Introduction: Can a Dish Be Rich, Creamy, and Bursting with Savory Comfort?
Craving a hearty, indulgent meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner? Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is a timeless dish featuring tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety, creamy sauce with a hint of tang. Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or satisfying comfort food cravings, this recipe is both flavorful and straightforward. Ready to simmer a pan of savory goodness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Overview: Why Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is a Comfort Food Favorite
Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is celebrated for its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, making it a beloved dish for any occasion. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes to prep, 1 hour 15 minutes to cook.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—requires browning, simmering, and sauce-making, but accessible for home cooks.
- Why It’s Special: The combination of seared beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, wine-infused sauce creates a luxurious, comforting dish. This recipe yields 8 servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers.
Ideal for cozy evenings, dinner parties, or any time you want a rich, satisfying meal, this beef stroganoff is sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients
Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create its signature rich, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1/2-inch thick strips: Provides tender, flavorful meat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the beef.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Adds earthy, umami depth.
- ½ medium onion, sliced or diced: Contributes sweetness and texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances richness for sautéing vegetables.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- ½ cup white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth, divided: Forms the savory liquid base.
- ¾ cup creme fraiche: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives: Adds a fresh, oniony garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for finishing): Adjusts final seasoning.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Beef Chuck Roast: Offers rich flavor and becomes tender when simmered.
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- White Wine and Creme Fraiche: Add complexity and a tangy, velvety finish.
- Chives: Bring a fresh, vibrant note to balance the richness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef: Use sirloin or tenderloin for a quicker-cooking cut, reducing simmer time to 20-30 minutes.
- Creme Fraiche: Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy creaminess.
- White Wine: Replace with chicken broth or apple juice plus 1 teaspoon vinegar for a non-alcoholic version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based beef, vegetable broth, vegan creme fraiche, and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon).
- Spicy Stroganoff: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Mushroom-Free: Omit mushrooms and increase onions or add diced carrots for texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is a straightforward process that yields a rich, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck roast, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, ½ medium onion, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, ½ cup white wine, 2 cups beef broth, ¾ cup creme fraiche, and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives.
- Cut beef into ½-inch thick strips; slice or dice onion; slice mushrooms; mince garlic; chop chives.
Tip: Prep ingredients ahead to streamline cooking, as the process involves multiple steps.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Season 2 pounds beef chuck roast strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until nearly smoking.
- Add beef and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid evaporates and meat browns, 6-7 minutes.
- Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Sear beef in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, ½ medium onion (sliced or diced), and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until vegetables are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
Tip: Brown mushrooms well to enhance their earthy flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Stir in 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until incorporated.
- Pour in ½ cup white wine and 1 cup beef broth, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, 3-4 minutes.
Tip: Scrape the pan thoroughly to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer with Beef
- Return the browned beef to the skillet.
- Add the remaining 1 cup beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until beef is tender and sauce is thick, about 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
Tip: Check tenderness after 45 minutes; extend cooking if needed for fork-tender beef.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
- Stir in ¾ cup creme fraiche and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Stir gently to incorporate creme fraiche without curdling.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (not included in ingredients but traditional for stroganoff).
- Garnish with extra chives if desired.
Tip: Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Beef Stroganoff
Making Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is all about creating a rich, creamy dish with tender beef and a flavorful sauce. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Beef: Sear for a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Vegetables: Brown mushrooms and onions to enhance umami.
- Sauce: Simmer low and slow for tender beef and a thick, cohesive sauce.
- Presentation: Serve over a starchy base to soak up the creamy goodness.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish with extra chives or parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
- Serve over wide egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a classic pairing.
- Present in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and tender beef.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is great for leftovers and meal prep, as flavors deepen over time.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers (without noodles); thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep beef, mushrooms, onions, and garlic a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Cook the stroganoff (without creme fraiche) a day in advance; add creme fraiche when reheating to prevent curdling.
- Freeze the cooked beef and sauce (before adding creme fraiche) for quick future meals; add creme fraiche when reheating.
Tip: Store sauce separately from noodles or rice to prevent sogginess.
Recipe Variations
Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Ground Beef Stroganoff: Use 2 pounds ground beef for a quicker, budget-friendly version; reduce simmering time to 20-30 minutes.
- Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace beef with mushrooms or plant-based beef and use vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch (1 tablespoon) and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice.
- Spicy Stroganoff: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the garlic.
- Creamy Deluxe: Increase creme fraiche to 1 cup or add ¼ cup sour cream for extra richness.
Conclusion: Savor the Creamy Comfort!
Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is the dish that brings rich, savory comfort to every bite. With its tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and velvety, tangy sauce, it’s a perfect meal for cozy dinners, special occasions, or indulgent cravings. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, this stroganoff is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your skillet, simmer this classic, and enjoy a plate of creamy goodness. We’d love to hear how your stroganoff turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff
Description
Craving a hearty, indulgent meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner? Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff is a timeless dish featuring tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety, creamy sauce with a hint of tang. Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or satisfying comfort food cravings, this recipe is both flavorful and straightforward
Ingredients
Chef John’s Classic Beef Stroganoff uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create its signature rich, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1/2-inch thick strips: Provides tender, flavorful meat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the beef.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Adds earthy, umami depth.
- ½ medium onion, sliced or diced: Contributes sweetness and texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances richness for sautéing vegetables.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- ½ cup white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth, divided: Forms the savory liquid base.
- ¾ cup creme fraiche: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives: Adds a fresh, oniony garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for finishing): Adjusts final seasoning.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Beef Chuck Roast: Offers rich flavor and becomes tender when simmered.
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- White Wine and Creme Fraiche: Add complexity and a tangy, velvety finish.
- Chives: Bring a fresh, vibrant note to balance the richness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef: Use sirloin or tenderloin for a quicker-cooking cut, reducing simmer time to 20-30 minutes.
- Creme Fraiche: Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy creaminess.
- White Wine: Replace with chicken broth or apple juice plus 1 teaspoon vinegar for a non-alcoholic version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based beef, vegetable broth, vegan creme fraiche, and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon).
- Spicy Stroganoff: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Mushroom-Free: Omit mushrooms and increase onions or add diced carrots for texture
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck roast, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, ½ medium onion, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, ½ cup white wine, 2 cups beef broth, ¾ cup creme fraiche, and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives.
- Cut beef into ½-inch thick strips; slice or dice onion; slice mushrooms; mince garlic; chop chives.
Tip: Prep ingredients ahead to streamline cooking, as the process involves multiple steps.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Season 2 pounds beef chuck roast strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until nearly smoking.
- Add beef and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid evaporates and meat browns, 6-7 minutes.
- Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Sear beef in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, ½ medium onion (sliced or diced), and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until vegetables are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
Tip: Brown mushrooms well to enhance their earthy flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Stir in 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until incorporated.
- Pour in ½ cup white wine and 1 cup beef broth, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, 3-4 minutes.
Tip: Scrape the pan thoroughly to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer with Beef
- Return the browned beef to the skillet.
- Add the remaining 1 cup beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until beef is tender and sauce is thick, about 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
Tip: Check tenderness after 45 minutes; extend cooking if needed for fork-tender beef.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
- Stir in ¾ cup creme fraiche and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Stir gently to incorporate creme fraiche without curdling.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (not included in ingredients but traditional for stroganoff).
- Garnish with extra chives if desired.
Tip: Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
FAQs
1. Why is my beef tough?
Tough beef may need more simmering time. Ensure it cooks on low for at least 1 hour until fork-tender.
2. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin or tenderloin cooks faster (20-30 minutes), but chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and serve with gluten-free noodles or rice.
4. Why is my sauce too thin?
Thin sauce may need more simmering time or additional flour (1-2 teaspoons). Simmer uncovered to thicken.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cook the beef and sauce a day ahead; add creme fraiche when reheating to prevent curdling.
6. Can I omit the wine?
Yes, replace with additional beef broth or a mix of broth and 1 teaspoon vinegar for acidity.
7. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Beef provides protein and iron, mushrooms add vitamins, but creme fraiche and butter are rich—enjoy with a light side.