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Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff

According to the Wikipedia, Beef Stroganoff was invented by a chef working for a Russian general, Count Pavel Stroganov, in the 1890s. It became popular in the U.S. in the 1950s from servicemen returning from Europe and China after WWII. Beef Stroganoff is basically tender strips of beef and mushrooms cooked in a sour cream sauce and served over noodles, rice, or even French fries. You will want to make this with a tender cut of beef, such as tenderloin or top sirloin. For a quick version you can use ground beef instead of beef strips. You can also easily substitute yogurt for sour cream and leave out the mushrooms entirely.

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Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 Tbsp butter
  • 1 pound of top sirloin or tenderloin, cut thin into 1-inch wide by 2 1/2-inch long strips
  • 1/3 cup chopped shallots (can substitute onions)
  • 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dry tarragon or 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature

Method

1 Melt 3 Tbsp of butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Increase the heat to high/med-high and add the strips of beef. You want to cook the beef quickly, browning on each side, so the temp needs to be high enough to brown the beef, but not so high as to burn the butter. You may need to work in batches. While cooking the beef, sprinkle with some salt and pepper. When both sides are browned, remove the beef to a bowl and set aside.

2 In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots. Cook the shallots for a minute or two, allowing them to soak up any meat drippings. Remove the shallots to the same bowl as the meat and set aside.

3 In the same pan, melt another 3 Tbsp of butter. Increase heat to medium high and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes. While cooking, sprinkle the nutmeg and the tarragon on the mushrooms.

4 Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream to the mushrooms. You may want to add a tablespoon or two of water to thin the sauce (or not). Mix in the sour cream thoroughly. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil or the sour cream will curdle. Stir in the beef and shallots. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately over egg noodles, fettucine, potatoes, or rice. (Potatoes, rice, and gluten-free pasta are gluten-free options.)

Serves 4.

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80 Comments

I'm cringing to write this because it's probably sacrilige, but I usually make Stroganoff with plain yogurt so it's a little healthier. Still very tasty. I'm looking forward to trying this recipe.

Posted by: beckiwithani on June 23, 2006 3:30 AM

Elise - This is one of my favorite dishes as well and was my "signature" dish at one time. I use a little minced garlic with the butter and use about 1/4 cup of good dry white wine along with the sour cream to finish it off. Yummy yummy! This may be on the menu for this week-end! Trish

Posted by: trishinomaha on June 23, 2006 6:35 AM

So delicious with tenderloin/sirloin. Lovely picture, too! For anyone interested in doing a classic stroganoff on a budget, you can adjust the recipe and cooking time and use a tougher (and cheaper) cut like cubed chuck roast by browning the meat, onion and mushrooms, them putting everything back in to simmer with a cup or so of beef consomee (and a little sherry, if you want to get fancy) for about and hour to an hour and a half (or do the slow-cooker thing) before you mix in the sour cream. There are literally ENDLESS variations on this meal (Mom was partial to the ground-beef-and-mushroom-soup variety, but I can't really justify that one).

Posted by: Tammy on June 23, 2006 9:38 AM

Ah, beef stroganoff... my husband's favorite.

Yes, tenderloin is good to use, and I have to say, I have MUCH better success slicing the meet when it is partially frozen, just a tip I learned over the years... And when I just can't get/have tenderloin? I will use beef cubes, and pressure cook the beef after browning in some beef stock before adding the sour cream etc. Makes VERY tender cubes of a normally tough piece of meat.

Great post, Elise!

Posted by: Maggi on June 23, 2006 12:46 PM

Nice recipe, but to be honest I've yet to figure out why in the States everyone adds mushrooms to Beef Stroganoff. I'm living abroad in Russia and I've very rarely seen it with mushrooms (which I don't like anyway). Also, onions are usually used as opposed to shallots.

This is the first time I've seen tarragon or nutmeg recommended, but everyone's got their own secret spice ingredients. I often add some powdered beef boullion instead of salt to add a bit of flavor. A clove of minced garlic is also a must.

In Russia, Beef Stroganoff is usually served with (or on top of) french fries, or with mashed potatoes. I'll admit to preferring egg noodles when I make it at home.

Posted by: John on July 1, 2006 3:02 PM

beckiwithani, don't apologize for your yogurt substitution! I made that switch some time ago, too, and love the tangier addition. I'm with John in thinking mushrooms don't belong in a stroganoff (even though I love the fungi), but it does help differentiate it from the many other such creamy, meaty stewy things offered across other cultures.

Posted by: Tom Hammer on July 15, 2006 4:04 PM

Yum. This recipe is very similar to one I use except I use creme fraiche instead of sour cream add a shot of cognac and finish it off with fresh chopped dill. No tarragon for me!

Posted by: Solaera on January 20, 2007 12:53 PM

This looks great! I too find that a shot of something helps it - usually brandy, I think that's the traditional thing. Anyways, the shallots are a brilliant idea, and your photography is good enough to make me crave Stroganoff for breakfast!

Posted by: Jane, London on January 29, 2007 12:18 AM

I'll sign on with the yogurt contingent; I love the lighter, tangier taste. And I've always made it with mushrooms. This is the kind of dish that begs for a snowstorm, when you've been out shoveling for hours and need to replenish your spirit!

Posted by: lydia on January 29, 2007 3:04 AM

Another variation was brought to my attention years ago and I've since seen it on Food Network.

Brasilians will typically add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Makes a beautiful rich color, adds a little sweetness that brings out the flavor of the beef.

Instead of tarragon (which I love), chopped parsley is frequently used for its fresh green taste. And, finally, 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice can be added when using sour cream to get the tanginess, but I like the idea of yogurt or creme fraiche and especially, the addition of cognac or sherry.

No snowstorms here in Sausalito, but it's still really satisfying after a bracing bike ride in our winter temps in the 50's.

Posted by: Lydia Sugarman on January 29, 2007 8:22 AM

I could just say the words 'beef stroganoff' to the G-man and his eyes would glaze over, he may profess undying love and maybe drool slightly. He loves it that much, but he's my pre-teen carnivore, for sure.

I am in the mushroom camp (only super fresh portabellas- and NOT overcooked!), and the yogurt camp- although I do like to add just a touch of sour cream to give it a creamy edge.

Posted by: Kate on January 29, 2007 3:58 PM

My husband wooed me with Beef Stroganoff. Once, when we were living in an apartment, he made it for our first dinner guests. But the woman from downstairs came up and hurled a string of obscenities at him for making too much noise (huh?) and he got so rattled he forgot the sour cream. Our guests were too polite to say anthing.

Posted by: Mimi on January 29, 2007 5:54 PM

I *love* stroganoff. If all I have is a tougher cut to use, I'll dredge it in flour, brown & remove from the pan, sautee up my shrooms, shallot / onion & garlic (tossing in a few tbsp of the seasoned flour from dredging) then deglaze with a shot of red wine and beef broth. Everything goes back into the pan with enough beef broth to barely cover and simmer for 45 mins, then stir in the sour cream. Makes a slightly thinner sauce, but adds a nice depth to the flavor.

Posted by: JamiJo on January 29, 2007 8:58 PM

I'm in the mushroom camp on stroganoff, no doubt because when I was a child my mother used cream of mushrooms soup to make it. The key seasoning for me though is Worcheshire sauce--I've never tried nutmeg or tarragon in it. I also tend to serve it on couscous to add a bit of variety to the dish.

Posted by: Ceylonna on January 29, 2007 10:08 PM

Oh my goodness, you are gonna love this one. My old roommate used to make Trailer Park Beef Stroganoff. He would take mushroom gravy in the jar and heat in a big pot on the stove, while he microwaved some frozen pre-made swedish meatballs that come in the bag in the frozen section. He would wait until the gravy was hot and the meatballs were defrosted and add the meatballs to the gravy and add sour cream and season with garlic salt and pepper, mix all together until all were heated and then serve over egg noodles..

It's wasn't half bad and pretty quick...

Posted by: jumper on January 30, 2007 10:00 AM

Call me a heathen, but I use powdered onion soup mix in mine. I KNOW, I KNOW, it sounds crazy. But I've tried many variations and this is by far the best version I've ever had.

I brown the beef, add a packet of onion soup mix, about a half a bottle of red wine, add the mushrooms (which I've sauteed seperately), reduce, then add the sour cream.

Damn, it is sooooooo tasty.

Posted by: John on February 3, 2007 6:00 PM

One thing I've done is pound the sliced meat if it's a tough cut. then dredge it in flour and go one from there. The nutmeg does add a nice touch as well. I do like adding a shot of wine or something when making the fancy shmancy grownup company version. For the kids it's usually just hamburger stroganoff - with ground buffalo. Tonight we made our own egg noodles though - we being my 11 & 6 yr olds.

Posted by: Fia on February 3, 2007 9:20 PM

This recipe is SO good! I'm not a great cook, but last night I was chef of the year. Well, at least my husband thought so.

Posted by: Amy on February 28, 2007 9:20 AM

Help. I've agreed to make stroganov for about 100 people as a fundraiser for my church. Any helpful hints out there?

Posted by: phyllis on March 23, 2007 10:52 AM

I think the nutmeg and tarragon really do some magic in this dish.

Posted by: karl roth on March 30, 2007 3:36 PM

Years ago I found a recipe online called the original house of stroganoff recipe. It called for mushrooms, NO onions of any kind, NO nutmeg or tarragon. Beef, mushrooms, butter, garlic, paprika, flour salt/pepper, white cooking wine, lemon juice, beef broth, basil and rosemary, sour cream, and the sour cream is added and then simmered for 20 minutes. Everyone who has had it asks for the recipe, but I can't find it on the internet any more. Anyone ever heard of this recipe?

Posted by: Anne on April 6, 2007 9:01 AM

I just layed out the beef, and am going to try this tonight. I love mushrooms, and stoganoff wouldn't be the same without them. I can't wait to try them with the nutmeg & tarragon. Garlic is a must. Julie

Posted by: hoosierbear on May 4, 2007 9:13 AM

Help! I'm having a gentleman over for dinner in a few weeks and he says he's dying for beef stroganoff. I plan to make this recipe, but I'd like to know what to serve with this dish to make a former Kansas man eat out of the palm of my hand! I'm talking full meal beginning w/ just the perfect wine and ending w/ dessert.

Thanks for your time.

Posted by: Cyndi on May 13, 2007 10:04 PM

This is probably an even worse crime but I sometimes stir through a small teaspoon of dijon mustard to add extra depth to the paprika flavour; I was on this site as was researching yoghurt as a healthier option which I had been contemplating for some time and from the comments above I will give that a go tonight I think.

Posted by: Emma on May 22, 2007 8:52 AM

Do not be concerned cooking for 100 people. It is as simple as cooking for 10 but multiply and allow for doggie bags as your kitchen help will be taking "leftovers" home for sure.
I also cook for Church venues so count 1 lb of meat for 3 people. This week I will use beef rump and cube it.
Caramelize 3 lb of diced onion in olive oil.
Add 1 lg head of pasted garlic.(place pealed cloves of garlic on cutting board and handfull of salt. With chefs knife crush garlic and paste toward yourself as salt acts as an abrasive).
Add 35 lb of cubed beef and pepper give an occasional stirr to prevent burning and let beef to brown well. Cover with lid watching not to loose juice and add vegetable stock to keep beef stewing for about 1 1/2 hr (to your desired tenderness). Can of tomato paste is a good idea also nutmeg. If you dare add 750 ml red wine it looses alcohol as soon as it hits the pot. Use your taste buds for any additional desires after all it will have your signature on.
Finaly chop fine handfull of chives mixed into
1 lt of sour creem and mix into your creation.
Ready to serve over mashed potato which is spiked with garlic and onion.
I like to finich dressing up with a few spears of red beets to add that Ruski touch.
Karel

Posted by: Karel Kubista on May 27, 2007 11:46 AM

Delicious and yummy. Just perfect!!!

Posted by: LANA on June 7, 2007 7:03 AM

I always love beef stroganoff but never had the guts to try. However, when I saw this recipe, I thought of giving it a shot and I did on the following day. Consider it was my first attempt, the result was satisfaction. My husband enjoyed it especially with fettucine. I brought the leftover to work and let my colleague tried it and she liked it too. Thank you so much and I'm glad that I've found this website.

Anna

Posted by: Anna Emery on July 12, 2007 4:00 AM

I loved this recipe! Fantastic and I served it over noodles with a crusty loaf of sourdough.....

Posted by: Laura on July 30, 2007 10:32 AM

The problem with Beef Stroganoff is that everyone thinks you have to have beef in it! I always cook mine with Elk or Venison. Great way to tenderize your tougher deer meat.

Posted by: Shasta on August 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Is there a variation on Beef Stroganoff that doesn't use sour cream or yogurt?

Posted by: Jackie on September 2, 2007 2:27 PM

I made this recipe tonight and it was delicious with a capital "D"! I've never made this before, but the recipe and your helpful comments on variations made it easy - many thanks to you all. My husband and 19 year old son loved it and want me to make it again!

Posted by: Sonja D. in the "D" on September 4, 2007 8:33 PM

Stroganoff is one of my favorite comfort foods - I appreciate the post about alternatives to beef.... I often use chicken. Cut in to small pieces and browned in butter/olive oil. Onions, mushrooms, garlic and a little white wine - then the sour cream (reduced fat variety works well for us). Granted, it doesn't quite have the depth of beef, but it's also a little less rich (which I sometimes favor).

Posted by: John on September 8, 2007 3:40 PM

Mine has mushrooms, onions (I seldom use shallots, too mild for me), garlic (cloves and powder) and mustard. I use the rustic kind with all the seeds, a tablespoon or two. Somehow the spices in that compliment the sour cream to me, and make it all the richer. If you marinate the beef with it (I use New york strip), it really adds a tangy layer of flavor.

I considered yogurt when I made it tonight; I may try that in the future.

Posted by: Shawn on September 8, 2007 11:15 PM

Tasty! I prepared it with ground sirloin, and it tasted just as good. Even the kids like it. If you're running low or out of sour cream like I was, I threw in some lowfat cream cheese and milk along with a half cup of sour cream. Worked fine.

Posted by: Shawn on September 14, 2007 3:52 PM

I've made this a few times and it is excellent. I like to also add a splash of red wine at the end of cooking to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Thanks for the great recipe. I was looking for something that reminded me of my dad's stroganoff.

Posted by: Erin on November 2, 2007 2:26 PM

Does anybody have a vegetable that goes with beef stroganoff?

Posted by: kevin on November 3, 2007 5:50 AM

Another Stroganoff substitute for sour cream is Cream of Celery Soup or Cream of Mushroom soup. Any brand is ok. One can per lb.of meat.
An excellent side vegetable is green beans, fresh or frozen about 12 oz. with butter 1tbs sauteed sliced almonds. Season with fresh garlic, fine minced onion (may use onion powder, 1 tbs.) and salt to taste. Simmer in 2oz broth or water for about 10 minutes or until tender.

Posted by: Leah on November 8, 2007 5:12 PM

I'm making stroganoff right now and was just looking for other ideas. My wife can't eat beef or dairy so I use pork. I have gotten more depth of flavor by cooking 2 pieces of bacon in a pan and then browning the pork in the bacon fat. Another addition is adding cream sherry to the mushrooms and deglazing the pork with red wine. I also use onions and garlic. The rest of us who can eat dairy put a Tbl. or more of sour cream on top at the end.

Posted by: Greg on December 1, 2007 2:53 PM

This is a nice simple stroganoff recipe that will give very good results. I would respectfully suggest that one use beef stock instead of water for thinning the sauce out a little. In fact I usually put a splash of stock in with the mushrooms as they sautee, then add a few teaspoons more after the sour cream should the sauce need a bit more thinning.

I've added a touch of tomato paste as well when the whim strikes me. It's not something I always do but it adds a nice hint of sweetness and complexity to counter the tartness imparted by the sour cream.

Great recipes and a nice site. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Tom on January 18, 2008 11:50 AM

Great quick recipe. Here are a few suggestions respectfully submitted for consideration.

Chuck roast is a great inexpensive cut for this dish. I use dry packet Mc Cormicks Au Jus for stock, only 100 mg. of sodium per cup. Make sure you like nutmeg before you add it. In addition to the shallots I add finely diced green onion. Last, a couple tablespoons of brandy is a perfect touch AFTER you add the sour cream.

Enjoy!

Chef Steviebeef

Posted by: Steviebeef on January 29, 2008 4:21 PM

Oh my!

Welp, just published my version of yours. Actually cooked it last Friday, and I have to say, "YEAH !!!"

I like the idea of browning in butter and browning separately, perfection. But my local Latin market didn't have mushrooms so I used fresh chile peppers instead, hope that's okay.

xo, Biggles

Posted by: Dr. Biggles on February 10, 2008 2:08 PM

Try this for a tasty twist. Using a Chuck Roast, instead of doin all that slicing, Braise it, then roast it whole, and then pull it like you would for pulled BBQ sandwiches. Oh, and I'm in the Shrooms are nasty clan!! LOL. Give it a try, a very diff. taste to one of my favorite dishes.

Posted by: Jay Jenkins on March 10, 2008 8:45 PM

Can leftover stroganoff be frozen?

Posted by: Dmack on March 17, 2008 8:01 AM

This is one of those perfect male dishes. Meat and noodles. I leave the mushrooms out of course, but speaking as someone who played sports their whole life, this was the perfect pre game meal, and great afterwards

Posted by: Fivehole84 on April 19, 2008 4:02 AM

HMMM I use bear meat for my stroganoff I don't have to use all that butter then bear is a little bit of a fattier meat but also adds a small bit of wild into it. My husband has high Cholest. So I have to make it ahead of time and portion it out in containers otherwise he will sit down and eat it all. Wine that is as cheap or as expensive as you want makes all meats that I add nice and tender I usually us about half a bottle by the time I have reduced everything. I also use almost all of the ingredients that are above so I was happy to see that it was here. I add a pinch of fresh mint so chopped up you really don't know it is there and sometimes a little sage but again I use fresh as I have a good garden right out my front door of it. Going to make this tonight.

Posted by: Lisa Greene on April 28, 2008 12:21 PM

This has become my favorite dish, and our kids love it, too. I use ready cut beef stir fry meat as it works well and doesn't need a long cooking time because it's tender. Cook the meat til almost carmelized, then add onion and stir, add a good red wine and cook off the alcohol for 5 min. Then add some beef stock and cover with lid. I cook some carrot with bay leaf and thyme in part of the beef stock on the side and add that to the pot after mashing the carrot. At end of cooking time, I cook some garlic and butter in separate saucepan and add that after a few minutes. Add sour cream, good quality stone ground spicy mustard, and chopped parsley. Serve over noodles. We leave out the mushrooms as noone here likes them. Delicious !!!

Posted by: Tracy on April 28, 2008 4:58 PM

I love stroganoff. A Russian chef told me his mother used to add sweet gherkins at the end. I've tried cornichons as well and they work great. Give it a go you wont be disappointed with the contrast.

Posted by: Andy on May 1, 2008 4:45 AM

I made this last night, substituting porcini mushroom stock for the nutmeg and tarragon. Take 3 ozs of dried porcini's and rehydrate in 2 cups boiling water until reduced to 1 cup. Strain, discard the solids and add to the beef/mushroom mixture just before you add the sour cream. We had guests over and they both had seconds and thirds!

Posted by: john on May 5, 2008 10:27 AM

Love all the suggestions listed by contributors.
I plan to combine a couple of ideas from dif-
ferent ones and use my favorite meat source for
stroganoff. When we barbeque tri-tip, we always
plan for left overs. It makes great stroganoff!

Posted by: june on May 8, 2008 6:19 PM

My Nana always made this with a slight twist. She always put in a half can of sweet peas. I loved it. I think I am going to make this tonight.

^_^

Posted by: missy on May 14, 2008 12:18 PM

Yikes! Some great ideas - and some not so good. I'd die before eating canned peas - sorry. Fresh would be a great side dish, however.
I do not live in Alaska so the bear, Elk and Deer are out, too.

I always use a good strong red wine or port to deglaze beef dishes. It adds such a great taste to the whole thing. For the liquid, try Campbell's double rich beef stock!

Put your sirloin or whatever into the freezer to make it easier to slice thin - just until it's hardened up a bit but not frozen so you cannot slice it, of course. Saute it in butter. Put the butter into a med-hi, large pan, wait until it foams up and just begins to brown. Add beef quickly and stir-fry it quickly. Remove to another dish. Add more butter and sautee the veggies, then the liquid ingredients. Add the beef then the sour cream at the very last.

I like it with a tablespoon or so of ketchup and about a teaspoon of sugar - not enough so it tastes sweet, just enough to draw the flavors out - it is amazing how just a bit of sugar will brighten the flavors of a lot of your dishes - pasta sauce as well - it will remove the sharp, bitter, sour taste that sometimes comes from the tomato sauce.

As you can see, there are endless variations of this dish. You can make it super fancy for fine dining with company or make it for a favorite family dinner. Mushrooms or no, sour cream or yogurt. I cannot imagine it over french fries, but to each his own. I'm just off to cook mine - with interesting ideas from this site. Thanks to everyone for their recipe ideas.

Posted by: Roddenberry on May 18, 2008 4:09 PM

Oh, my goodness, I just wanted to drink this. I didn't but I did lick the pan and I even kept what my kids couldn't eat for my lunch tomorrow. I added garlic, beef bullion, and a squirt of mustard, and as I was out of tarragon I used thyme and parsley. It was delicious!

Posted by: natasha on August 6, 2008 4:20 PM

If you want to make cheaper tougher meats tender, marinate the strips of beef in buttermilk overnight; they will be very tender after they're cooked in any dish. It also goes for any kind of meat.

Posted by: liz on August 12, 2008 5:50 PM

I just went through every single comment with a pen and paper, and took down everyones thoughts! EVERYONEs!!
Tonight for dinner, I'm gonna blow my husband away with all your ideas :)
I can't wait to get started...its only 10am, and I am at work itching to get started on dinner...
Will let you know tomorrow how it turned out...
Love the website!!!!!!

Posted by: Cheryl on August 28, 2008 7:29 AM

This is the best stroganoff I've ever made. My husband hates onions but I put them in anyways and he still LOVED this recipe. Thanks!

Posted by: Cassie on September 3, 2008 2:10 PM

I increased the mushrooms to 3/4 lb. and sliced thick.
After the mushrooms have sauteed for about 5 minutes I add 1/2 cup of Merlot. I saute until wine and mushroom "juice" have reduced by at least half. Then finish per the recipe. Served over egg noodles. Great comfort dish.

Posted by: Jim on October 8, 2008 4:58 PM

Hello Elise, We have tried a few variations on the Stroganoff. I am a big fan of it with onions and we also usually add a little red wine (cabernet).

We have experimented with different cuts of meat and I love that there are so many suggestions here from other Stroganoffers to try out! Thanks.

Posted by: Holden on October 25, 2008 9:40 PM

I really like this recipe. I think next time I'll add more salt to it, and maybe do some of the above suggestions to add white wine. But my husband, who's a super picky eater, really loved it, and I'm so thankful to you for putting it up here.

Posted by: Katia on November 13, 2008 10:01 AM

I tried this recipe last night using a bit of white wine and skipping the nutmeg and tarragon for parsley and garlic. I'll have to try the Dijon mustard thing and perhaps the yogurt as well. This is a great recipe, my dad use to make it with cream cheese and a chili garlic paste, very rich but very good.

Posted by: Felicia on November 13, 2008 1:43 PM

Elise, this was fantastic! I followed the recipe exactly and we ate it over whole wheat egg noodles. I used fresh tarragon and fresh grated nutmeg and the flavor was amazing. I don't think I would change a thing!

Posted by: Nicole on December 4, 2008 10:20 AM

I usually include tomato paste in this - now I understand this would be a Brazilian specialty. This time, I followed Elise's recipe, but added a 1/2 cup of Sherry - made for a very nice finish and less sweet than my traditional variation. Oh, we also did it with Venison.

Posted by: Sam on January 2, 2009 7:50 PM

Wow! My dad has always made his own special beef stroganoff, but this recipe is amazing! It especially tastes good with a touch of minced garlic while cooking the meat. I will definitely make this again! :) :P

Posted by: Mikhaila T. on January 5, 2009 8:15 PM

This is one of my favorite recipes of all time, Elise. :) I can take really cheap steak and salt it for awhile, cut it up, and this recipe is the ULTIMATE of stroganoff!!! I generally keep the onions in the pan (no mushrooms) and add a generous splash of a dry white wine, simmer for a few minutes, and then add in the plain yogurt. Deeeelish!

Posted by: Christine on January 23, 2009 5:26 PM

I just made an elk stroganoff that was a compilation of the recipe and the input of everyone. My wife is a 'recipe' person and I am not. After I read the entries I gleefully told her "No 'recipe' needed!" and proceeded to forgo the mushrooms (because of inadequate shopping skills), have more onions, lots of garlic powder,
elk sausage,tarragon, nutmeg, 1 cup of sour
cream and 1 cup of yoghurt, salt and pepper, and a nice splash of red wine (pinot noir). Over egg noodles with a 1/2 baked yam for color and she loved it! Will repeat soon!!

Posted by: alan on January 31, 2009 8:29 PM

I've always made Stroganoff with sour cream but I like the idea of using yogurt instead; and I liked the idea of using cream cheese too. Since I can't decide between the three, I'm going to try 1/3 of each. I hope it won't be an explosive mixture. (laugh out loud)

Posted by: Jim in WV on March 11, 2009 2:45 PM

Just made this dinner last night for a close friend with terminal lung cancer and her family. (a group of friends take turns each week to bring her family a dinner) This recipe was WONDERFUL-- easy, just the right mixture of flavors, very portable!!

I served it with homemade harvard beets, fresh asparagus, a fresh fruit cup and World Peace Cookies. (As Ina would say "What's not to love?!)
I used baby portabellos instead of crimini as my grocery store is limited in its mushroom selections.
Unfortunately, it won't cure her cancer but it IS the ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD.

P.S. Your site is my all time FAVORITE food blog!!

Posted by: anne on March 12, 2009 6:33 AM

I have always made my beef stroganoff drudging 1 lb and a half in flour, browning in tbsp of oil and then simmering in the crock pot or pot with 2 tablespoons of ketchup and two cans of beef broth. It may seem like a lot of broth at first but it cooks off to make a very tasty base. I don't brown the garlic as that tends to give off a taste of roasted garlic which my kids don't like and I don't add onions (to my demise but they are lovely in this recipe). I simmer the meat for a an hour and a half till tender and then add my quartered (not sliced) mushrooms. We all love mushrooms and don't want them to shrivel away in the broth. Once the mushrooms are done, I remove from heat and add the sour cream, tossing over egg noodles. I always have to double my recipe because this amt feeds 6 and the kids always want seconds and if you don't double, there are never any leftovers.

Posted by: Donna on March 18, 2009 8:08 AM

This was awesome. We just had it for Easter dinner and my husband is a very happy man now :)

Posted by: Molly on April 12, 2009 4:41 PM

Oh man, my mom used to make this all the time when we were kids, so good! We always use venison or elk if we have it, it's far superior to beef if you ask me.

Posted by: Hannah on June 18, 2009 3:46 PM

I LOVE Beef Stroganoff .... and I LOVE all the comments and variations. My own version uses cream of mushroom soup ... but there's so many interesting ideas here. Thanks!!

Posted by: Susan on August 5, 2009 1:23 PM

I was searching for a recipe that used a bunch of mushrooms because my better half decided last week we needed a huge box of them from Costco.
This recipe was perfect. I didn't have scallions/onions, but it worked just fine without. I'd never made stroganoff before and was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to follow your steps.
Thanks for the gluten free pasta idea - I have celiac and most likely would have just put it over rice.

Posted by: Carla on August 19, 2009 7:26 PM

I looked for a long time to find a nice clear beef stroganoff recipe! This was definitely the best, thanks!

Posted by: Bessy on August 28, 2009 6:36 AM

Hi we use this basic recipe, as above. But add a real kick to it by adding ground brown Caraway seed, just a 1/4 tsp, as it finishs. Odd? Na, very hungarian. Also many Russian recipes serve this over hard rye bread. That is the Caraway taste we are trying to add here. Give it a try.

Posted by: ann and mark on September 7, 2009 9:12 AM

I liked this one too, mushrooms and all. The only thing I did different was I used a little bit of fresh rosemary, mainly because I didn't have tarragon but I do have a nice big bushy bush of rosemary right outside the door.

Posted by: tim in virginia on September 16, 2009 2:35 PM

Sounds delicious...the yogurt suggestion is very interesting. Will have to try it this way. I'm guessing it gives it a bit of a tang. Also, a splash of cognac/brandy that someone else suggested sounds fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.

Posted by: Ted on October 4, 2009 10:32 AM

What a great easy recipe. Made this last night for a Swedish family who just moved into my house. They loved! Really surprised at the lack of ingredients. i was tempted to try and "jazz" it up but instead followed the recipe exactly. PERFECT!

Posted by: Will on October 4, 2009 11:25 PM

I have to agree what a great simple recipe. I made this for a dinner party I had at the weekend and I can speak for everyone when I say it went down a storm - every plate was licked clean. I added a pinch of paprika which did no harm what so ever. I served with mash potato which I think worked very well. This recipe will be one that I think will be turned out again and again.

Posted by: Tom on October 12, 2009 7:21 AM

I love beef stroganoff. this was a very easy recipe for my first try, but I changed it a little and added leftover pork roast instead of the beef. I did everything else according to the instructions, except I added the pork roast with the mushrooms and onions, to heat it up. It was so easy and good that I made a 2nd batch to take to work for food day the next week. I got rave reviews and even a couple requests for the recipe. Thanks.

Posted by: theresa t on October 28, 2009 5:09 PM

I am going to try marinading a whole flank steak in red wine and garlic and then grilling it on my stovetop grill, instead of sauteing it. After it rests, I will slice it into thin strips and proceed with the recipe. I will use that good heavy 2% greek yogurt. Can you keep it on hold in a crock pot while having drinks, etc.?

You just want to make sure it doesn't get close to boiling, especially if you are using yogurt, or it will likely curdle. I would keep the crockpot uncovered just in case. ~Elise

Posted by: Betsy on November 16, 2009 8:49 AM

This is the very first recipe I tried from your blog. Since I have to watch both fat calories and my budget, I cut the butter from 6 T to 2 T, used non fat yogurt instead of sour cream, and instead of tenderloin I used chuck roast and another time london broil. The dish was delicious. I LOVE your blog, the easy to follow instructions, and the beautiful pictures. Now I'm inspired to try more of your recipes.

Posted by: alicia on November 16, 2009 3:50 PM

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