Beef Stroganoff Recipe – A Family Favorite for Dialysis-Friendly Meals
This Beef Stroganoff recipe has a special place in my heart. I first discovered it at a dialysis center while helping my mom, who had specific dietary needs, to find meals that she could enjoy without compromising her health. Over time, it became a staple in our household, beloved by everyone. Now, it’s the only Beef Stroganoff recipe we use, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. This dish is hearty, creamy, and full of comforting flavors, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 527.9 kcal
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Margarine |
| 3 tsp | Dry mustard |
| 1 ½ tbsp | Flour |
| 1 | Medium onion, chopped |
| 2 cups | Water |
| ¾ tsp | Black pepper |
| 1 ¼ cups | Sour cream |
| 1/8 tsp | Salt |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 527.9 kcal |
| Fat | 39.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 127.9 mg |
| Sodium | 169 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 34.5 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by melting the margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the chopped onion and mushrooms (if desired, though optional), and sauté them until they are soft and translucent. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside for later. -
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Prepare the Beef:
Take your beef, preferably a tender cut like sirloin or beef tenderloin, and slice it into thin strips about the size of a pencil, 3-4 inches long. Add the beef strips to the same skillet used for the vegetables, and cook over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the beef gets a nice golden color for added flavor. -
Simmer the Beef:
Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Return the sautéed onions and mushrooms to the skillet, and add 1 cup of water. Then, sprinkle in the dry mustard and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. -
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender. If needed, add more water during the simmering process to prevent the sauce from drying out. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the flour with ¼ cup of water. Stir this mixture until smooth, creating a slurry. Once the beef is tender, stir the flour slurry into the skillet to thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2 minutes, or until it has reached your desired consistency. -
Finish with Sour Cream:
Reduce the heat to low. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce. This will give the Beef Stroganoff its signature creamy texture. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Beef Stroganoff over a bed of hot buttered noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, depending on your preference. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor if desired.
Tips for Perfect Beef Stroganoff
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Choosing the Right Cut of Meat: For the best results, use a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, as it will cook more evenly and remain tender throughout the long simmering process. If you’re on a budget, chuck roast can also be used, but make sure to simmer it longer to break down the connective tissues.
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Sour Cream Addition: Be sure to add the sour cream at the end and avoid bringing it to a boil once it’s added to the dish. High heat can cause the sour cream to curdle, which could affect the creamy texture of the sauce.
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Dialysis-Friendly Options: If you’re following a dialysis-friendly diet, you can easily modify this recipe by reducing the sodium content further. Opt for low-sodium or sodium-free broth and margarine, and avoid heavily salted beef cuts.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a delicious blend of rich flavors with a hearty, creamy texture that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s also highly adaptable based on dietary needs. Whether you’re making this as part of a dialysis-friendly meal plan or simply as a classic family dinner, the result is a comforting dish packed with flavor.
The simmering process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the sour cream adds just the right amount of tanginess. You can easily pair this dish with a variety of sides, from traditional egg noodles to mashed potatoes or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef is the traditional choice for Stroganoff, you can easily substitute it with chicken, pork, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it is fully cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Beef Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I freeze Beef Stroganoff?
Yes, you can freeze Beef Stroganoff, but keep in mind that sour cream can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. To avoid this, you can freeze the beef mixture before adding the sour cream, and stir in the sour cream just before serving once reheated.
Variations to Try
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Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, button, and shiitake. Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown, and follow the recipe as written. The mushrooms will give the dish a meaty texture, while keeping it plant-based.
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Spicy Stroganoff: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. The spicy kick will balance nicely with the creamy sauce.
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Low-Carb Version: To make this recipe more keto or low-carb-friendly, serve the Beef Stroganoff over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional egg noodles.
Enjoy this comforting Beef Stroganoff with your loved ones. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet hearty and flavorful enough for a special occasion!
