Beef Stroganoff with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Introduction

Beef Stroganoff with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that originated in Russia and has become a global favorite. Known for its tender strips of beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions. The star of the recipe is the creamy garlic sauce, which gives this classic recipe a flavor boost, adding a robust depth to the already savory taste. With a blend of mushrooms, onions, and a touch of tangy sour cream, this Beef Stroganoff will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this hearty and satisfying recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stroganoff:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

  • 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or your favorite pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter (for the pasta)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better.
  2. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

  1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef strips in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) and sear them for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.
  3. If needed, add a little more oil between batches.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

  1. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their juices and become golden brown.
  2. If there’s any moisture, allow it to evaporate completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. Sprinkle the flour (if using) over the mushroom mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce.
  2. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
  5. Add the beef back to the pan, along with any juices that accumulated, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the beef is heated through and coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

  1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles or pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Step 7: Final Touches

  1. Taste the Stroganoff sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  2. Stir in fresh chopped parsley.
  3. Serve the Beef Stroganoff over a bed of buttered egg noodles or pasta, garnished with more parsley.

Cooking Note:

  • Meat Choice: Use a tender cut of beef like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye for best results. Avoid tough cuts unless you’re slow-cooking.
  • Sour Cream: For a tangier sauce, increase the amount of sour cream slightly. Make sure to use full-fat sour cream for a richer flavor.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the optional flour when sautéing the mushrooms or simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.
  • Broth: Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can substitute with chicken broth, but the taste will be lighter.
  • Garlic: Adjust the garlic to your taste—add more for a stronger garlic flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Over Pasta: Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even mashed potatoes are great options.
  • With Bread: Serve alongside a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
  • Vegetable Sides: Pair it with a fresh green salad, steamed asparagus, or sautéed green beans for a complete meal.
  • Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the dish’s creamy and savory flavors.

Tips:

  1. Avoid Overcooking: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
  2. Don’t Boil the Sauce: When adding the sour cream and cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
  3. Mushroom Choice: Cremini mushrooms have a deeper flavor, but white mushrooms work just as well.
  4. Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream if it thickens.
  5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for thickening and serve over gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 680mg

Conclusion

Beef Stroganoff with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and savory dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you’re serving it over egg noodles, pasta, or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. With its creamy, garlic-infused sauce, tender beef, and hearty mushrooms, it’s a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy making this classic recipe, and don’t forget to experiment with your personal touches to make it your own!