Deliciously Creamy Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream Recipe

I remember the first time I tasted Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream like a vivid kitchen moment etched in memory. It was a chilly evening in late autumn, when the pale light from the window stretched across the wooden table, and the scent of mushrooms and melting butter curled through the air like a warm invitation. The one who shared that dish was my grandmother, whose hands had folded countless doughs and stirred countless pots in the kitchen of her youth. She told me this creamy beef stroganoff was more than a meal— it was a story from the Russian countryside, a dish that held the quiet comfort of home amid the vast, frosted landscapes.

That evening, the first bite of Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream brought together the earthiness of mushrooms, the tenderness of well-simmered beef, and the tangy silk of sour cream sauce. The flavors spoke of patience and care; each ingredient added a voice to the narrative that simmered on the stovetop.

This recipe unfolded the layers of tradition—a Russian beef recipe that had traveled through time and kitchens. It drew me to the simplicity and depth of the dish, showing that food carries history in its texture and taste. Since then, the creamy beef stroganoff has found a steady place in my kitchen, a comforting ritual through seasons and stories.

I invite you now to join me in unwrapping the elements of this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream, to step into its narrative and savor not only the flavor but the meaning behind every step.

The Components

The beauty of this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream lies in ingredient quality and thoughtful sourcing. Here’s what transforms good Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream into memorable food:

  • 1 pound of beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
    Look for fresh, well-marbled cuts at a trusted butcher or farmers market. Tender cuts make all the difference in texture.
  • 8 ounces of cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
    Mushrooms add earthiness and depth, perfect for this mushroom stroganoff style. Fresh, firm mushrooms are essential.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
    Onions bring sweetness and balance. Choose ones that feel firm and avoid sprouting bulbs.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Garlic brightens the sour cream sauce without overpowering it.
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
    Butter lends richness. Use fresh, high-quality butter for that glossy finish.
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
    A homemade broth or a good-quality store-bought option stresses authenticity and depth.
  • 1 cup sour cream
    The star when it comes to the tangy creamy beef stroganoff texture. Full-fat sour cream works best for richness.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    This flour helps thicken the sauce without heaviness, giving your sour cream sauce just the right consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    A subtle note that lifts the flavor profile and plays well in this easy stroganoff recipe.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Notes on ingredient preparation: Slice beef against the grain thinly for tenderness. Clean mushrooms gently to preserve their texture. Let onions caramelize lightly to develop sweetness.

Seasonality plays a role here too—the mushrooms and sour cream both peak in late summer and fall, making this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream a natural fit for cooler months. I prefer sourcing sour cream from local dairies, where the freshness noticeably sharpens the sour cream sauce.

Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream including sliced beef, mushrooms, onions, garlic, butter, broth, sour cream and spices

The Process

Making Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream is a kitchen moment that rewards patience and attention to detail. Each stage shapes the dish’s final depth and creaminess.

  1. Prepare your ingredients. Slice beef thinly and season with salt and pepper. Clean and slice mushrooms, chop onions and mince garlic.
  2. Brown the beef. In a heavy skillet, heat one tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Browning rather than steaming the beef develops flavor and texture integral to this creamy beef stroganoff. Once browned, remove beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions and mushrooms. Add the remaining butter to the pan. Stir in onions and cook until translucent and lightly golden—this step builds the sourced sweetness foundational to your sour cream sauce. Add garlic, then mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  4. Make the sauce base. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and onions, stirring thoroughly to incorporate. This acts as a thickener but requires close attention to avoid lumps.
  5. Deglaze with beef broth. Slowly pour in broth, stirring to lift the browned bits from the pan’s surface. This complexity of flavor opts for authenticity, much like a Russian beef recipe would root in deep, layered tastes.
  6. Return beef to the skillet. Nestle browned beef back in, simmer gently for a few minutes. Avoid a rolling boil – you want tenderness, not toughness.
  7. Finish with sour cream and mustard. Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard, mixing gently over low heat until sauce is creamy and rich. The sour cream sauce here brightens the dish with its tang, balancing the umami of beef and mushrooms. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream—this keeps the sauce from curdling and preserves that silky texture you expect in a creamy beef stroganoff.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Taste and refine—you’ll see how the layers come together.

This Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream needs patience especially in browning and layering flavors. Watch as the aroma shifts from raw beef and mushrooms to a warm, fragrant mix of earth and cream, signaling the right moment.

With practice, you’ll notice how this easy stroganoff recipe’s texture moves from thick and stodgy to delicate yet satisfying, a hallmark of good stroganoff.

Bringing It to the Table

This Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream fits as a humble centerpiece for a variety of occasions. It’s hearty without heaviness, nostalgic without being old-fashioned.

Consider the comforting pairing of egg noodles, whose soft strands soak up every bit of that luscious sour cream sauce. Or serve alongside buttered rice or mashed potatoes—the starch acts as a blank canvas for the creamy beef stroganoff.

Seasonal vegetables like steamed green beans or a simple beet salad complement the dish’s richness. During colder months, roasted root vegetables provide a harmony of warmth and earthiness that echoes the Russian beef recipe origins.

Presentation can be straightforward—serve the stroganoff in a shallow bowl, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you’re entertaining, this dish lends itself well to casual sit-down dinners, inviting guests to take seconds without fuss.

For a twist on the classic mushroom stroganoff, consider adding smoked paprika or swapping sour cream for crème fraîche to nudge the flavor profile.

Those who have tasted this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream at my table often comment on its homey, satisfying nature. It’s a dish that speaks of gathering and slows down mealtime to savor both food and company.

Serving of creamy Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream garnished with fresh parsley

Common Questions

What makes this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream different from similar dishes? The tangy sour cream sauce combined with tender beef and mushrooms creates a balance between richness and brightness unique to this Russian beef recipe. Unlike cream-heavy stroganoffs, the sour cream adds that gentle acidity that cuts through the dish.

Can I prepare this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream in advance? Yes, it actually benefits from a little resting time as flavors meld. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth.

How do I know when my Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream is properly done? The beef should be tender, not chewy, and the sauce creamy and glossy. When the sour cream sauce clings lightly to the beef and mushrooms with a velvety texture, your stroganoff signals readiness.

Can I use other cuts of beef? Tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin work best. Tougher cuts require longer cooking but shift the texture away from traditional creamy beef stroganoff.

What about substitutions for sour cream? Crème fraîche is an excellent alternative with similar tang and less risk of curdling. Greek yogurt can work but be cautious with heat.

Is this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream gluten-free? Not as is, due to the flour thickener. You can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can the mushroom stroganoff component be replaced? Mushrooms are essential for that deep umami, but some variations add caramelized onions or even roasted peppers for an easy stroganoff recipe twist.

If you’re curious about variations, check how this Ground Beef Stroganoff differs in texture and flavor or how Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Stroganoff approaches the sour cream sauce. For a lighter take, you might enjoy Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes with a touch of sour cream accompaniment. Outside our kitchen narratives, Beef Stroganoff – RecipeTin Eats, Beef Stroganoff Recipe (VIDEO) – NatashasKitchen.com, and Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe also offer insight into regional twists and techniques.

Closing Thoughts

This Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream is worth your effort because it transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying story on the plate. It’s a dish where ingredient quality matters deeply, technique shapes the texture, and timing preserves the perfect creamy balance.

Three tested variations that bring new voices to this classic include swapping sour cream for crème fraîche, adding smoked paprika to the sauce, or using ground beef for a more rustic texture in an easy stroganoff recipe style.

Each approach shifts the narrative—changing texture, richness, or tang—but holds true to the comforting heart of this Russian beef recipe.

Making this Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream your own invites you to savor more than flavor; it offers a food ritual, a connection to tradition, and a chance to slow the day with a meaningful kitchen moment.

I encourage you to bring this creamy beef stroganoff into your kitchen narrative—let it be a dish to revisit, reimagine, and share often. In every creamy spoonful, there’s a memory waiting to be made.

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Beef Stroganoff With Sour Cream

Beef Stroganoff with sour cream is a creamy and comforting Russian-inspired dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked with mushrooms and onions, served in a rich sour cream sauce.

  • Author: Zylie Brooks
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Russian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked egg noodles or rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and sear until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter and add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Sauté until tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to form a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Return the beef to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  7. Reduce heat to low, stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Heat gently without boiling to prevent curdling. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over cooked egg noodles or rice.

Notes

For an extra rich flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the broth, or serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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