Easy Beef Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Sauce (Comfort Food Classic)

Few meals deliver the same level of comfort as a warm bowl of easy beef stroganoff with creamy mushroom sauce. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, this dish has stood the test of time for good reason. Tender strips of beef simmered briefly in a velvety sour cream sauce with mushrooms and onions create a dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable enough for busy weeknights.

This homemade beef stroganoff recipe is designed to be simple, reliable, and incredibly flavorful. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together in under an hour, and delivers that unmistakable creamy texture people crave when they search for a classic beef stroganoff recipe. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish always earns rave reviews.

What Is Beef Stroganoff?

Beef stroganoff originated in 19th-century Russia and has since become a global comfort food staple. Traditional versions featured sautéed beef cubes served with sour cream. Over time, mushrooms, onions, and broth were added, creating the creamy mushroom sauce we recognize today. The American-style beef stroganoff—arguably the most popular variation—leans into richness, balancing savory beef with tangy sour cream and earthy mushrooms.

This creamy beef stroganoff stays true to the classic while simplifying steps for the modern home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe

• Ready in about 40 minutes
• One-pan sauce for easy cleanup
• Tender, juicy beef every time
• Rich, creamy mushroom sauce
• Perfect for family dinners or cozy entertaining

This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef in a single layer and sear quickly until browned. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
5. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
6. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
7. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
8. Lower heat and stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Do not boil.
9. Return cooked beef to the skillet and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until heated through.
10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over egg noodles or rice.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef Stroganoff

• Slice beef thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites.
• Don’t overcook the beef: Beef cooks quickly; overcooking makes it tough.
• Use full-fat sour cream: It creates a richer sauce and prevents curdling.
• Lower the heat before adding sour cream: High heat can cause separation.
• Deglaze the pan: Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.

Variations to Try

Mushroom-Heavy Stroganoff: Double the mushrooms for extra earthiness.
Chicken Stroganoff: Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Cook beef and sauce base low and slow, adding sour cream at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This beef stroganoff with mushrooms pairs beautifully with:

• Buttered egg noodles
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed white rice
• Crusty bread for soaking up sauce
• Simple green salad for balance

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent sauce separation.

Nutritional Overview

While rich and comforting, beef stroganoff also provides protein, iron, and B vitamins from beef, plus antioxidants from mushrooms and onions. Portion control and balanced sides make it a satisfying yet sensible meal.

Why This Is the Best Homemade Beef Stroganoff

This recipe balances tradition and simplicity. It respects the roots of the dish while using accessible ingredients and straightforward steps. The result is a classic beef stroganoff recipe that tastes restaurant-quality but feels easy enough for weeknight cooking.

If you’re looking for a cozy, dependable dinner that never goes out of style, this easy beef stroganoff deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Creamy Classic Beef Stroganoff

Tender beef strips simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce for a comforting classic dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Russian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Stroganoff

• 1.5 lb beef sirloin thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 12 oz mushrooms sliced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup sour cream

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Sear beef quickly in olive oil until browned, then remove from skillet.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet and cook onions until soft.
3. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are golden.
4. Sprinkle flour over mixture and cook briefly.
5. Gradually stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
6. Simmer sauce until thickened.
7. Lower heat and stir in sour cream.
8. Return beef to pan, heat through, season, and serve.

Notes

Do not boil after adding sour cream to maintain a smooth sauce.