Craving a comforting yet surprisingly quick and easy dinner? Look no further than this delightful twist on a classic: Beef Stroganoff with tender meatballs! This recipe delivers all the creamy, savory goodness of traditional Stroganoff, but with the added heartiness of juicy homemade meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a delicious example of healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or wide pasta
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
Preparing the Stroganoff:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the sour cream, sherry (if using), and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and gently stir to coat. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
Serving:
Serve the Beef Stroganoff with Meatballs over cooked egg noodles or your favorite wide pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overmix the meatballs: Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs well: This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use good quality sour cream: This will significantly enhance the flavor and creaminess of the sauce.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard to suit your preference.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different mushrooms: Experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Cream cheese option: Substitute some of the sour cream with cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. A reasonable estimate for a serving would be around 400-500 calories, with a moderate amount of protein and fat. For more precise information, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
This easy beef stroganoff recipe with meatballs is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are simple to make. It's a perfect blend of comfort food and ease of preparation, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy!