Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy beef stroganoff recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious blend of tender beef, rich cream cheese sauce, and earthy mushrooms – a true crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and is a fantastic example of healthy meals you can whip up without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or rice (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and sear until browned on both sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe:
- For extra richness: Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Tender beef is key: Thinly slicing the beef ensures it cooks quickly and evenly. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the beef to an even thinner consistency.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough. Aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is crucial! Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Boost the veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
- Use different mushrooms: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms would also be delicious.
- Make it a pasta dish: Serve over your favorite pasta instead of noodles or rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This creamy beef stroganoff recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy meals don’t have to be boring. It's a quick, easy, and delicious dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!