Mom's Homemade Beef Stroganoff Over Rice

Beef Stroganoff always strikes me with a strong sense of nostalgia, transporting me back to the cherished memories of my childhood. Growing up, my mother relied on this recipe when we were in need of some quick and easy comfort food. The velvety sauce, tender beef, paired with the earthy flavors of mushrooms never failed to warm the soul after a long day. What I loved most about my mother's rendition of this classic recipe was her unique twist—pairing it with white rice instead of the more traditional egg noodles. In our household, there was an unspoken belief that everything tasted just a little bit better when served over a bed of fluffy rice. This small departure from tradition added a comforting familiarity to the dish, making it ours. The versatility of the dish allows for your own creativity. So I welcome you to try this recipe, tinker with it as you wish, and find your favorite version! Maybe you want a variety of wild mushrooms, or maybe you want an extra kick with some chili powder; the secret to comfort food is to make it your own!

Putting a Twist on Tradition

1. Add a Hint of Spice:

A pinch of paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick to your stroganoff, elevating its flavor profile.

2. Try Different Proteins:

Beef stroganoff can be made with other proteins like chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each brings its own unique character to the dish.

3. Incorporate Fresh Herbs:

Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled on top just before serving can add a burst of freshness and color.

4. Go Wild with Mushrooms:

Experiment with various mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, cremini, or porcini, to create a more complex flavor.

The Perfect Beef Stroganoff

Creating the perfect beef stroganoff requires a few key steps:

Choose the Right Ingredients:

For this recipe, I suggest opting for a lean cut of beef, such as round steak or sirloin. Additionally, I recommend using beef consommé instead of beef broth, as I find that it improves both flavor and consistency.

Sear the Beef:

A quick sear of the beef in a hot pan adds depth and enhances the taste of your stroganoff. Make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan with too much meat at once. This practice guarantees that each piece has enough space to caramelize and develop a golden crust.

Don't Rush the Sauce:

Let the creamy sauce simmer and reduce, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Balance Flavors:

Taste as you go and adjust seasonings as needed.

Recipe Card

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Beef Stroganoff

Serves 4 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Total time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• I med onion - Chopped

• 12 oz. mushroom

• 1 lbs. lean beef (round steak, sirloin, etc.)

• 1/4 cup flour

• ~16 oz. (1.5 cans) beef consume or beef broth

• 1/4 cup sherry

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/2 stick butter salted

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Chopped Parsley (optional.)

Instructions

Prep:

• Start rice and set to the side.

• Chop onion and put into a small bowl.

• Slice mushrooms and put in a separate medium sized bowl.

• Slice beef into thin strips then coat with flour.

Get Cookin':

• Heat a large saucepan to medium/high heat.

• Melt 1/4 stick of butter.

• Add in onions and sauté for 4-5 mins or until soft.

• Add mushrooms, then salt & pepper to taste.

• Sauté until golden.

• Remove the onions and mushrooms from the pan and set aside.

• Put the rest of the butter into the pan and melt, increase to high heat.

• Add the beef (try to not layer on top of each other).

• Sear for 30 seconds on each side.

• Reduce down to medium heat.

• Stir in Sherry, cook out alcohol (~2 mins).

• Add back in the mushrooms and onions.

• Pour in beef consume/beef broth.

• Simmer for ~10 mins on medium/high heat, stir occasionally.

• Reduce heat to low.

• Add ketchup and sour cream.

• Additional seasonings to taste.

• Stir well then serve over rice and sprinkle with parsley.

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Well, there you have it, my mother's recipe for the perfect beef stroganoff!

What's your favorite childhood comfort food, and how has it shaped your culinary journey? Share your stories and recipes in the comments below, and let's keep the tradition of home-cooked meals alive and well!