Introduction

Beef stroganoff is a classic and comforting meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. This dish is traditionally made with tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce served over egg noodles. However, there are many variations and twists on this comforting meal that can be adapted to suit different tastes and budgets. In this article, we’ll cover a step-by-step recipe guide for classic beef stroganoff, as well as several variations and methods, including slow cooker, budget, and vegetarian versions.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

To make classic beef stroganoff, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb beef tenderloin or sirloin, sliced thinly
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked

Here are the steps for making classic beef stroganoff:

1. Season the sliced beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté beef until browned. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they have released their moisture and turned golden brown. Remove mixture from the pan and set aside.
3. Mix the flour with some beef broth until smooth. Add the beef broth mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream.
4. Add the beef and onion-mushroom mixture to the sauce and gently stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Video Tutorial

A video tutorial for making beef stroganoff can provide a visual guide for beginners and also include additional tips and tricks for making the dish successfully.

Check out this easy-to-follow video tutorial for making classic beef stroganoff:

Slow Cooker Version

Making beef stroganoff in a slow cooker can be a convenient option for busy weeknights or for meal prepping ahead of time.

Here are the ingredients and preparation steps for slow cooker beef stroganoff:

• 1 lb beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 16 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked

Here are the steps for making slow cooker beef stroganoff:

1. Add the beef, onion, mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and flour until smooth. Add to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Budget Version

Using cheaper cuts of meat can make beef stroganoff an affordable and filling meal for families.

Here are the ingredients and preparation steps for budget beef stroganoff:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked

Here are the steps for making budget beef stroganoff:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and sauté until soft. Remove mixture from pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, whisk together beef broth, flour, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream.
4. Add beef and onion-mushroom mixture to the sauce and gently stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Vegetarian Version

For those who prefer meatless options, a vegetarian version of beef stroganoff can be a delicious alternative.

Here are the ingredients and preparation steps for vegetarian beef stroganoff:

• 16 oz sliced mushrooms or 1 cup brown lentils, cooked
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked

Here are the steps for making vegetarian beef stroganoff:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Add mushrooms or cooked lentils and sauté until cooked through. Remove mixture from pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, whisk together vegetable broth, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream.
3. Add the onion-mushroom mixture to the sauce and gently stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Variations and Twists

To switch up the flavors and add some variety to your beef stroganoff, consider these ideas for variations:

• Try adding diced bell peppers or carrots for some extra vegetables
• Use different cuts of meat such as skirt steak or even ground beef
• Add some spicy heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
• Switch up the cheese by adding Parmesan or Gruyere for a nutty flavor
• Try serving the stroganoff over mashed potatoes instead of noodles

Conclusion

Beef stroganoff is a versatile and comforting meal that can be customized to fit your budget, dietary restrictions, and taste preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to make a budget-friendly version, or want to make it in your slow cooker, there are plenty of variations to try. With so many options, you’re sure to find a beef stroganoff that you’ll love.