Annie’s Fabulous Beef Stroganoff Recipe – A Timeless Classic
Description:
Annie’s Fabulous Beef Stroganoff is a dish that brings together rich, savory flavors, with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. This recipe, passed down from my wonderful mother, is one of those heartwarming meals that not only makes your kitchen smell divine but also creates unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect dish to serve at dinner parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Its simple preparation combined with bold flavors ensures that it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dish or just something comforting to enjoy during the week, this Beef Stroganoff never disappoints.
This recipe takes just 35 minutes in total, making it quick enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough to impress at your next dinner gathering. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while still achieving a restaurant-quality dish.
Recipe Information:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings | 4 servings |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 963 kcal | 74.8 g | 37.5 g | 247.7 mg | 1521.1 mg | 15.2 g | 1.6 g | 3.8 g | 57.2 g |
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 ½ tsp | Salt |
| 1 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1/4 cup | Onion, finely chopped |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| ½ cup | Butter |
| 1-2 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 4 oz | Sour cream |
| 2 tsp | Paprika |
| 1 tsp | Worcestershire sauce |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables
- Begin by trimming the fat off the steak and cutting it into pencil-thin strips. You want the beef to be tender and cook evenly, so ensure the slices are consistent in size.
- Lightly dredge the beef strips in flour, making sure they’re coated evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season the meat.
- In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic to the pan and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This step is essential to develop the flavor base for the stroganoff.
- Once the onions and mushrooms have softened, add the beef to the skillet. If needed, add more butter to the pan to ensure the meat doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Increase the heat to high, tossing the beef constantly for 3-5 minutes until it’s browned on all sides. The goal is to get a nice sear on the beef, which will add a rich flavor to the dish. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef has browned, remove it from the pan, along with the onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Keep these ingredients warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reserve about 2 tablespoons of the drippings left from the beef and vegetables. These drippings are packed with flavor and will form the base of the sauce.
- To the reserved drippings, add 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir the mixture to combine, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The roux will help thicken the sauce, creating a velvety texture.
- Slowly pour in the consomme (or beef broth) while stirring to prevent lumps. Continue to stir the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add the sour cream. Stir the cream into the sauce gently to avoid curdling. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the paprika and Worcestershire sauce for a boost of flavor. These ingredients will give the sauce a rich, slightly tangy, and smoky taste that complements the beef beautifully.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
- Add the cooked beef, onions, mushrooms, and garlic back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is well coated with the creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to heat through for 3-5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more consomme or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Beef Stroganoff hot over your favorite starch. This dish pairs wonderfully with buttered egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes—each providing a soft base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Annie’s Fabulous Beef Stroganoff is a rich, indulgent dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it alongside:
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread complements the creamy richness of the stroganoff beautifully.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli, green beans, or carrots can add some freshness and balance out the dish’s richness.
- Crisp Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps to cut through the creaminess of the stroganoff.
Tips and Variations:
- Meat: While this recipe uses beef, you can swap in chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times for the different proteins.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms as the main protein. You’ll need to sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown, creating a meaty texture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream substitute to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Spice It Up: If you like your stroganoff with a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for added heat.
Final Thoughts:
Annie’s Fabulous Beef Stroganoff is not just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic journey into the past, a celebration of rich flavors, and a perfect dish for any occasion. With its creamy, savory sauce and tender beef, this classic dish will undoubtedly be a favorite in your home. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Beef Stroganoff is sure to shine. The combination of simple ingredients and quick preparation ensures that you’ll have a delicious and memorable meal ready in no time.
Let this recipe become part of your own family’s tradition, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!
