Sour Cream-Free Beef Stroganoff

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and quick Beef Stroganoff recipe, ready in just 30 minutes. Forget heavy sour cream or artificial canned soups; this homemade version features a rich, luscious mushroom gravy crafted from scratch. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it delivers a deeply satisfying flavor that will make it a new family favorite. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or endless cooking time to create a truly spectacular meal that everyone at your table will adore.

If you love hearty, flavorful pasta dishes, you’ll find this Beef Stroganoff right up your alley. For more rich and satisfying meals, be sure to explore our macaroni bechamel and cheesy chicken tetrazzini recipes. They are guaranteed to impress your family and add delightful variety to your dinner rotation.

Why This Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a Must-Try

This beef stroganoff, featuring tender steak in a homemade sauce, has become a frequent request on my family’s dinner menu, and for good reason. It’s wonderfully creamy, incredibly easy to prepare, and a definite crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters. The secret lies in a rich, homemade mushroom gravy crafted from fresh ingredients, eliminating the need for processed canned soups or traditional sour cream. This approach not only ensures a healthier meal but also delivers a depth of flavor that a store-bought alternative simply cannot match.

Building the exceptional flavor for this classic dish begins with properly browning beef strips in the pan. This crucial step creates a fond – those delicious browned bits – at the bottom of the skillet, which is then deglazed with robust beef broth. This process infuses the sauce with unparalleled richness and savory notes. Next, fresh mushrooms are sautéed, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. The sauce is then meticulously thickened with a touch of flour and milk, creating a luxuriously smooth and velvety consistency that perfectly coats every piece of tender beef and noodle. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an ultimate comfort food experience that truly satisfies and warms the soul.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef Stroganoff

Ingredient Insights and Tips

• **Beef Steak:** The quality and cut of your beef are paramount for a truly tender stroganoff. Opt for a good cut like rib eye, sirloin, or flank steak. These cuts ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture when prepared correctly. For more detailed guidance on choosing the best meat and preparing it, refer to our comprehensive FAQs section below.
• **Flour for Thickening:** All-purpose flour is used in this recipe to create a perfectly thick and velvety sauce. It builds a stable base for the gravy without relying on heavy cream or other less traditional thickeners. While we haven’t tested low-carb substitutes, feel free to experiment if dietary preferences require it, though results may vary in consistency.
• **Beef Broth:** For an intensely flavorful sauce, high-quality beef broth is essential. Homemade beef broth or bone broth offers a depth and richness that store-bought varieties often lack. While chicken broth can be used in a pinch, beef broth will yield a more authentic and robust stroganoff flavor, perfectly complementing the steak and mushrooms.
• **Pasta:** While wide egg noodles are the traditional choice and our preferred pairing for their soft texture and ability to soak up the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Penne, fettuccine, or even rice can make excellent alternatives, offering different textural experiences while still serving as a delightful canvas for the rich stroganoff sauce.
• **Worcestershire Sauce:** This is a small but mighty ingredient that adds a crucial layer of umami and complexity to the sauce, enhancing the savory notes of the beef and mushrooms. Don’t skip it!
• **Milk:** We use regular milk to achieve a creamy, luscious sauce without the heaviness of sour cream. Whole milk will yield the richest texture, but 2% milk works beautifully as well.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Creating this delicious Beef Stroganoff is straightforward when you follow these simple steps. Each stage is designed to build maximum flavor and ensure a perfectly tender result.

1. **Prepare the Noodles:** Begin by cooking your chosen pasta, typically wide egg noodles, according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. **Sear the Steak:** While the pasta cooks, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the thinly sliced beef steak in a single layer. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Sear the steak quickly, about 30 to 45 seconds per side, to lock in moisture and develop a beautiful brown crust. This step is crucial for tender beef.
3. **Rest the Meat:** Once seared, immediately remove the beef to a plate and let it rest. It will continue to cook slightly off the heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, sear the beef in batches to ensure it browns rather than steams.

4. **Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms:** Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes, until they are tender and have released their moisture.
5. **Thicken the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed mushrooms and garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. This will create a roux that helps thicken the sauce and adds a nutty flavor.
6. **Build the Gravy:** Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and mix everything thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring you scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir – these are packed with flavor you don’t want to miss.

7. **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked beef to the pan with the simmering sauce. Stir everything together gently and cook for another minute, just long enough to heat the beef through without overcooking it. Serve immediately over the cooked egg noodles or your preferred accompaniment. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.

Recipe Expert Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff

Achieving restaurant-quality Beef Stroganoff at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• **Prepare Your Steak Properly:** For uniform cooking and maximum tenderness, flatten your beef steak slightly before slicing it. This ensures that all pieces are roughly the same thickness, preventing some from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
• **Thin Slicing is Key:** Always slice your steak thinly, against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef incredibly tender.
• **High-Heat Searing:** Sear the thinly sliced steak quickly over high heat, aiming for about 30 to 45 seconds per side. This rapid sear creates a flavorful crust (the Maillard reaction) and locks in the natural juices, guaranteeing exceptionally tender beef. Resist the urge to overcook the meat at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• **Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet:** This is a common mistake that can ruin your beef. When you overcrowd the pan, the temperature drops, and the meat begins to steam instead of sear. Work in small batches if necessary, allowing each piece to brown beautifully and develop that crucial depth of flavor.
• **The Flour Trick:** Instead of mixing flour with liquid separately, try sprinkling it directly over the sautéed mushrooms and garlic. This technique helps absorb excess moisture, creates a quick roux, and prevents lumps in your sauce, resulting in a smooth, velvety consistency. Stir constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
• **The Power of Homemade Broth:** Elevate this recipe from good to extraordinary by using homemade beef stock or bone broth. Its rich, complex flavor will infuse the entire dish, giving it a depth that store-bought broths simply cannot replicate, transforming your stroganoff into a truly restaurant-quality experience.
• **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Always taste your sauce before adding the beef back in. Adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce as needed. A perfectly seasoned sauce makes all the difference.
• **Don’t Overcook the Beef in the Sauce:** Once the beef is seared and rested, it only needs a minute or two to warm through in the finished sauce. Prolonged cooking in the sauce will make the steak tough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stroganoff

Delicious Recipe Variations

While this steak-based Beef Stroganoff is a reigning champion in my carnivorous household, preferring beef above all, the versatility of this dish allows for numerous delightful variations to suit different tastes and budgets:

• **Ground Beef Stroganoff:** A popular and more economical option, ground beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply brown the ground beef, drain any excess fat, and then proceed with the sauce steps. It’s quicker to cook and equally flavorful, especially when seasoned well.
• **Meatball Stroganoff:** Transform the dish by using pre-cooked or homemade meatballs. Brown them slightly for extra flavor before adding them to the sauce.
• **Chicken Stroganoff:** For a poultry-based alternative, thin strips of chicken breast or thigh can be used in place of beef. Sear the chicken quickly until cooked through, then remove and proceed with the sauce, adding the chicken back in to warm up.
• **Vegetable Boost:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your stroganoff. Peas, carrots, or spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• **Spicier Kick:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can introduce a pleasant warmth to the creamy sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• **Dairy Alternatives:** While this recipe uses milk, for those who prefer an even richer sauce or have a specific dietary need, you could experiment with a splash of heavy cream at the end, or a dairy-free milk alternative (like full-fat oat milk or cashew milk) if you are avoiding dairy entirely, though the texture might vary.

More Recipes From Our Kitchen

If you’re looking for more comforting and satisfying meals like this Beef Stroganoff, you’ve come to the right place. Our collection features a variety of hearty dishes perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

More Creamy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

If the rich, velvety texture of this Beef Stroganoff has you craving more creamy delights, explore these other fantastic pasta dishes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is an absolute flavor explosion that you’ll want to make on repeat. This dish combines succulent chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce, offering a delightful home-cooked experience packed with savory goodness.
• Our Classic Alfredo with a Twist brings a beloved restaurant favorite to your home kitchen, featuring a velvety smooth cheese sauce.
• For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, try our Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, offering bright flavors in a delicate creamy sauce.

Beef Stroganoff Recipe Card

Quick and Easy Beef Stroganoff

Quick and easy beef stroganoff is the perfect weeknight meal. Tender steak in a creamy, luscious mushroom gravy served with egg noodles. A homemade classic beef Stroganoff recipe that will show up often on your dinner table.

Rated 4.73 out of 5 stars based on 11 votes.

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Course: Main Course | Cuisine: Russian | Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings | Calories: 522 kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1.5 – 2 pounds Beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (12 oz) Packet of wide egg noodles
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions.
2. In a pot over medium-high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter, then add the steak in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and sear quickly for about 30 to 45 seconds on each side. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
3. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and set aside to rest.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant for about 15 seconds, then add sliced mushrooms.
5. Cook mushrooms and garlic for about 4 more minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
6. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the pan as you stir to incorporate all the flavorful bits.
7. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and milk, stirring everything well until smooth. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes more on medium-low heat, allowing it to thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings.
8. Add the cooked beef back into the pan and mix everything well for another minute, just to heat the beef through.
9. Serve immediately over cooked noodles or your preferred accompaniment.

Video Guide

Notes

• Flatten the steak before slicing to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Thinly cut your steak against the grain and sear on high heat for only 30-45 seconds per side to lock in moisture and ensure tenderness.
• Do not overcrowd your skillet. Overcrowding will cause the meat to steam instead of sear, resulting in tough beef. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Sprinkling flour directly over the mushrooms is an easier and quicker way to thicken the sauce, preventing lumps compared to pre-mixing it with liquid.
• Storing: Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. This recipe also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 522 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 142mg
• Sodium: 354mg
• Potassium: 909mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 367IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 127mg
• Iron: 4mg

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This recipe was first published on March 26, 2018, and was last updated on December 28, 2020, with important tips, clearer step-by-step instructions, and improved readability to ensure your culinary success.