The Best Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Weeknight Beef Stroganoff: A Simple Twist on a Classic

Busy weeknights call for meals that are quick, easy, and satisfying. This recipe for Simple Beef Stroganoff delivers on all counts. It takes the essence of the classic Russian dish – tender beef in a creamy sauce – and transforms it into a streamlined version that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Beyond the Beef Stroganoff Basics

Traditionally, beef stroganoff is made with sliced steak, sauteed mushrooms, and a rich sauce built from a roux (a mixture of cooked flour and fat). This recipe cleverly uses ground beef to shorten the cooking time and simplifies the overall process. Cream of mushroom soup steps in as a base for the sauce, adding creaminess and depth of flavor without the need for extensive prep work.

The Beauty of Shortcuts

Don’t be fooled by the use of shortcuts; this recipe still packs a flavorful punch. The ground beef is browned to perfection, offering savory notes that mingle beautifully with the creamy mushroom sauce. Garlic powder adds a welcome touch of warmth, and a dollop of sour cream provides a delightful tang that cuts through the richness.

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.5 ounce) can fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
½ cup sour cream
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step to Stroganoff Success

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach. Here’s a breakdown of the simple steps involved:

Sautéing the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbly. This step takes about 5-10 minutes, and it’s crucial to drain any excess fat to prevent the stroganoff from becoming greasy.
Cooking the Noodles: While the beef cooks, boil a pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture, where the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain and set the cooked noodles aside.
Building the Sauce: In the same skillet used for browning the beef, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and garlic powder. Let this simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Bringing it Together: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cooked egg noodles. Finally, incorporate the sour cream and season everything generously with salt and black pepper.
Serving Up Comfort: Dish up the hot stroganoff and enjoy!

Tips and Customization

This recipe is a fantastic foundation, but feel free to personalize it to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

Ditch the Egg Noodles: Don’t have egg noodles on hand, or prefer a different base? Serve the stroganoff over cooked white rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Mushroom Mania: While the classic stroganoff features mushrooms, this recipe omits them for simplicity. If you’re a mushroom enthusiast, feel free to saute sliced mushrooms with the ground beef for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Spice it Up: Want a bit more of a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the simmering sauce.
Herbs for the Win: Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness.
Cheese, Please: For an extra layer of decadence, stir in some grated Parmesan or Gruyere cheese at the end, just before serving.

The Allure of Leftovers: Creative Repurposing

Leftover stroganoff doesn’t have to be a mere repeat of the previous night’s dinner. With a little creativity, you can transform it into a whole new dish! Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

Stroganoff Shepherd’s Pie: Layer leftover stroganoff with mashed potatoes in a baking dish, top with grated cheese, and bake until golden brown for a comforting and hearty shepherd’s pie variation.
Stroganoff Omelette: Diced leftover stroganoff makes a fantastic filling for an omelette. Add some shredded cheese or chopped vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Stroganoff Quesadillas: Spread leftover stroganoff on tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and fold them in half. Grill or pan-fry until golden brown and melty for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Stroganoff Pot Pie: This is a great way to use leftover puff pastry. Fill individual puff pastry shells with leftover stroganoff, bake until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, and enjoy a delightful pot pie.

Freezing for Future Feasts

While the egg noodles don’t freeze well, you can freeze the beef and sauce mixture for future meals. Here’s how:

Prepare the stroganoff recipe up to the point where you would add the egg noodles. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Transfer the cooled beef and sauce mixture to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Serving Frozen Stroganoff

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen stroganoff, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, heat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Prepare fresh egg noodles according to package instructions and add them to the warmed stroganoff mixture. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

The Final Simmer: A Celebration of Simplicity

This weeknight beef stroganoff recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With readily available ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a satisfying dish that your family will love. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the comfort and ease of this delightful stroganoff.

Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Adventure

This recipe is just a starting point for your stroganoff exploration. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Protein Variations: While ground beef is the star of this recipe, you could consider using ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded leftover cooked chicken for a lighter protein option.
Vegetable Medley: Sauteed diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers can add pops of color, flavor, and extra nutrients to your stroganoff.
Beyond the Saute: For a richer and more complex flavor profile, consider browning the ground beef with a splash of red wine or brandy before adding the soup.
Herb Garden Inspiration: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill can add a delightful touch of fragrant complexity to the sauce.

With a little creativity and exploration, you can turn this simple stroganoff recipe into a versatile dish that will become a mainstay in your weeknight dinner repertoire. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting classic with a twist.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

679	Calories
41g	Fat
48g	Carbs
29g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 679
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 41g	52%
Saturated Fat 17g	87%
Cholesterol 159mg	53%
Sodium 660mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate 48g	18%
Dietary Fiber 3g	10%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 29g	57%
Vitamin C 1mg	1%
Calcium 76mg	6%
Iron 4mg	24%
Potassium 460mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.