stand for long periods. I could make everything from a chair, and he never knew cooking stressed me out.
Making It Lighter
Greek yogurt works surprisingly well as a sour cream substitute if you are watching calories. The tangy flavor profile remains similar while reducing fat content noticeably.
The Secret to Perfect Mushrooms
Crowding the pan causes mushrooms to steam instead of brown. Give them space and resist the urge to stir too frequently during the first few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp cucumber salad cuts through the richness beautifully. The cool crunch balances every creamy bite.
- Lemon juice brightens the whole dish
- Crusty bread soaks up extra sauce
- Green beans add color to the plate
Save Some meals feed more than hunger, and this stroganoff has fed our family through ordinary Tuesdays and special celebrations alike.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of beef works best?
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Use tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin sliced thinly for quick, even cooking and a soft texture.
- → How can I ensure the sauce is creamy without curdling?
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Lower the heat before adding sour cream and stir gently to combine without boiling the sauce.
- → Can I substitute egg noodles?
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Yes, wide pasta such as pappardelle or fettuccine can provide a similar texture and hold the sauce well.
- → What adds depth to the mushroom sauce?
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Tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce enrich the flavor with umami and tanginess.
- → How to prevent beef from drying out during cooking?
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Sear beef quickly on high heat and remove once browned to finish simmering gently in the sauce.
