Beef Stroganoff | Easy Classic Beef Stroganoff in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Beef stroganoff
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A creamy beef stroganoff is the ultimate quick and comforting midweek dinner, combining tender strips of beef, golden sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, silky sour‑cream sauce that feels indulgent yet effortless. This easy beef stroganoff recipe is perfect for anyone craving a classic one‑pan meal, a family‑friendly beef dish, or a fast, flavour‑packed dinner that delivers restaurant‑quality results at home.

Ideal for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or cold‑weather comfort food, this beef stroganoff is a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser you’ll return to again and again.

Serving suggestions for beef stroganoff

  • Fluffy white rice or basmati rice
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Crispy roasted potatoes or potato wedges
  • Steamed green beans or tenderstem broccoli
  • A simple green salad with a lemony or mustard dressing
  • Sautéed spinach or garlicky kale
  • Roasted carrots or glazed carrots
  • Crusty bread for mopping up the sauce

Variations: Beef Stroganoff

  • Classic Creamy Stroganoff — use sour cream instead of crème fraîche for a more traditional Russian flavour.
  • Mushroom‑Heavy Stroganoff — double the mushrooms or use a mix of chestnut, portobello and shiitake for deeper umami.
  • Brandy‑Rich Stroganoff — increase the brandy for a more pronounced, restaurant‑style richness.
  • Smoky Stroganoff — add smoked paprika or a splash of smoked Worcestershire sauce for gentle smoky warmth.
  • Mustard Stroganoff — stir in a spoon of Dijon or wholegrain mustard for tang and depth.
  • Beef & Bacon Stroganoff — fry lardons first and build the sauce in the rendered fat for extra savoury richness.
  • Creamy Herb Stroganoff — finish with fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
  • Garlic‑Boosted Stroganoff — add extra garlic paste or roast a bulb and blend it in for mellow sweetness.
  • Beef & Mushroom Stroganoff with Red Wine — replace the brandy with red wine for a deeper, French‑leaning flavour.
  • Beef & Pepper Stroganoff — add sliced red peppers for sweetness and colour.
  • Beef Stroganoff with Spinach — stir in fresh spinach at the end for colour and nutrients.
  • Beef & Crème Fraîche Light Version — use half crème fraîche and half stock for a lighter, less rich sauce.
  • Beef Stroganoff with Chestnuts — add cooked chestnuts for autumn warmth and extra creaminess.

Beef stroganoff

Tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce with paprika and Dijon, perfect for cosy weeknight dinners and comforting family meals.
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Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Russian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large frying pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 600 g fillet of steak, thinly sliced
  • ¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 20 g unsalted butter
  • 4 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp Brandy
  • 300 ml beef stock
  • 200 ml creme fraiche
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp worcester sauce
  • 1 tsp dark brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the beef with a large pinch of pepper and fry until browned on the outside, but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, over a medium heat, melt the butter and add the shallots and fry until softened.
  • Add the garlic and fry for around 30 seconds, add the tomato puree and paprika and cook for around 30 seconds. Add the brandy and tilt the pan to set the pan alight to cook out the alcohol. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then allow to bubble away for a few mins.
  • Add the stock and cook until the sauce has reduced by a third.
  • Add the crème fraise, thyme, worcesterhsire sauce, sugar and cook for around 5mins.
  • Add the beef and gently simmer for 5mins until all heated through.
  • Serve with plain boiled rice and a warm French baguette goes really well too.