Creamy Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food! This creamy, rich, and flavorful dish is made with tender strips of beef, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, all tossed in a delicious homemade cream sauce. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it actually comes together in just 30 minutes!
I love serving this Creamy Beef Stroganoff over fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For an extra special touch, I like adding crispy potato sticks on top. They give the dish the perfect crunch and make every bite even better! It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners and one you’ll want to make again and again.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff Ingredients
For the beef stroganoff
Beef tenderloin: I love using tenderloin because it’s tender, cooks quickly, and works perfectly in this creamy dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the sauce as it cooks.
Garlic: Gives the dish a delicious aroma and adds another layer of flavor.
Mushrooms: Bring an earthy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and cream sauce.
Whipping cream: Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce.
Beef broth: Adds depth and enhances the beefy flavor of the sauce.
Tomato paste: Adds a little tanginess and richness while giving the sauce more flavor.
Yellow or Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream.
Olive oil: Used to sear the beef and sauté the vegetables.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a delicious base for the sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth consistency.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors and season the dish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh touch and makes a lovely garnish.
For the white rice
Basmati rice: Its fluffy texture and fragrant flavor make it the perfect side for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Water: Used to cook the rice until tender and fluffy.
Salt: Adds flavor to the rice.
Butter: Gives the rice a little extra richness and flavor.
For the crispy potato sticks (optional)
Potatoes: Thinly sliced and cut into small strips to create crispy, golden potato sticks.
Oil: Used for frying the potatoes until perfectly golden and crunchy.
How to Make Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Wash the basmati rice and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and add to a pot with butter, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for about 10 minutes until fluffy.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches over high heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add butter and a little olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for about a minute.
Step 4: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until softened.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well.
Step 6: Pour in the whipping cream, then add the tomato paste and mustard. Mix until smooth.
Step 7: Add the beef broth and stir until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Return the cooked beef to the pan and gently mix. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley.
Step 10: Serve over fluffy basmati rice and top with crispy potato sticks if desired. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
1. What cut of beef is best for Beef Stroganoff?
Beef tenderloin is my favorite because it’s tender and cooks quickly. Sirloin is another great option.
2. Can I use sour cream or thickened cream instead of whipping cream?
Absolutely! Sour cream adds a little tanginess, while thickened cream keeps the sauce rich and creamy. Add sour cream at the end over low heat to prevent curdling.
3. Can I use milk instead of whipping cream?
Yes! However, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You may need a little extra flour to thicken it.
4. What can I serve with Beef Stroganoff?
Basmati rice is my favorite, but mashed potatoes, pasta, or egg noodles are also delicious.
5. Can I use different mushrooms?
Yes! White button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work beautifully.
6. How do I keep the beef tender?
Sear the beef quickly over high heat in small batches and avoid overcooking it.
7. Can I use beef bouillon instead of beef broth?
Absolutely! Simply dissolve one beef bouillon cube in water and use it instead of beef broth.
8. Can I skip the crispy potato sticks?
Of course! They’re optional, but they add a delicious crunch to the dish.
Tips and Tricks
Use tender beef: Beef tenderloin or sirloin works best for a tender, delicious result.
Slice the beef thinly: Cut against the grain into thin strips to help keep the meat tender.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches so it browns nicely instead of steaming.
Use high heat: Quickly searing the beef helps lock in flavor and gives it a beautiful golden color.
Don’t overcook the beef: Add it back to the sauce at the end and simmer just until heated through.
Brown the mushrooms: Let them cook until lightly golden to bring out their delicious flavor.
Adjust the sauce: Add a little beef broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Add sour cream carefully: If using sour cream instead of whipping cream, stir it in at the end over low heat and avoid boiling.
Taste before serving: Adjust the salt, pepper, mustard, or broth to get the perfect balance of flavors.
Make the potato sticks extra crispy: Pat the sliced potatoes completely dry before frying to help them turn golden and crunchy.
Serve immediately: Beef Stroganoff tastes best served warm over freshly cooked basmati rice.
My little tip: Don’t skip browning the beef in batches! It makes such a difference in the flavor of the finished dish.
How to Store Leftover Beef Stroganoff
Refrigerator: Allow the Beef Stroganoff to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces may change texture slightly after thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened. Avoid boiling to keep the sauce creamy.
My tip: Store the Beef Stroganoff separately from the rice for the best texture, and add freshly made crispy potato sticks just before serving so they stay crunchy!
Chicken stroganoff recipe
Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Beef Stroganoff
- 1 lb beef tenderloin cut into thin strips
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms about 4 large mushrooms
- 1½ cups whipping cream
- ½ cup beef broth or water mixed with 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
White Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter
Crispy potato sticks
- Potatoes thinly sliced and cut into small strips
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes. Drain, then add it to a pot with butter, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender.
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until nicely browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add butter and a little olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for about a minute. Add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix well. Pour in the whipping cream, then add the tomato paste and mustard. Stir until smooth.
- Add the broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth and mix until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Return the cooked beef to the pan and gently mix. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prepare the crispy potatoes: Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the thin potato strips until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef stroganoff over fluffy basmati rice and finish with crispy potato sticks.