Introduction
Transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated! This One-Pan Easy Beef Stroganoff recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, using pantry staples to create a creamy, flavorful dish the whole family will adore. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort food magic!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy, requires minimal cleanup (just one pan!), and delivers big on flavor. The creamy sauce coats tender beef and noodles perfectly, resulting in a satisfying and delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for those nights when you want something special without the fuss!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🍄 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥣 1 cup beef broth
- 🥄 1/2 cup sour cream
- 🌾 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🍝 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Sear the Beef: Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies: Add the onion and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
6️⃣ Stir in Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream and dill. Heat through gently – do not boil.
7️⃣ Cook the Noodles: While the beef simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
8️⃣ Combine and Serve: Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet with the beef stroganoff. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Handy Tips
- For even more tender beef, consider using a slow cooker. Brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water, but beef broth will give the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Follow the package directions carefully to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Heat Control
Using medium-high heat for searing the beef ensures a nice brown crust, locking in the juices. Lowering the heat to low for simmering allows the beef to become tender without drying out. Gentle heating at the end prevents the sour cream from curdling.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy tenderness, you can add a bit of crunch by topping with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and olive oil for searing the beef.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for a deeper, umami flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Storage Tips
Leftover Beef Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish makes a wonderful, comforting gift! Package individual servings in attractive containers and tie with a ribbon. Add a handwritten note with reheating instructions.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff: Double the mushrooms and omit the beef for a vegetarian twist.
🌟 Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan Stroganoff: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese along with the sour cream and a clove of extra minced garlic.
🌟 Beef and Bacon Stroganoff: Add 4-6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, to the sauce for extra smoky flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thick: Add a little more beef broth to thin it out.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Beef tough: Ensure you cook the beef until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
FAQ
- Can I use other types of noodles? Yes, you can use different types of noodles, such as fettuccine or even wide rice noodles.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the stroganoff ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. However, add the sour cream just before serving to prevent curdling.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Easy Beef Stroganoff is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and let us know what you think! We can’t wait to see your creations – don’t forget to share your photos with us!