I absolutely love this Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe because it combines tender slices of steak with a luxuriously smooth, mushroom-studded sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends who appreciate comfort food, this recipe really hits the spot without any fuss.
When I first tried making this recipe, I was surprised by how quickly it came together and how the flavors deepened without hours of simmering. You’ll find that the creamy sauce balanced with the earthiness of mushrooms and the slight tang from sour cream makes this a timeless classic worth adding to your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want homemade comfort fast.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of double cream and sour cream gives it that indulgent, velvety mouthfeel you crave.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic that makes every bite vibrant and satisfying.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones can’t get enough, and I bet your family and friends will feel the same way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe come together like old friends – each playing a role without overpowering the others. Choosing good quality steak and fresh mushrooms really makes a difference here, so I always pick the best I can find.
- Steak: I usually go for rump, sirloin, or ribeye – nothing too fancy, but make sure it’s close to room temperature for even cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich base for sautéing the veggies without making things too salty.
- White Onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sweetness that balances the dish.
- Chestnut Mushrooms: Not paper-thin slices here—chunkier pieces offer better texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Finely diced to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth without overpowering it.
- Plain Flour: Helps thicken that gorgeous sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Beef Stock: The liquid backbone of the sauce, making it savory and hearty.
- Double/Heavy Cream: Use at room temp to avoid curdling and to ensure a silky texture.
- Sour Cream: Also at room temp—this adds a slight tang that brightens the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth and complexity.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch to give a gentle kick and balance flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: For searing the beef quickly and preventing sticking without adding flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously—you can always adjust later!
- Fresh Chives: Finely diced for a fresh, mild oniony finish atop the finished dish.
- Pasta, Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Your carb of choice – I’m partial to creamy mash myself.
Variations
One of the great things about this Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve played with different tweaks depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood, and it’s always a winner.
- Using Chicken or Turkey: When I want something lighter, swapping beef for diced chicken breast works beautifully, just reduce the cooking time.
- Vegetarian Version: Try using hearty mushrooms like portobello or adding smoked tofu in place of beef for a delicious meat-free option.
- Adding a Splash of White Wine: Sometimes, I deglaze the pan with a bit of white wine before the stock for an extra fruity note.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley changes things up and adds freshness on busy days.
How to Make Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef Just Right
Start by trimming any large chunks of fat off your steak—this prevents greasy pockets in the dish. Then slice the beef thinly, and cut any overly wide slices in half so every piece cooks evenly. Patting the meat dry helps you get a great sear, which is key. Don’t skimp on seasoning: I generously salt and pepper each slice. Trust me, this step lays the foundation for deep flavor and a tender bite.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Quickly
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat until shimmering—that’s your cue it’s ready. Add half the beef slices in a single layer and resist the urge to move them too soon; let them get a quick, golden crust for about a minute before flipping. Repeat with the second batch, adding a bit more oil if needed. The beef will be just a bit pink, and that’s perfect because it’ll cook more later. Removing it now keeps it super tender later on.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base with Onions and Mushrooms
Turn heat to medium-high, melt the butter, then toss in the sliced onion. Fry for just a couple minutes until it starts to soften, then add your mushrooms. They’ll release some water at first—don’t worry, that’s normal—just keep cooking until that moisture evaporates and the mushrooms brown lightly. Toss in the garlic and let it fry for 30 seconds more. This stage fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas—you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Stroganoff Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over your mushrooms and stir well to coat everything—this helps thicken the sauce without lumps. Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring; this patience pays off with a silky sauce. Then stir in the double cream, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes until thickened. You’ll notice the sauce becoming rich and velvety—this is what makes the dish so special.
Step 5: Finish with the Beef and Season Carefully
Gently slide the seared beef back into the pan along with any resting juices. Let everything warm through and the sauce re-thicken—just a minute or so. Be careful not to overcook here; the beef should remain juicy and tender. Finally, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. That’s it — you’ve made a classic dish that’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
- Room Temp Ingredients: Bringing sour cream and cream to room temperature before adding prevents curdling and keeps your sauce perfectly smooth.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing the beef in batches ensures you get a nice crust, rather than steaming the meat.
- Patting Beef Dry: This simple step helps the meat sear beautifully instead of steaming.
- Final Simmer Timing: Add the beef back just long enough to warm through; overcooking toughens it up.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish my stroganoff with a generous sprinkle of fresh, finely diced chives. They add just the right pop of color and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness without overwhelming the dish. Sometimes, I’ll toss over a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth if I’m feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my classic go-to—they soak up every bit of the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also pair this with buttered egg noodles or plain steamed rice to keep things simple. On occasion, I serve it alongside roasted root vegetables for extra heartiness, especially in colder months.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate the stroganoff over a twirl of pasta nest and garnish with a sprig of parsley or thyme for an elegant touch. Serving it in individual ramekins at a dinner party feels cozy and inviting, plus it makes portion control easy. Adding a crisp side salad balances the richness perfectly for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days. The sauce holds up well overnight, but the beef is best when reheated gently to keep it tender. If you notice the sauce thickens too much, just stir in a splash of stock or cream while warming up.
Freezing
Freezing this Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe is totally doable, though I recommend freezing before adding the sour cream if possible, since it can separate. I freeze the beef and mushroom sauce in a freezer-safe container and add fresh sour cream when reheating. It tastes nearly as good as fresh, which is perfect for meal prep.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent scorching. Adding a little cream or stock helps revive the sauce’s smooth texture. I avoid microwaving when I can, but if pressed for time, heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of beef for this Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer rump, sirloin, or ribeye because they’re tender and flavorful, you can also use chuck or flank steak. Just slice thin and cook quickly to avoid toughness.
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What can I serve with Creamy Beef Stroganoff other than mashed potatoes?
Egg noodles, pasta, or steamed rice work wonderfully as alternatives. I’ve even enjoyed this dish over polenta or with roasted vegetables for a twist.
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How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling in the sauce?
Make sure to take the sour cream out of the fridge early to bring it to room temperature, and add it slowly to the warm sauce while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to keep it smooth.
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Can I make Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and beef separately and combine when ready to serve, or fully make it, cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s reliable, comforting, and full of flavor without requiring hours of effort. I find myself reaching for it whenever I want something that feels special but is easy enough for a busy evening. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see why it’s become a beloved classic in my home – your family just might ask for it again and again like mine do!
PrintCreamy Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
This classic Beef Stroganoff recipe features tender slices of steak cooked with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce made from sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Perfectly pan-fried and simmered to develop rich flavors, it’s ideal served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 500g / 1lb Steak, preferably rump, sirloin or ribeye, close to room temperature
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
- Veg Oil, as needed for frying
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium White Onion, thinly sliced
- 250g / 9oz Chestnut Mushrooms, sliced (not too thin)
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour
- 360ml / 1 1/2 cups Beef Stock
- 120ml / 1/2 cup Double/Heavy Cream, at room temperature
- 60ml / 1/4 cup Sour Cream, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
To Serve
- Finely diced Fresh Chives, to garnish
- Pasta, Rice or Mashed Potatoes, as preferred
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice off any large bits of fat from the steak, then thinly slice the meat into strips, cutting wide slices in half for even cooking. Pat the slices dry with kitchen paper, then generously season all over with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat until very hot. Add half of the beef slices, spreading them out in a single layer so each piece contacts the pan. Fry for 1 minute without stirring, then flip and fry for another minute. Remove the beef and set aside. Repeat with the second batch, adding more oil if needed. The beef may still be slightly pink; this is intentional to avoid overcooking later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium-high and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the sliced onion and fry for about 2 minutes until starting to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue frying for roughly 5 minutes until they become lightly browned and most moisture has evaporated. Add the diced garlic and fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the plain flour to coat the vegetables, then gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Mix in the double cream, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for around 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef along with any resting juices to the pan. Stir to combine and simmer for 1 minute just to warm the beef through and allow the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the stroganoff hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. Garnish with finely diced fresh chives for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Steak Choice: Rump, sirloin, or ribeye are preferred cuts but an affordable cut works well too.
- Sour Cream: Bring sour cream to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling; it may split initially but will smooth out with stirring.
- Cooking Tip: Make sure the sauce is set to your desired consistency before adding beef back to avoid overcooking the meat.
- Serving Suggestions: Mashed potatoes are classic, but rice or pasta work well too. Use approximately 75g / 2.6oz of pasta or rice per person.
- Calories: Nutrition info is calculated for the recipe divided into four servings without any sides.
- Cookbook: This recipe is featured in the cookbook ‘Comfy’.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe without sides
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg