Beef Stroganoff For One

This single serve Beef Stroganoff recipe offers all the comfort of the classic dish. It includes juicy beef strips in a homemade creamy sauce, bursting with the taste of onions and mushrooms, atop buttered noodles. This easy-to-make recipe avoids canned cream of mushroom soup, ensuring a fresh, homemade flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a fast, yet indulgent meal.

For more satisfying and flavorful single serving meals, explore our rich and creamy Tuscan Chicken, tender Coq au Vin, soft and pillowy Potato Gnocchi, and robust and comforting Lasagna.

Ingredients

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this easy Beef Stroganoff recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Steak Choices: For the best results, select beef sirloin, tenderloin, or boneless rib eye. Thinly slicing the steak against the grain ensures tenderness. Alternatively, 4 ounces of ground beef can be used for a different texture. If you’ve leftover beef, consider using it in any of these single serving recipes: Sheet Pan Steak and Potatoes, Beef Bulgogi, Mongolian Beef, and Beef Stew.
  • Cutting Steak Against the Grain: Observe the long, white muscle fibers in the meat. Cutting against these fibers (not parallel) breaks them down, resulting in a more tender and enjoyable eating experience.
• Stroganoff Sauce Ingredients: Create a rich and flavorful sauce with salted butter, onions, garlic, white wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, flour, and plain yogurt or sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If cooking with wine isn’t preferred, substitute with additional beef broth.
• Mushrooms: Versatility is key – almost any variety or combination of mushrooms fits this recipe. For those who don’t prefer mushrooms, feel free to omit them. For a vegetarian twist, double the mushroom quantity and exclude the beef. Consider using any leftover mushrooms in a creamy Mushroom Casserole or Risotto.
• Egg Noodles: A traditional pairing with beef stroganoff, egg noodles can be replaced with rice, quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes for variety or personal preference.

How To Make Beef Stroganoff

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make Beef Stroganoff. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Butter and Beef Preparation: Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet, cooking until browned on both sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking them until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Adding Wine: Pour in the white wine, letting it cook and reduce for about 3 minutes, which enhances the flavors.
4. Creating the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and flour together. Whisk until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, cooking for 5 minutes and stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency.
5. Incorporating Dairy: Add yogurt or sour cream to the sauce, stirring well. Season with additional salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
6. Reintroducing Beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce to reheat and combine flavors.
7. Final Serving Step: Serve the beef stroganoff over freshly cooked noodles, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors in each serving.

Expert Tips

• Efficient Steak Slicing: For easier slicing, place your steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting. This partial freezing firms up the meat, allowing for cleaner, more precise cuts.
• Creating a Smooth Sauce: To ensure a lump-free sauce, first mix the flour with the broth to form a smooth slurry. When added to the pan and brought to a simmer, this technique helps the sauce blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and eliminates any raw flour taste.

What To Serve With Beef Stroganoff

Enhance your Beef Stroganoff with flavorful options like fluffy quinoa, creamy mashed potatoes, or traditional egg noodles, perfect for complementing the rich, savory flavors.

Enjoy your Beef Stroganoff with:

• A Side Salad: A fresh tomato salad balances the richness.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Like green beans, for a healthy addition.
• A Glass of Red Wine: Complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: Homemade French bread is great for sopping up the extra sauce.
• A Light Dessert: Such as Ambrosia to finish off the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions