Okay, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about comfort food, specifically, my go-to old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. Last winter, we had a snowstorm that knocked out the power for almost a whole day. I was rummaging through the pantry, trying to figure out what to make that didn’t require electricity, when I remembered my grandmother’s old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. It was perfect – hearty, comforting, and mostly made with ingredients I already had on hand. Even without power, we managed to cook it on the gas stove, and the whole family huddled around the table, savoring every bite of this classic dish.

Picture this: tender strips of beef, bathed in a creamy, tangy sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles. The aroma alone is enough to transport you back to simpler times. What I love most about this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is that it’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Even on busy weeknights, I can whip up a batch of this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe and have dinner on the table in under an hour. And, let me tell you, my picky teenager, who usually turns up his nose at anything vaguely “old-fashioned,” absolutely devours this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. It’s become a requested meal!

I’ve tweaked this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe over the years, adding my own little touches and learning from my mistakes. I remember one time I tried to rush the process and the sauce turned out grainy. Lesson learned! Now, I always make sure to take my time and let the flavors meld together properly. Speaking of flavors, the combination of the rich beef, the tangy sour cream, and the savory mushrooms is simply divine. It’s a flavor profile that has stood the test of time. This recipe truly is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.

It’s also incredibly versatile. If you don’t have beef, you can easily substitute chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. And, if you’re feeling fancy, you can add a splash of sherry or brandy to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Honestly, there’s almost no way to mess up this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. This flexibility makes it a great option for using up whatever ingredients you have on hand.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the key to a really good old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is to use good quality ingredients. It really makes a difference in the overall taste. And, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of mushrooms – I love using a combination of cremini and shiitake for a more complex flavor. Using fresh herbs can also elevate the dish, adding a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce.

Trust me, your family is going to love this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe as much as mine does. It’s become such a staple in our house, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into thin strips: I prefer sirloin for its tenderness, but you can also use stew meat or even ground beef in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the beef. You can also use butter or any other cooking oil you prefer.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a lovely savory flavor to the sauce. I usually use yellow onion, but white onion works just as well.

8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: Mushrooms are a classic ingredient in beef stroganoff, and I love the earthy flavor they add. Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in my kitchen, and it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This is used to thicken the sauce. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary restrictions.

1 cup beef broth: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. I usually use low-sodium beef broth so I can control the saltiness.
1/2 cup dry red wine (optional): This adds a lovely layer of complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have red wine, you can skip it or substitute it with more beef broth.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and savory flavor to the sauce.

1/2 tsp smoked paprika: This is one of my secret ingredients! It adds a subtle smoky flavor that really enhances the overall taste of this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe.
1/2 tsp salt: To season the beef and the sauce. Adjust to taste.
1/4 tsp black pepper: To season the beef and the sauce. Adjust to taste.

1 cup sour cream: This is what gives the stroganoff its signature creamy and tangy flavor. I prefer to use full-fat sour cream for the best flavor and texture, but you can also use low-fat sour cream if you prefer.
1 lb egg noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional accompaniment to beef stroganoff. I like to use wide egg noodles, but you can use any type of pasta you like.
2 tbsp butter: I always add a bit of butter at the end, because it adds richness and shines to this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe.

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

A family secret: My grandmother always used a touch of nutmeg in her old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. It might sound strange, but it adds a subtle warmth that really elevates the flavor. Try adding a pinch and see what you think! Also, if you can’t find sirloin, stew meat works fine. You’ll just need to simmer it longer until it’s really tender. If you have any leftover wine from dinner, I highly recommend adding it to this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe! It will give the dish a delicious boost of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Beef Stroganoff in the Kitchen

Prepare the beef: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This will help them to brown nicely when you sear them.

Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor in your old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. Check out these food safety guidelines for cooking beef.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic and cook for another 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help to thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy at first – it will smooth out as it simmers. One time I didn’t scrape up the browned bits, and the sauce wasn’t nearly as flavorful!

Combine and simmer: Return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender. This step is important for allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, harmonious dish.
Cook the noodles: While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set aside. Don’t overcook the noodles – they should be al dente.
Finish the stroganoff: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream and butter. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, or it may curdle. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. My grandmother always told me to stir in the sour cream off the heat to prevent curdling, and I’ve never had a problem since!

Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over the egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy! This old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

A tip from my kitchen: Letting the beef simmer low and slow is key! Don’t rush this process. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out. Also, make sure your beef is patted dry before searing, otherwise it will steam instead of brown. I learned that the hard way!

Serving Ideas

Serving this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is almost as fun as making it. In our house, we usually serve it family-style, right from the skillet. There’s something so comforting about everyone digging in and helping themselves. I love serving this classic beef stroganoff with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces of beef, and my husband always asks me to make extra sauce on his portion. This recipe makes a delicious classic beef stroganoff.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top – it makes it look so much fancier! A sprinkle of paprika also adds a nice touch of color. Honestly though, even just plopping it on a plate looks amazing because the aroma is so inviting. We often have this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s a meal that everyone enjoys, and it’s always a hit. Sometimes, I’ll even add a dollop of extra sour cream on top, because why not?

The official recipe says it serves 6, but in our house, it barely feeds 4 hungry people! Everyone loves it so much that they always go back for seconds (and sometimes thirds). I’ve even served this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe over mashed potatoes when I was out of egg noodles. It was still delicious!

If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. I usually just reheat them in the microwave, but you can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Just be careful not to overheat them, or the sauce may curdle. My daughter also likes to add a little hot sauce to hers for a bit of kick. My son is not a fan of stroganoff at all unless it’s the old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe!

My family loves it with buttered peas on the side!

FAQs

Can I make this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, I often make the beef stroganoff a day ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors actually meld together even more when it sits overnight. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can I freeze this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe?

While you can freeze beef stroganoff, the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. The sour cream can sometimes separate and become a bit grainy. If you do freeze it, I recommend thawing it slowly in the refrigerator overnight and then reheating it gently over low heat. This old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is best served fresh.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Greek yogurt is tangier than sour cream, while crème fraîche is richer and creamier.

Can I use a different type of beef?

Yes, you can use different types of beef for this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. Sirloin is my preferred choice because it’s tender and flavorful, but you can also use stew meat, ground beef, or even steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If using stew meat, you’ll want to simmer it for a longer period of time until it’s very tender.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe. Some good options include bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Just add them to the skillet along with the onions and mushrooms and cook until softened.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and then stirring it into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until thickened. You can also try simmering the sauce for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce naturally. It’s important to let the old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe simmer for a while!

My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her: I use low-sodium beef broth, skip the salt, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Conclusion

Finished Beef Stroganoff with a Handwritten Note

This old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is more than just a meal to me – it’s a connection to my family history and a source of comfort on chilly evenings. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with warmth and the aroma of delicious food. It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. I really believe this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe will be a new family favorite for you.

Here are a few final tips to ensure success:

Always sear the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet. This will ensure that it browns properly and develops a rich, savory flavor.
Don’t overcook the noodles. They should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.

Stir in the sour cream off the heat to prevent it from curdling.

This old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe is delicious with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. It’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. I’ve even been known to serve it over rice when I’m out of egg noodles. It’s just as good! If you need a quick and easy beef recipe check out this internal link: Quick and Easy Beef Recipe.

Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! It’s all about taking your time and enjoying the process. Love one-pan meals? Check out our collection of skillet recipes. You may find another favorite!

I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know! The original recipe and history can be found here: Beef Stroganoff Recipe Origins.

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! I know the flavors in this old-fashioned beef stroganoff recipe will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe: 7 Amazing Steps

Print Recipe

This classic beef stroganoff recipe features tender strips of beef in a creamy, flavorful sauce served over egg noodles. Follow these 7 easy steps for a comforting and delicious meal!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course

Method: Sauté
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz egg noodles, cooked

Instructions

Season beef with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches and set aside.

Add onion and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth.
Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.