Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Make-Ahead Instructions
Indulge in a hearty and creamy Beef Stroganoff that's as delightful as it is easy to prepare. By using simple pantry staples, this rich dish transforms thinly sliced beef into a gourmet meal that seems to take hours to prepare, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. With the addition of savory cremini mushrooms, sweet onions, and a blend of aromatic spices, every bite is bursting with flavor. This recipe is not only versatile—serving as a base for Salisbury Steak or with upscale beef tenderloin—but it also allows for easy preparation in advance, perfect for busy weeknights. Leftover beef? No problem! Simply incorporate it into the sauce for a quick, satisfying meal. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic dish with a modern twist.
6
Servings
580
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef sirloin
1.5 lbs (thinly sliced)
Butter
6 tablespoons (divided)
Onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
Cremini mushrooms
1.5 cups (sliced)
Dried egg noodles
8 ounces (dry)
Flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Beef broth
2 cups (low-sodium)
Ketchup
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (smoked or sweet)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Sherry wine
3 tablespoons (cooking sherry)
Sour cream
8 tablespoons (for creaminess)
Instructions
1
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot.
2
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Sauté half of the thinly sliced beef for about 2-3 minutes until browned, then remove the beef and any juices to a bowl.
3
Repeat the process with the remaining beef, adding another tablespoon of butter as needed.
4
In the same pan, without washing, melt 1 additional tablespoon of butter and sauté the sliced onions and mushrooms until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the mixture to the bowl with the beef.
5
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions (omit this step if making ahead).
6
Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes until the raw flavor is cooked out.
7
Gradually whisk the beef broth into the butter-flour mixture to prevent lumps from forming.
8
Stir in the ketchup, paprika, dried basil, and nutmeg. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until thickened.
9
Add the sautéed beef, onions, and mushrooms back into the sauce, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to combine flavors.
10
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sherry wine. Finally, mix in the sour cream right before serving.
11
Serve immediately over the drained egg noodles, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
12
To make ahead, complete the sauce through adding the sherry. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then freeze it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to serve, and reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in the sour cream off the heat.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
60g
Carbs
36g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Beef Stroganoff?
Creamy Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and rich dish made with thinly sliced beef, cremini mushrooms, and onions served in a savory sour cream-based sauce over egg noodles.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of beef sirloin, but it is versatile enough to be made with upscale beef tenderloin or even as a base for Salisbury Steak.
Can I use leftover beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily incorporate leftover beef into the sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include beef sirloin, butter, onion, cremini mushrooms, dried egg noodles, flour, beef broth, ketchup, and sour cream.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
You should use 1.5 cups of cremini mushrooms and slice them before sautéing.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it uses simple pantry staples and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for family dinners.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
The beef should be sautéed in batches for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
Why should I brown the beef in batches?
Browning the beef in batches ensures that the meat sears properly rather than steaming in its own juices.
Can I substitute the cremini mushrooms?
While cremini mushrooms are recommended for their savory flavor, you could substitute them with white button mushrooms if needed.
What type of onion is required?
The recipe calls for one small onion, thinly sliced.
How many noodles should I prepare?
You should use 8 ounces of dried egg noodles.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by creating a roux with 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour, then gradually whisking in beef broth.
What is the purpose of the flour?
The flour is used to create a roux that thickens the beef broth into a rich gravy.
Why is beef broth used in the sauce?
Low-sodium beef broth provides the savory liquid base for the stroganoff sauce.
What flavor does ketchup add?
Ketchup is added in a small amount (1 tablespoon) to provide a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce.
What seasonings are used in this stroganoff?
The recipe uses a blend of paprika, dried basil, and ground nutmeg for an aromatic flavor profile.
What kind of paprika should I use?
You can use either smoked or sweet paprika depending on your preference.
Why is nutmeg included in the recipe?
A small amount of ground nutmeg adds a subtle, gourmet aromatic note to the creamy sauce.
When should I add the sherry wine?
The sherry wine should be stirred in after the pan is removed from the heat, just before adding the sour cream.
When is the sour cream added?
The sour cream is mixed in right before serving to ensure the sauce remains smooth and creamy.
Can I make this beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce through the step of adding the sherry, let it cool completely, and freeze it for later use.
How do I freeze the sauce for make-ahead meals?
Allow the sauce to cool completely after adding the sherry, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Do not add the sour cream before freezing.
How do I reheat the frozen stroganoff?
Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, and then stir in the sour cream off the heat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 580 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 36 grams of protein in each serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 26 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I serve this with something other than egg noodles?
Yes, while traditionally served over egg noodles, you could also serve the beef and sauce over rice or mashed potatoes.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of sour cream to achieve its signature creaminess.