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
- Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better.
- 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
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- If needed, add a little more oil between batches.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their juices and become golden brown.
- If there’s any moisture, allow it to evaporate completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour (if using) over the mushroom mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
- 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
- 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
- Taste the Stroganoff sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Stir in fresh chopped parsley.
- 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:
- Avoid Overcooking: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- Don’t Boil the Sauce: When adding the sour cream and cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
- Mushroom Choice: Cremini mushrooms have a deeper flavor, but white mushrooms work just as well.
- 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.
- 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!