Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe with Sour Cream
Beef Stroganoff is a timeless dish that has delighted palates for over a century. Known for its creamy, savory sauce and tender beef strips, this classic meal is both comforting and luxurious. This version, however, simplifies the process, making it quick enough for a weeknight dinner while retaining all the flavors that made it famous. Today, we're going to explore an easy beef stroganoff recipe with sour cream that will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff
Here's what you'll need for this delightful dish:
- 500g beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 250ml beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 200g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Paprika for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Begin by seasoning the beef slices with salt and pepper. Ensure the beef is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef slices quickly to develop a nice crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. Do not overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook in batches.
Cook the Vegetables
- Using the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the onions until they're translucent, then add the garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown. This step enhances the flavor of the dish significantly.
Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring well to avoid lumps. Cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while continuously stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Mix in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then return the beef to the pan.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce should thicken and reduce slightly.
Add the Sour Cream
- Stir in the sour cream off the heat to prevent curdling. Ensure the sauce is not boiling before adding the sour cream.
🍲 Note: Sour cream adds richness and tanginess to the dish, but if you're looking for a lighter version, you can use yogurt instead. However, ensure the sauce is cooler when you add yogurt to prevent separation.
Garnish and Serve
- Once the sauce is creamy and well combined, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a light dusting of paprika if desired.
- Serve your beef stroganoff over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort meal.
Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff
- Use Quality Meat: Tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin will give you the best texture in this dish. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck steak unless you have time for long cooking.
- Don't Overcook the Beef: Overcooking will make the beef tough. Aim for medium-rare for the best results.
- Balancing Flavors: A balance of savory (from the beef), umami (mushrooms), tang (mustard and sour cream), and sweetness (onions) makes for a harmonious dish.
- Thickening: If you need to thicken your sauce more, you can use a cornstarch slurry or a bit more flour before adding the broth.
- Resting: Let the stroganoff rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to mingle even better.
The essence of this easy beef stroganoff recipe with sour cream lies in its simplicity and the rich flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether it's a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a meal for yourself, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients, perhaps adding a personal touch like herbs or different mustards to make it uniquely yours.
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
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Yes, but tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin work best for quick cooking. If you use tougher cuts, you might need to simmer longer or pre-tenderize the meat.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
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Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even a mix of mayonnaise and heavy cream can be used as substitutes, just ensure the sauce is not too hot when added to avoid curdling.
How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?
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Quick sear the beef at high heat and do not overcrowd the pan. Also, let the beef rest at room temperature before cooking and slice against the grain to ensure tenderness.
