Description
Hearty Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients:
8 oz egg noodles
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Break up any large clumps of meat as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
Stir in the sour cream until melted and combined. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Serve the Hearty Beef Stroganoff hot. This dish is perfect for a satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the comforting richness of egg noodles. Enjoy your delicious Hearty Beef Stroganoff!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof result. First, gather all ingredients and equipment. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the noodles. While it heats, prep your onion and garlic. Cook the noodles to al dente, drain, and toss with a touch of oil to prevent sticking. In your skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic. Push them to the side, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains. Season well with salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth, scrape up any browned bits, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly. Off the heat, stir in the sour cream. This prevents curdling. Finally, add the cooked noodles, tossing to coat, then top with cheese and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy stroganoff is a complete meal on its own. For a balanced plate, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots also make excellent vegetable sides. For a touch of freshness, offer a side of pickles or a dollop of extra sour cream. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook noodles and set aside. Brown onions and garlic, then cook ground beef. Add broth and simmer. Off heat, stir in sour cream. Combine with noodles, garnish with cheese and parsley, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes. While ground beef is classic, you can use ground turkey, pork, or sliced sirloin steak. For steak, sear strips first, then remove and add back at the end.
How can I make this dish thicker? Create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering broth and beef mixture before adding the sour cream.
Can I make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time? You can prepare the beef sauce ahead and store it separately from the noodles. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, then combine with freshly cooked or reheated noodles.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Full-fat Greek yogurt is a good substitute for a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free version, use a plain, unsweetened coconut cream alternative.
Why did my sour cream curdle? Curdling happens when sour cream is added to very high heat. Always remove the skillet from the heat source and let it cool for a minute before stirring in the sour cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: Cook them only to al dente, as they will continue to absorb sauce when combined.
- Adding sour cream to boiling liquid: This will cause it to separate. Always take the pan off the heat first.
- Not seasoning in layers: Season the beef while it cooks and taste again after adding the broth for a well-rounded flavor.
- Skipping the fond: When you add the broth, scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This “fond” is packed with flavor.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Stroganoff is the epitome of comfort food, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture in one simple skillet. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home any night of the week. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the delicious results of your cooking!