Classic Beef Stroganoff

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 09/22/20
Classic Beef Stroganoff
The Spruce
  • Total: 35 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
598 Calories
32g Fat
22g Carbs
54g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 598
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 32g 41%
Saturated Fat 13g 63%
Cholesterol 173mg 58%
Sodium 585mg 25%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Protein 54g
Calcium 102mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Make this delicious beef stroganoff and serve it with hot buttered noodles, rice, or potatoes. Add a basic tossed salad or side vegetable for a tasty, satisfying meal.

Created using a simple skillet, this version still maintains all the classic flavors of the traditional dish. We recommend serving it with potatoes or over split buttered biscuits. A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds color and flavor to the stroganoff. As do sauteed mushrooms. See the tips and variations below the recipe for additional ideas, and some tips for increasing the sauce and sour cream.

1:44

Click Play to See This Classic Creamy Beef Stroganoff Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean beef (top sirloin or similar)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef stock (preferably unsalted or low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (quartered and sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Gather ingredients fro Classic Beef Stroganoff
    The Spruce 

  2. Cut beef into narrow 2-inch long strips about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper and set aside.

    Seasoned beef for stroganoff
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  3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan.

    Melting butter
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  4. Blend in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

    Blending butter and flour
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  5. Gradually stir in beef broth, stirring and cooking until thickened and smooth.

    Beef broth, butter and flour
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  6. Heat the olive oil and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat; add the onions and cook, stirring, until the onions are just tender.

    sauté onions in butter
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  7. Add the meat strips and quickly brown on all sides.

    Browning beef for stroganoff
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  8. Add the beef and onions to the thickened beef sauce. Cover and cook on low for 10 minutes; stir in sour cream and heat through, but do not boil. 

    Sautéeing beef stroganoff
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  9. Arrange the beef stroganoff on a platter over buttered noodles or hot cooked rice, and garnish with the fresh chopped parsley. 

    Beef stroganoff
    The Spruce

Tip

  • While this recipe calls for tender top sirloin, you may use another tender cut. Tenderloin is pricey, but it is excellent in stroganoff. Avoid overcooking the tender beef sirloin or tenderloin. If you happen to use a tougher cut of beef, just make note that it will need more simmering time.
  • Instead of noodles or rice, this may be served with mashed potatoes as well. Add a tossed green salad or steamed broccoli for a delicious and satisfying family meal.

Recipe Variations

  • Add about 4 to 6 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms and 1 extra tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the skillet along with the onions.
  • Add 1 clove of finely minced garlic to the same skillet used for cooking the beef. Saute for about 2 minutes; add to the beef and sauce mixture. Alternatively, add about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce mixture.
  • For extra an extra saucy stroganoff, increase the flour to 2 tablespoons and increase the beef broth to 1 1/2 cups. Double the sour cream to 6 tablespoons.
  • Instead of parsley, garnish the stroganoff with thinly sliced fresh chives or green onion tops.
  • For those with lactose issues, make dairy-free beef stroganoff.
  • If you are making a recipe as a couple, make beef stroganoff for two.
  • If you want to use an Instant Pot version, try the Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff recipe.