Beef Stroganoff(Thrifty Version)
A creamy, savory beef stroganoff with tender strips of beef, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. top round steak ⓘ
- 1 tsp. instant meat tenderizer ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. meat extract paste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed beef bouillon (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 1/2 c. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim fat from beef. Slice beef lengthwise into thirds.
- Moisten slices on each side and sprinkle with meat tenderizer, following label directions.
- Pierce meat at 1-inch intervals with a fork to ensure tenderizer penetration.
- Cut each slice, across the grain, into 1/2-inch wide strips.
- Heat a large heavy skillet and melt 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add just enough beef to cover the bottom of the skillet and cook until browned.
- Remove beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté onions and garlic until tender.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add meat extract paste, catsup, salt, pepper, undiluted beef bouillon, and dill weed, stirring well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in undiluted cream of mushroom soup and cooked beef strips, cooking until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and drained sliced mushrooms.
- Serve hot over noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, consider marinating the top round steak in a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar before cooking. If you don't have meat extract paste, Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute. You can also replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Make sure to cut the beef against the grain for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Stroganoff is delicious served over egg noodles or rice, but you can also try it with mashed potatoes for a hearty twist. Sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad make excellent sides to balance the richness of the dish. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the sour cream. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stroganoff(Thrifty Version) contains roughly 1198 calories, with 110g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (220% of the Daily Value), iron (164% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1913mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the cut's tenderness, so adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to make Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the sour cream and mushrooms until you reheat it to preserve their texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Beef Stroganoff?
This dish pairs beautifully with egg noodles or rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter option, consider a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).