If you’re craving comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and rich with flavor, Simple Beef Stroganoff is the answer. This classic dish brings tender strips of beef, golden sautéed mushrooms, slivers of onion, and the most luxurious, tangy-silky sauce together in one glorious skillet. Served over twirly egg noodles and finished with fresh parsley, it’s the kind of meal that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying—perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday supper.

Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Simple Beef Stroganoff lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one has a starring role to play, shaping the dish’s signature richness, heartiness, and color. Grab these pantry and fridge staples, and you’re well on your way to culinary happiness!

Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): Tender beef makes all the difference—choose well-marbled slices for best results.
Salt and pepper to taste: The simplest seasoning brings out the savory notes in every bite.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): A light dusting adds body to the sauce and helps brown the beef.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For those golden seared edges and a rich flavor foundation.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Just a touch, melted with the onions, builds the savory base.
Small onion (1, diced): Its gentle sweetness anchors the sauce beautifully.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): They soak up all the scrumptious beefy flavors and add heartiness.
Beef broth (1 cup): The backbone of the silky sauce; choose a low-sodium variety if you like.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and complexity—a classic stroganoff touch.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): It brings a subtle warmth and lovely color.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): The stroganoff essential, for tang and creamy texture.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon, optional): A little zingy boost if you want extra character.
Egg noodles (8 ounces, cooked): Wide, curly noodles soak up every drop of sauce.
Chopped parsley for garnish: Just a sprinkle brightens the whole dish before serving.

How to Make Simple Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef slices generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in a little flour until lightly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in your olive oil. Working in batches to prevent crowding, sear the beef just until browned—about 1 to 2 minutes per side. This process locks in those juicy flavors and gets the beef ready for its saucy bath. Lift the cooked beef out onto a plate while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Turn down the heat to medium and add that dab of butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then toss in your diced onion. Cook it gently until it’s soft, golden, and fragrant—about 3 minutes. Next, add the garlic and sliced mushrooms. Give everything a good stir and sauté until the mushrooms are tender, deeply browned, and most of the liquid has evaporated, around 5 more minutes. The flavors at this stage become the savory backbone of your Simple Beef Stroganoff.

Step 3: Build and Thicken the Sauce

With your kitchen already smelling amazing, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in that pinch of paprika. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Keep bubbling for 4 to 5 minutes so the sauce can reduce a bit and concentrate its rich, beefy flavors. You’ll notice the color deepening beautifully as it thickens.

Step 4: Make It Lusciously Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream (add the Dijon mustard now, if you like a little pop of sharpness). Stir gently until the sauce turns creamy and fully combined. This is where Simple Beef Stroganoff transforms into that trademark silky, tangy delight you crave.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the browned beef and any juices that collected on the plate to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the beef is heated through and soaks up some of the luscious sauce. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if you’d like. Now you’re ready for the finishing flourish: serve over a bed of warm, cooked egg noodles and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Simple Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

When it comes to Simple Beef Stroganoff, the right garnish elevates every bite. Classic fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness, but you can also scatter chives or even a sprinkle of extra paprika on top for more punch. Try a dollop of extra sour cream as well if you’re after extra tang and creaminess.

Side Dishes

Egg noodles are the traditional partner, but you’re not limited there—mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even creamy polenta make dreamy beds for soaking up all that savory sauce. Add a crisp green salad or some simple roasted green beans on the side for fresh balance and vibrant color alongside the hearty stroganoff.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this classic from weeknight staple to dinner party star by serving Simple Beef Stroganoff in individual bowls, garnished with a swirl of sour cream and a few crispy fried onions for crunch. Or, pile it high on a platter and serve family-style, letting everyone scoop generous helpings. For bite-sized fun, spoon a bit onto toasted baguette slices or mini potatoes for a party appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer your Simple Beef Stroganoff (minus the noodles, if possible) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days and the flavors deepen overnight for an even cozier meal the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Simple Beef Stroganoff—just skip the noodles when freezing, as they don’t always reheat well. Chill the stroganoff completely, then portion into freezer-friendly containers or bags. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Simple Beef Stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy sauce from separating. You can add a splash of broth or cream if it looks too thick. If you’re in a rush, the microwave on a medium setting works as well—just cover and stir every so often for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?

Absolutely! Ground beef is a fantastic shortcut for Simple Beef Stroganoff. Just brown it thoroughly, drain any excess fat, and proceed with the recipe as directed for a quick and hearty twist.

Is it okay to add extra vegetables?

Certainly—feel free to stir in bell peppers, peas, or even spinach for a colorful veggie boost. Just sauté them with the mushrooms and onions so they get tender and blend into the sauce seamlessly.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream or looking for an alternative, plain Greek yogurt is a great stand-in. It provides the same creamy, tangy notes. Just add it off the heat to avoid curdling.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Of course! Use a trusted gluten-free flour to coat the beef and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice. Double check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well for a worry-free dish.

Does Simple Beef Stroganoff taste good the next day?

It’s even better! The flavors have time to meld, and the beef becomes even more tender. Just store it properly and reheat gently, and you’ll have a next-day meal that’s comfort in a bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts easy and satisfying, Simple Beef Stroganoff is a must-try. With its velvety sauce, savory beef, and cozy noodles, it’s a recipe that welcomes you home. Invite friends or family to the table, share a big helping, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Simple Beef Stroganoff recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Tender slices of beef are cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce and served over egg noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Additional:

8 ounces egg noodles (cooked)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper, coat with flour.
Sear Beef: Sear beef in olive oil until browned.
Cook Vegetables: Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
Make Sauce: Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Simmer and reduce.
Finish Dish: Stir in sour cream and mustard, return beef to skillet, simmer.
Serve: Serve over cooked noodles, garnish with parsley.