Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff

Introduction: What if dinner could taste like a five-star meal—but still be easy enough to make in your own kitchen?

Have you ever craved something warm, hearty, and comforting, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or buy fancy ingredients? That’s where Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff comes in. This dish is creamy, savory, and packed with tender beef and mushrooms. It’s a classic for a reason—and once you try it, it might just become your favorite comfort food.

Overview: Why Everyone Loves This Dish

Beef Stroganoff is a Russian-inspired meal with European flair and American comfort. Chef John’s version is simple, rich, and full of flavor. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Cook Time: About 90 minutes
• Skill Level: Easy to moderate
• Perfect For: Cozy dinners, family meals, meal prep

Creamy sauce, juicy beef, and earthy mushrooms come together in a dish that feels fancy but is totally doable, even for beginner cooks.

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

• Beef Chuck Roast (2 lbs, cut into strips): The heart of the dish. Chuck roast becomes super tender after a long simmer. Sub: sirloin or stew meat.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and bringing out flavor.
• Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing the beef.
• Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Add an earthy depth and classic Stroganoff texture.
• Onion (½ medium, sliced/diced): Sweet and savory base flavor.
• Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps brown the vegetables.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds warmth and aroma.
• Flour (1 ½ tbsp): Thickens the sauce.
• White Wine (½ cup): De-glazes the pan and adds complexity. Can sub with broth.
• Beef Broth (2 cups, divided): Forms the sauce base.
• Crème Fraîche (¾ cup): Makes the sauce creamy with a slight tang. Can sub with sour cream.
• Fresh Chives (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fresh, colorful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Beef:
   • Generously season the beef strips with salt and pepper.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.
   • Add beef and cook, stirring constantly, for 6–7 minutes until browned and liquid is evaporated.
   • Remove beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Mushrooms and Onions:
   • In the same skillet, add butter, sliced mushrooms, and onion.
   • Cook over medium heat until mushrooms are golden and onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Flour:
   • Stir in minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds.
   • Sprinkle flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Deglaze with Wine and Broth:
   • Pour in the white wine and 1 cup of beef broth.
   • Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return Beef and Simmer:
   • Add the browned beef back into the pan.
   • Pour in the remaining 1 cup of broth.
   • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes, until beef is tender and sauce is rich.
6. Add the Creamy Finish:
   • Stir in crème fraîche and chives.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve:
   • Best served hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

• Use a shallow pasta bowl or wide plate for easy eating and beautiful presentation.
• Garnish with extra chopped chives or parsley.
• Add a spoonful of crème fraîche or a swirl of sour cream for an elegant touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftovers without the cream for up to 2 months. Add cream after reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.
• Make-Ahead: Cook everything except the crème fraîche. Stir in the cream just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

• Mushroom-Only Stroganoff: Skip the beef for a vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
• Herb Swap: Use dill or thyme in place of chives.
• Budget-Friendly: Use ground beef instead of chuck roast.

Conclusion: A Classic Worth Repeating

Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is more than a meal—it’s a comfort classic that delivers flavor, warmth, and satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, it’s always a winner. Try it tonight and bring a little magic to your table.

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FAQs

1. Can I use sour cream instead of crème fraîche? Yes! Sour cream works perfectly and gives a similar creamy tang.

2. What’s the best cut of beef? Beef chuck roast is great for slow cooking. You can also use sirloin for a quicker version.

3. Can I skip the wine? Yes. Replace it with extra beef broth.

4. Is this dish gluten-free? No, but you can use gluten-free flour and serve over gluten-free noodles.

5. How long does it take to cook? About 1.5 hours from start to finish.

6. Can I make it in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat and veggies first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add crème fraîche at the end.

7. What do I serve with Stroganoff? Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

8. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just use a larger pot or pan.

9. What if my sauce is too thick? Add a little extra broth or water until it’s just right.

10. Can kids eat this dish? Yes! It’s mild, creamy, and comforting—just skip the wine or use broth.