Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and delicious dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe offers a simple and quick way to prepare this classic meal. Read on to discover how you can make a delectable Beef Stroganoff that will impress your family and friends. Let's dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to ensure your Stroganoff turns out perfectly every time.

What is Beef Stroganoff?
Beef Stroganoff is a Russian dish consisting of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream). Over the years, it has evolved into various versions around the world, but the essence remains the same - tender beef and a creamy sauce served over noodles or rice.
Ingredients List for Simple Beef Stroganoff
To make a classic Beef Stroganoff, you will need the following 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
Ingredients List for Variations
If you want to add a twist to your Beef Stroganoff or cater to different dietary preferences, consider these additional ingredients:
- Sliced mushrooms (for added texture and flavor)
- Onions (for a richer taste)
- Beef broth (to enhance the depth of the sauce)
- Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
- Worcestershire sauce (for umami flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish and freshness)
Substitutions and Variations
To cater to various tastes and dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Beef Substitution: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Opt for a homemade version or a different cream-based soup, such as cream of chicken.
- Egg Noodles: Substitute with gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or mashed potatoes for a different base.
- Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a healthier option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Cook the Egg Noodles: Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Garlic Powder: Sprinkle the garlic powder over the beef, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate the Cream of Mushroom Soup: Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup to the skillet, stirring until well mixed.
- Simmer the Mixture: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Season with salt and ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
How to Cook Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and measure them out. This makes the cooking process more efficient and ensures you don't miss any steps.
- Cook Noodles First: Cooking the noodles first and setting them aside prevents them from overcooking while you prepare the beef and sauce.
- Brown the Meat Properly: Browning the ground beef is crucial for developing flavor. Ensure it's cooked through and drain any fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season the Meat: Adding garlic powder and other spices early allows the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Create the Sauce: Mixing in the cream of mushroom soup forms the base of the sauce. Letting it simmer helps meld the flavors together.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Adding sour cream at the end keeps it from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Combine and Serve: Tossing the noodles in the sauce ensures each bite is flavorful and coated with the creamy mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the noodles just until al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- Skipping the Fat Drain: Not draining excess fat from the beef can make the dish greasy.
- Curdling the Sour Cream: Add sour cream at a lower temperature to prevent it from curdling.
- Underseasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For an appealing presentation, consider these tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for color and freshness.
- Use a Pretty Serving Dish: Serve the Stroganoff in a beautiful bowl or dish to enhance the dining experience.
- Add a Side: Complement the meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
How to Serve Beef Stroganoff
- Over Egg Noodles: The traditional way to serve Beef Stroganoff is over a bed of egg noodles.
- With Rice: For a different texture, serve the Stroganoff over steamed white or brown rice.
- On Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a great base for this hearty dish.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Stroganoff
- Layered Look: Place a layer of noodles on the plate first, then spoon the Stroganoff mixture on top.
- Garnished Elegance: Add a sprig of fresh parsley or dill on top for a professional touch.
- Side Dish Pairings: Serve with a side of sautéed green beans or a crisp green salad.
Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, mushrooms, and herbs can enhance the flavor significantly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Stroganoff a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Beef Stroganoff? A: Yes, Beef Stroganoff freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? A: You can use a homemade mushroom sauce or substitute with another cream-based soup like cream of chicken.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Use gluten-free pasta or noodles, and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the Stroganoff? A: Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, onions, and even bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Beef Stroganoff is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious and hearty dinner that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or try out some variations, this Beef Stroganoff is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
PrintSimple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Quick and comforting Simple Beef Stroganoff featuring egg noodles, ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in sour cream. Cook until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the beef mixture over the cooked egg noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or onions while cooking the beef.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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