Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, beef stroganoff is a weeknight dinner winner. This recipe utilizes cream of mushroom soup as a shortcut, resulting in a flavorful dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers on taste without sacrificing convenience. Let's dive into the details!
What is Beef Stroganoff?
Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food originating in Russia. Traditionally, it features tender strips of beef in a rich, creamy sauce, often with mushrooms and onions. While the traditional recipe is more involved, this simplified version uses cream of mushroom soup as a base to cut down on prep time while maintaining the delicious creamy texture and savory flavors.
Ingredients for Easy Beef Stroganoff
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight meal. You'll need:
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
- 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or rice (for serving)
How to Make Easy Beef Stroganoff
This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
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Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the Beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
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Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff hot over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes! While sirloin works well, you can also use other lean cuts like flank steak or even stew beef (though you may need to adjust cooking time). Just ensure you slice the beef thinly for faster cooking.
What if I don't have sour cream?
Plain yogurt or crème fraîche can be substituted for sour cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for quick stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the beef as directed, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, reduce the amount of sour cream, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also use whole wheat noodles or brown rice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the beef and serving.
Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff
- Thinly sliced beef is key: This ensures the beef cooks quickly and evenly.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your quick, easy, and delicious Beef Stroganoff! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out.
