Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff serves as the quintessential comfort food-its rich, velvety sauce and tender beef strips instantly conjure feelings of home, warmth, and satisfaction. Rooted in classic Russian cuisine, this beloved American adaptation transforms simple ingredients into a hearty dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The secret to mastering this timeless recipe lies not just in technique but in understanding how each element contributes to its creamy, luscious texture and deep flavor.
Prep and Cook Time
readiness: 15 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Easy to Medium – perfect for home cooks seeking classic comfort without fuss
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup sour cream, full-fat for richness
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels to ensure even browning. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- sear the beef: in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. add beef strips in a single layer and sauté untill browned but not cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until mushrooms release moisture and develop a golden hue, about 5 minutes.
- Build the sauce base: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture.Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux-like base that will thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Add beef broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken and become smooth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Lower heat and whisk in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling; stir until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return beef to pan: Nestle the seared beef strips back into the sauce and warm through for an additional 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Spoon over warm egg noodles and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tips for Success
- Choosing the right cut: Sirloin and tenderloin offer tenderness and flavor; avoid tougher cuts like chuck unless slow-cooked separately.
- Drying the beef: Ensures a proper sear, which locks in juices and develops the deeply satisfying browned crust essential for flavor.
- Sour cream caution: Stir into the sauce at the end on low heat to prevent curdling; alternatively, use crème fraîche for superior creaminess and stability.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the beef and mushroom mixture ahead and refrigerate. Gently reheat, stirring in fresh sour cream just before serving for freshness.
- One-pot shortcut: Brown the beef and cook vegetables in the same skillet to enhance depth of flavor and reduce cleanup, embracing Betty Crocker’s convenience ethos.
Serving Suggestions
Present Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff nestled atop a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to mingle with soft starches. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a hint of paprika for visual warmth. Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to balance the richness. For a cozy twist, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or crusty bread to soak up every last bite of the luscious sauce.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
For further inspiration and variations on classic beef dishes, explore our Ultimate Beef Recipes Collection. For a deep dive into the history and science of sour cream in cooking, visit Serious Eats.
Q&A
Q&A: betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff – Classic Comfort Made Easy
Q1: What makes Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff a timeless comfort food?
A1: Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff captures the essence of hearty, creamy comfort food with minimal fuss. Its rich, savory sauce mingles tender strips of beef with tender egg noodles, delivering that soul-soothing flavor reminiscent of home-cooked goodness. The recipe balances simplicity with authentic taste, making it a go-to meal for cozy nights.
Q2: How does Betty Crocker simplify the customary Beef stroganoff recipe?
A2: Classic stroganoff frequently enough calls for multiple steps and ingredients, including sour cream and mushrooms. Betty Crocker streamlines the process by using a cake mix-style sauce base that blends easily with beef and onions, cutting down prep time but preserving the creamy, tangy profile that fans love. The result? A speedy, delicious dish that feels gourmet without the hassle.
Q3: Can this recipe be adapted for a quicker weeknight dinner?
A3: Absolutely! Betty Crocker’s recipe is designed for convenience. You can boost the ease factor by using pre-sliced beef or even ground beef, alongside ready-to-use egg noodles. By prepping ingredients ahead or doubling the sauce, you can whip up leftovers or even freeze portions for busy evenings.
Q4: What are some tips for enhancing the flavor of Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff?
A4: To elevate the classic base, try sautéing fresh mushrooms and garlic before adding the beef for a richer depth. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can add a subtle zing that brightens the creamy sauce. Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives adds color and a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Q5: Is Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff suitable for family meals and entertaining?
A5: Definetely! Its crowd-pleasing flavors and straightforward preparation make it ideal for weeknight family dinners or casual gatherings. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a dish that even picky eaters tend to love!
Q6: How does this recipe honor the origins of Beef Stroganoff?
A6: While rooted in Russian tradition, Betty crocker’s version respects the core of stroganoff: tender beef in a creamy sauce served over noodles. Though it modernizes the method for today’s home cook, it preserves that nostalgic taste and texture that make Beef Stroganoff an enduring classic worldwide.
Q7: Where can I find the Betty crocker Beef Stroganoff recipe?
A7: You can discover the full recipe on the official Betty Crocker website or in their classic cookbooks. It’s a reliable recipe that brings the charm of traditional cooking into a fast-paced kitchen, perfect for those craving comfort without complication.
Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff is a comforting hug on a plate – simple enough for everyday dining,yet rich enough to quell any craving for classic,creamy goodness. Whether you’re new to stroganoff or a longtime lover of this Russian-inspired delight,this recipe makes classic comfort effortlessly achievable.
To sum up
Betty Crocker’s Beef Stroganoff proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, this classic dish brings a warm, nostalgic hug to your dinner table-made effortless for today’s busy cook. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen pro or just begining your culinary journey, this recipe invites you to savor tradition with ease. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let Betty Crocker guide you to a timeless meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Classic comfort truly is just a bowl away.
