Beef Stroganoff Recipes: 17 Creamy Comfort Dinners With a Noble Russian Backstory

Beef stroganoff recipes are some of the most loved comfort dinners in America, and the dish carries the name of one of Russia’s richest noble families. Tender strips of beef, mushrooms and onions in a tangy sour cream sauce over buttered egg noodles: it is cozy, fast and ready in about 30 minutes. One video of it alone has been watched more than 6 million times on YouTube. Below are 16 versions, from the classic to slow cooker, chicken, meatball and even Brazilian and Swedish twists, plus the legend behind the name. Every slide has an easy recipe. Grab your biggest skillet..

Beef Stroganoff Recipes and the Count Behind the Name

This creamy dinner is named after a member of the noble Stroganov family. Historians still debate whether it honors the diplomat Count Pavel Stroganov, shown here, or another family member. Legend says that while Pavel was stationed in icy Siberia, his chef found the beef frozen so hard that he could only cut it into thin strips. The first known recipe appeared in an 1871 Russian cookbook, according to Wikipedia. Here is the simple base sauce used across this list..

You will need: 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion sliced, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 3/4 cup sour cream, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Melt butter in a skillet. 2. Cook onion and mushrooms 6 minutes until golden. 3. Stir in flour for 1 minute. 4. Whisk in broth and mustard. 5. Simmer until thick. 6. Lower the heat and stir in sour cream without boiling.

Classic Beef Stroganoff With Sirloin and Mushrooms

This is the version most restaurants serve: tender strips of sirloin, golden mushrooms and onions in a tangy sour cream sauce over wide egg noodles. Sear the beef fast in a very hot pan, then take it out while you make the sauce so it stays tender. Dinner in about 30 minutes, and it is the base for most beef stroganoff recipes.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb sirloin sliced thin, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp oil, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 1 onion sliced, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 cup sour cream, 12 oz egg noodles, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Sear beef in oil in batches 1 minute per side and set aside. 2. Cook mushrooms and onion in butter 6 minutes. 3. Add garlic and flour for 1 minute. 4. Whisk in broth and mustard and simmer until thick. 5. Lower the heat, stir in sour cream and return the beef. 6. Serve over noodles with parsley.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipes for Busy Weeknights

This is the weeknight version many of us grew up on. Ground beef browns fast, and the sauce comes together in the same skillet. It is cheap, filling and kid approved. Serve with broccoli on the side for a full plate. Did your mom make it this way?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 cup sour cream, 12 oz egg noodles, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with onion and drain. 2. Add mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in flour. 4. Add broth and Worcestershire and simmer 5 minutes. 5. Stir in sour cream off the heat. 6. Toss with cooked noodles.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipes for Long Days

Cheaper stew meat turns fork tender after a long, slow cook. Everything goes in the crockpot in the morning, and the sour cream goes in at the very end so it stays silky. Serve over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes. Busy day? Of all the beef stroganoff recipes here, this one has your back.

You will need: 2 lb beef stew meat, 1 onion sliced, 8 oz mushrooms, 3 cloves garlic, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 cup sour cream, 4 oz cream cheese, egg noodles.

How to make it: 1. Add beef, onion, mushrooms, garlic, broth and Worcestershire to the slow cooker. 2. Cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours. 3. Whisk cornstarch with 3 tbsp water and stir in. 4. Cook on HIGH 15 minutes. 5. Stir in sour cream and cream cheese. 6. Serve over noodles.

Pressure Cooker Beef Stroganoff

A pressure cooker gives you slow cooker tenderness in under an hour. Brown the beef right in the pot, pressure cook, then stir in the sour cream at the end. The noodles can even cook right in the sauce for one pot cleanup, a favorite trick in quick beef stroganoff recipes.

You will need: 2 lb chuck roast in strips, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 3 cloves garlic, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 12 oz egg noodles, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp flour, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef on saute mode. 2. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic for 3 minutes. 3. Add broth and Worcestershire and cook on high pressure 15 minutes, then natural release 10 minutes. 4. Add noodles and 1 cup water and cook 4 minutes more. 5. Mix sour cream with flour and stir in. 6. Simmer 2 minutes and serve.

Leftover Holiday Roast, the Best of Beef Stroganoff Recipes

Leftover prime rib or roast beef makes the best stroganoff, because the meat is already tender and full of flavor. Make the sauce first, then just warm the sliced beef in it for a minute or two so it does not overcook. Perfect for the week after Christmas.

You will need: 1 to 1 1/2 lb leftover prime rib or roast beef sliced thin, 2 tbsp butter, 8 oz mushrooms, 1 shallot, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp Dijon, 3/4 cup sour cream, egg noodles, chives.

How to make it: 1. Cook mushrooms and shallot in butter 6 minutes. 2. Stir in flour. 3. Add broth and Dijon and simmer until thick. 4. Lower the heat and stir in sour cream. 5. Add the sliced beef just to warm through. 6. Serve over noodles with chives.

Meatball Stroganoff

Meatballs in creamy stroganoff gravy are a Swedish meatball and stroganoff mashup that kids adore. Use frozen meatballs on a busy night, or roll your own. Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles and a spoon of lingonberry or cranberry sauce. It is one of the most kid friendly beef stroganoff recipes.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb beef meatballs (homemade or frozen), 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion diced, 8 oz mushrooms, 2 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 3/4 cup sour cream, dill, egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

How to make it: 1. Brown or bake the meatballs. 2. Cook onion and mushrooms in butter. 3. Stir in flour. 4. Add broth and Worcestershire and simmer until thick. 5. Add meatballs and simmer 10 minutes. 6. Stir in sour cream and dill and serve.

Chicken Stroganoff

Not a red meat fan? Chicken works beautifully in stroganoff and cooks even faster. Thighs stay juiciest. A little paprika gives the sauce a warm color. Serve over rice or noodles. Which do you prefer under your stroganoff?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs sliced, 1 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 3/4 cup sour cream, parsley, rice or noodles.

How to make it: 1. Brown the chicken in oil and set aside. 2. Cook onion and mushrooms in butter. 3. Add paprika and flour. 4. Whisk in broth and simmer until thick. 5. Return chicken and cook 5 minutes until done. 6. Stir in sour cream off the heat.

Extra Mushroom Stroganoff, With or Without Beef

Mushroom lovers can double the mushrooms and cut the beef in half, or skip the beef completely for a meatless night. A mix of cremini and shiitake gives deep, meaty flavor. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb mixed mushrooms sliced, 1/2 lb sirloin strips (optional), 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups vegetable or beef broth, 3/4 cup sour cream, egg noodles.

How to make it: 1. Brown the mushrooms in butter in batches. 2. Sear beef strips if using. 3. Cook onion and garlic. 4. Add paprika and flour, then broth. 5. Simmer until thick and add mushrooms and beef back. 6. Stir in sour cream and serve over noodles.

One Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipes With Noodles in the Sauce

The noodles cook right in the broth, so they soak up all the flavor and there is only one pot to wash. It is the homemade answer to the boxed stroganoff dinner mixes, with no box needed.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef or sirloin strips, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 2 cloves garlic, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 12 oz wide egg noodles, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with onion. 2. Add mushrooms and garlic. 3. Pour in broth and Worcestershire and bring to a boil. 4. Add noodles and cook, stirring, 8 to 10 minutes. 5. Stir in sour cream and Parmesan. 6. Rest 3 minutes to thicken.

Stroganoff Casserole Bake

Turn stroganoff into a make ahead casserole. Mix the beef, sauce and noodles, top with cheese and buttery crumbs, and bake until bubbly. It travels well for potlucks, and it may be the easiest of all beef stroganoff recipes to make ahead. Want more cozy noodle dinners? Try our egg noodle dinners grandma made.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 2 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup sour cream, 4 oz cream cheese, 12 oz egg noodles, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Brown beef with onion and mushrooms. 3. Stir in flour, then broth and simmer. 4. Stir in sour cream and cream cheese. 5. Mix with cooked noodles in a baking dish and top with cheese and crumbs. 6. Bake 25 minutes until golden.

Beef Stroganoff Recipes Over Mashed Potatoes, the Russian Way

In Russia and much of Eastern Europe, stroganoff is often served with potatoes instead of noodles. Creamy mashed potatoes catch every drop of the sauce. It is the coziest version on the list. Mashed or noodles, where do you stand?

You will need: 1 batch classic beef stroganoff, 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup warm milk, salt, fresh dill.

How to make it: 1. Peel and cube the potatoes. 2. Boil 15 minutes until tender. 3. Drain and mash with butter and milk. 4. Season with salt. 5. Spoon onto plates. 6. Top with stroganoff and fresh dill.

Stroganoff Over Rice

Rice is a great gluten free friendly base, as long as you use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Long grain white rice, brown rice or red rice all work. A side of roasted vegetables makes it a full meal.

You will need: 1 batch beef stroganoff (thickened with 2 tbsp cornstarch instead of flour), 1 1/2 cups long grain or red rice, 3 cups water, roasted carrots or green beans.

How to make it: 1. Rinse the rice. 2. Cook in water until tender. 3. Make the stroganoff sauce, thickening with a cornstarch slurry. 4. Fluff the rice. 5. Spoon stroganoff over the rice. 6. Serve with roasted vegetables.

Lighter Stroganoff With Greek Yogurt

Swap some or all of the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and you get a lighter, tangier sauce. Stir it in off the heat so it does not split. Lean sirloin and lots of mushrooms keep it hearty, so it still feels like the classic beef stroganoff recipes.

You will need: 1 lb lean sirloin sliced thin, 1 tbsp olive oil, 12 oz mushrooms, 1 onion, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups low sodium beef broth, 1 tsp Dijon, 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt at room temperature, whole wheat noodles.

How to make it: 1. Sear beef in oil and set aside. 2. Cook mushrooms and onion. 3. Stir in flour, then broth and Dijon. 4. Simmer until thick. 5. Take off the heat and stir in yogurt. 6. Return the beef and serve over noodles.

Brazilian Estrogonofe With Rice and Potato Sticks

In Brazil, stroganoff became estrogonofe, a family favorite made with a little tomato paste and cream and served with white rice and crispy potato sticks. It is creamy, a touch sweet and very fun to eat, a favorite among beef stroganoff recipes worldwide. Have you tried it?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb beef or chicken in small strips, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 8 oz mushrooms, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp mustard, 1 cup heavy cream, white rice, potato sticks.

How to make it: 1. Brown the meat in batches. 2. Cook onion, garlic and mushrooms. 3. Stir in tomato paste, ketchup and mustard. 4. Return the meat with 1/2 cup water and simmer 10 minutes. 5. Stir in cream and warm through. 6. Serve with rice and potato sticks.

Swedish Sausage Stroganoff

Sweden has its own favorite: korv stroganoff, made with sliced smoked sausage in a tomato cream sauce and served with rice. It is a 20 minute dinner that kids love, and it is easy to make with any smoked sausage from the store.

You will need: 1 lb smoked sausage sliced, 1 onion diced, 1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp mustard, 1 cup heavy cream or half and half, 1/2 cup water, pepper, cooked rice.

How to make it: 1. Brown the sausage in butter. 2. Add onion and cook 4 minutes. 3. Stir in tomato paste and mustard. 4. Add cream and water. 5. Simmer 8 minutes until thick. 6. Serve over rice.

Tips for Tender Beef and a Silky Sauce

Three tips make every stroganoff better. Slice the beef thin against the grain, and partly freezing it for 20 minutes makes slicing easy. Sear in small batches so the meat browns instead of steaming. And never let the sauce boil after the sour cream goes in, or it can curdle. Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge, but cream sauces can turn grainy if frozen.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb sirloin or tenderloin, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp butter, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Freeze the beef 20 minutes. 2. Slice thin against the grain. 3. Pat dry and season. 4. Heat oil and butter until very hot. 5. Sear in small batches about 1 minute per side. 6. Rest the beef while you build the sauce.