Oh, honey, let me tell you about my old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. The aroma alone takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, the steam from the pot fogging up the windows on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I tried to make it myself – disaster! The sauce was thin, the beef was tough, and the whole thing just tasted…blah. But I was determined to recreate that taste of childhood comfort, that old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe that had warmed my belly and my heart for so many years. I tweaked, I experimented, I even called Grandma (bless her heart, she’s a woman of few words when it comes to recipes!), and finally, finally, I cracked the code.

Now, this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is a regular on our dinner table. With three kids running around, I need meals that are hearty, satisfying, and, most importantly, quick to throw together. I love a good easy beef stroganoff, and this is my go-to. This dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, even when they’re arguing over who gets the last scoop. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but it’s pure comfort food. I think I first made a successful version of this about 15 years ago. I had a lot of failures before that point, but I finally got it right. It has been my go-to ever since.

What makes this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe so special? It’s the creamy, tangy sauce, the tender beef, and the way it all clings to those lovely egg noodles. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and forget all your troubles. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little of that in their life? It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that just work together harmoniously.

Trust me, once you try this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe, it’ll become a family favorite for you too! It’s just pure, unadulterated comfort food in a bowl. Now, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

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1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
1 large onion, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb egg noodles
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder

I always use beef sirloin for my old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe because it gets nice and tender without being too expensive. You can find it at any grocery store, usually already cut into stew meat that you can easily slice thinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of beef to find what works best for you. Some people prefer using beef tenderloin for an even more tender result, while others opt for chuck roast for a richer flavor. It’s all about personal preference!

A little trick I learned from my mom: when making old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe, add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the sour cream. Trust me, it makes a difference!

For a quick shortcut, you can buy pre-sliced mushrooms. I know some people like to use cream of mushroom soup in beef stroganoff, but I’m not a fan. I think using fresh mushrooms gives it a much better flavor. You can save money by buying beef broth in bulk. I always keep a few cartons on hand. Store leftover sour cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will usually last for about a week.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of creamy, dreamy old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe in no time.

Preparing Beef Stroganoff in the Kitchen

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First, cook your noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside. I prefer to cook my noodles al dente. Nobody likes mushy noodles! It typically takes about 8-10 minutes to get the noodles to my desired texture.
While the noodles are cooking, let’s get started on the beef. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. Remove the beef and set aside. Don’t worry if your old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe beef browns unevenly, it’ll all taste delicious in the end! I learned the hard way with old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe that if you overcrowd the pan, the beef will steam instead of brown, and you won’t get that nice, rich flavor.
Next, add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This is where the aroma really starts to fill your kitchen. Your old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe should smell like savory onions and earthy mushrooms at this point. So good!
Now, sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture and stir constantly for about 1 minute. This will help thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour. Nobody wants a floury-tasting old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe! Make sure to stir constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. While the old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is cooking, I usually start prepping a quick salad or setting the table.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. I like to add a little extra pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. It’s important to add the sour cream at the end and on low heat to prevent it from curdling.
Return the beef to the skillet and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the beef is heated through and the flavors have melded together. In my kitchen, old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, but it’s mostly hands-off time.
Finally, serve the old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe over egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. And there you have it – a comforting, delicious meal that the whole family will love!

Serving Suggestions

Serving this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is where you can really make it your own. The kids love our old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe when I serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I usually make a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. It provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stroganoff. This old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

If you want to get fancy, you can garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley. Presentation is key, even for comfort food! If you have extra old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe, it’s even better the next day! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

A seasonal beef stroganoff variation I have tried includes adding roasted root vegetables, like parsnips or carrots, to the sauce. It adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness. Consider adding a splash of dry sherry or Madeira wine to the sauce for a touch of elegance. The alcohol will evaporate during cooking, leaving behind a complex flavor.

My friends always ask for this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe recipe whenever they come over for dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure! When my husband’s parents come over, this is one of his go-to meals to make them. I know that they love a good classic beef stroganoff! It’s also great served with rice or mashed potatoes if you aren’t a big fan of egg noodles. I actually also enjoy serving this with a side of green beans!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have about making this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. I’ve been there, done that, and learned from my mistakes, so I’m here to share my wisdom!

Can I use a different type of beef?

Absolutely! While I prefer sirloin, you can also use beef tenderloin, stew meat, or even ground beef in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You know what I do when my old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe calls for a cut of beef that I do not have? I just use ground beef instead!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The flavors actually meld together even more when it sits in the refrigerator overnight. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You know what I do? I make the sauce the day before and then add the beef and noodles when I’m ready to serve.

Can I freeze this?

While you can freeze old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe, the sour cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. It will still taste delicious, but the texture might be a little different. You know what I do if I plan to freeze it? I add a little bit of cream cheese to the sauce to help stabilize it.

What if my sauce is too thin?

If your old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe sauce isn’t thickening up, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened. You know what I do? I usually just let it simmer for a little longer without adding any cornstarch. It usually thickens up on its own eventually.

What if my sauce is too thick?

If your old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe sauce is too thick, just add a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency. You know what I do? I always have extra beef broth on hand just in case.

Can I use light sour cream?

You can use light sour cream, but it won’t be as rich and creamy as using full-fat sour cream. If you’re watching your calories, you can also use Greek yogurt, but be sure to add it at the very end and don’t let it boil, or it will curdle. My family prefers the richness of the full-fat sour cream.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to your old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. Just add them along with the onions and mushrooms. Feedback about my old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe from my blog readers is that they add vegetables for extra flavor. Get creative with your vegetable additions! Try adding some sautéed spinach or kale for a boost of nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is more than just a meal to me; it’s a connection to my past, a symbol of comfort and family. It’s the kind of dish that I know I can always rely on to bring a smile to my loved ones’ faces. It holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandma and all the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen. I just love a good classic beef stroganoff recipe. This is just so heartwarming.

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Here are a few My old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe Pro Tips that I have learned over the years:

Sear the beef in batches: This ensures that the beef browns properly and doesn’t steam.
Don’t skip the Dijon mustard: It adds a subtle tang that really balances the flavors.
Add a pinch of sugar: It helps to balance the acidity of the sour cream.

Some old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe variations that I’ve tried include adding a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor, using different types of mushrooms like shiitake or cremini, or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. My son loves the version with the smoked paprika. My daughter prefers the classic version with just the egg noodles. My husband enjoys it most when I add a lot of pepper!

I truly hope you’ll try this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to fail – that’s how you learn! Cooking is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try new things. I think you will enjoy this traditional beef stroganoff. Remember to always taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Cooking is a personal journey, so don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating something delicious and sharing it with the people you love. So, go ahead, give this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe a try, and let me know what you think! I just know that this easy beef stroganoff will become a hit with your family. Happy cooking!

Simple Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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This classic beef stroganoff recipe is simple to make and incredibly comforting. Tender beef strips are simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce and served over egg noodles.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked egg noodles, for serving

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Add onion and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
Stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return beef to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use a dry sherry or red wine when deglazing the pan after cooking the mushrooms.