If you have ever craved a comforting, rich, and endlessly satisfying dinner, this Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender strips of top sirloin cooked to perfection alongside earthy cremini mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce that’s tangy, savory, and perfectly seasoned, this dish delivers a soulful meal any night of the week. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—hearty enough to satisfy and elegant enough to impress without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cutting board sits on a white marbled surface with many slices of raw red meat spread across it. The meat pieces are uneven in size and shape, showing a fresh, moist texture with a deep pink and red color. A large kitchen knife with a silver blade and a black handle rests diagonally across the lower left corner of the cutting board, positioned partially under the meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the balance of flavors right in this Beef Stroganoff Recipe comes down to simple yet crucial ingredients that each play a unique role. From the buttery richness to the tang of Dijon and the deep umami of mushrooms, every item elevates the dish’s character.

3 pounds boneless top sirloin: Choose a well-marbled cut for tender, juicy slices that melt in your mouth.
1 ½ teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the natural flavors throughout the cooking process.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds that sharp, spicy kick that balances the creaminess beautifully.
2 tablespoons butter: Brings a silky richness that deepens the sauce’s flavor and adds luscious texture.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the beef without burning the butter.
1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup): Garnishes the base with subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Offers a warm, pungent undertone that’s key in savory dishes.
½ cup full-bodied red wine: Builds complexity and slight acidity to brighten the rich sauce.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Forms the hearty, flavorful liquid foundation of the stroganoff.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang and subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: A secret punch of umami that enriches the meaty flavors.
12 medium cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups): Earthy notes and meaty texture make them a classic stroganoff star.
⅓ cup cream cheese or Neufchatel, softened: Contributes to the sauce’s signature creamy, velvety consistency.
⅓ cup sour cream (light preferred): Adds a mild tang and smooth finish without overpowering the dish.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce just right, ensuring it clings beautifully to every bite.
Additional salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: For perfect final seasoning adjustments.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: A fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green that elevates presentation.
Long grain white rice or egg noodles, prepared: The classic “bed” for your stroganoff, soaking up all that incredible sauce.

How to Make Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Beef

Start by trimming any excess fat from your top sirloin. Thinly slice the meat lengthwise into strips about half an inch thick and approximately two inches long. This slicing ensures the beef cooks quickly and stays tender rather than chewy, creating the perfect bite-sized morsels you want in every mouthful of beef stroganoff.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef strips in batches, seasoning each batch generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step locks in the meat’s juices while building a lovely, flavorful crust. As soon as each batch is browned, transfer the beef to a plate so we can build that rich sauce in the same pan.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Into those delicious beef drippings, add your diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweetness. Pour in the red wine and cook down for another minute or two, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving behind just the complex flavor notes that enhance the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef and Broth

Add the beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir everything together and return the browned beef strips to this mixture. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Let it gently simmer for 45 minutes to an hour so the beef becomes fork-tender and the flavors meld into an irresistible harmony.

Step 5: Thicken and Enrich the Sauce

Remove about a quarter cup of the cooking liquid and mix in the cornstarch until there are no lumps. Pour this slurry back into the pan and stir as the sauce thickens slightly. Add your sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let their earthiness infuse the sauce. Finally, stir in the cream cheese and sour cream, cooking a few more minutes until everything is luxuriously combined and creamy.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Herbs

Taste your stroganoff and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be shy here – seasoning is what brings the entire dish to life. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top for a fresh, colorful, and slightly oniony touch that cuts through the richness.

How to Serve Beef Stroganoff Recipe

A white plate holds two layers: on the left, a fluffy mound of white rice with scattered chopped green herbs, and on the right, a creamy light brown sauce with tender slices of brown beef and light tan mushroom slices, all garnished with green herbs. Next to the plate is a round pan filled with the same creamy beef and mushroom sauce, topped with tiny green herb bits. Nearby, a white bowl contains more white rice, placed beside a folded teal cloth napkin. In the background, two small glass salt and pepper shakers stand on a white marbled surface. Several silver forks rest near the bowl and napkin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives adds a vibrant burst of color and a subtle onion flavor that brightens the creamy sauce. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper on top right before serving energizes the flavors even more. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on the side is always welcome too, enhancing the creamy, tangy profile of the dish.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings like long grain white rice or tender egg noodles soak up the delicious stroganoff sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy beef and comforting carbs. For a vegetable side, lightly steamed green beans or a crisp, fresh salad with a bright vinaigrette provide a wonderful contrast and add freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests or simply change up the presentation, try serving the Beef Stroganoff Recipe over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted cauliflower “rice.” Another fun approach is to plate it in shallow bowls with delicate herb sprigs and a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika for added color and mild smoky warmth. Don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes like microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Beef Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce thickens as it cools, you may want to loosen it with a splash of beef broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze any leftover stroganoff in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To maintain the best texture, freeze without the rice or noodles, and add fresh cooked sides when reheating to keep everything tasting fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and break up any thickened sauce. Adding a bit of broth, water, or cream helps restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the tender texture and flavor balance.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While top sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or tenderloin slices. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream. The sauce will still be creamy, though with a slightly different flavor profile.

Why do we add wine to the stroganoff?

Wine adds complex acidity and deepens the flavor layers of the sauce. Cooking it down ensures the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind rich, nuanced notes that make the dish extra special.

Can I use button mushrooms instead of cremini?

Definitely! Button mushrooms work just fine and provide a milder mushroom flavor. Cremini have a deeper, earthier taste, which is why they’re preferred, but button mushrooms won’t disappoint.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute flour for cornstarch in equal amounts, but mix it with a little cold water first to avoid lumps. Alternatively, reduce the sauce by simmering it longer until it thickens naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a timeless classic that brings incredible comfort and flavor to any dining table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to something special, it’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressively delicious. Once you start crafting this creamy, savory masterpiece, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. So grab that sirloin, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of pure happiness in every bite!