Beef Stroganoff without Sour Cream

Do you love stroganoff but don't like sour cream? Maybe you don't like its tangy flavor, or perhaps you have certain dietary restrictions.

Whatever the reason, this beef stroganoff without sour cream recipe is for you. 

A new take on the classic recipe, this Beef Stroganoff without sour cream promises to satisfy your taste buds with the flavors of savory, tender beef, fragrant herbs, and a velvety sauce that ties it all together.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

While sour cream has long been a staple ingredient in this beloved Russian dish, this variation offers a delightful alternative that caters to those with dietary restrictions or personal preferences. This beef stroganoff without sour cream recipe embraces the richness of tender beef strips, combined with a medley of sautéed onions, garlic, broccoli, and earthy mushrooms. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that will surely become a new favorite in your dinner time repertoire.

Ingredients

Pasta:

While this recipe calls for fusilli pasta, you can use any kind of pasta you want. Egg noodles are the classic choice however, rice can also be a good choice to serve with your beef stroganoff without sour cream.

Beef:

Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin when making this beef stroganoff without sour cream. These cuts are flavorful and will remain tender even after cooking. Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This yields a juicy and tender cut.

Broccoli:

While you don't typically find broccoli in beef stroganoff, it is an excellent way to increase your vegetable intake at dinner time. If you don't like broccoli, however, simply omit it from the recipe, or swap it out for a veggie you do enjoy. Beans, carrots, brussels sprouts, and asparagus all make excellent alternatives.

Seasonings:

Feel free to experiment with your seasonings in this recipe and adjust them to your own personal taste. Use fresh thyme instead of dried, add more salt, incorporate some nutmeg, paprika, or oregano into the mix.

Sour Cream:

Just kidding!

Milk:

If you wanted to omit sour cream from your beef stroganoff because you dislike the taste, don't have it readily available, or simply wanted to experiment then you can substitute sour cream with milk or just about any other dairy product you like. Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or heavy cream all work with this recipe as well. If you want to omit the sour cream to make it vegan or because you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute the milk in this recipe for your favorite dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind, as with any substitutions, the recipe may need to be adjusted depending on the texture of whatever alternative you use.

How to Make Beef Stroganoff Without Sour Cream

Step One:

Prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package.

Step Two: 

Over medium heat, add olive oil to a pot. Once the pot is hot, add the beef. Once browned on both sides, remove the beef and set aside.

Step Three: 

Add 1 tablespoon of butter, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, and garlic to the drippings and stir to coat. Cook until the vegetables have softened and the onions become opaque.

Step Four:

Remove the vegetables from the heat and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to your pot along with the flour and stir to incorporate until you have a paste. Slowly stir in milk and bring to a simmer.

Step Five: 

Add thyme, ground mustard, and black pepper and stir to incorporate.

Step Six: 

Place your cooked beef and vegetables back into the pot with the mixture, add salt, and stir to incorporate. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Step Seven:

Spoon beef stroganoff over cooked pasta. Garnish with shredded cheese and chives to taste.

Step Eight:

Serve while hot, and enjoy!

Tips

• Take the time to sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent and develop a sweet aroma. This step helps build a solid flavor foundation for your stroganoff.
• When cooking the beef, brown it nicely on all sides. This helps caramelize the meat and develop a rich flavor for your stroganoff. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook the beef in batches if necessary.
• To prevent the milk from curdling, gradually add it to the skillet while stirring constantly. This helps ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

What to Serve With Beef Stroganoff Without Sour Cream

This beef stroganoff without sour cream recipe is versatile enough to serve with pasta, brown rice, or even mashed potatoes. However if you want to round out your meal with a side dish, you can add a nice light salad or some delicious garlic bread to dip in any excess sauce from your stroganoff.

FAQs

How long can leftover beef stroganoff without sour cream be stored?

Leftover beef stroganoff without sour cream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer.

Will the consistency of the sauce be affected by omitting sour cream?

Yes, omitting sour cream from the stroganoff recipe can affect the consistency of the sauce. Sour cream adds thickness and creaminess to the sauce, so depending on what you choose to use in its place, you may need to thicken it or thin it out. In this recipe, we use milk instead of sour cream, so even though we still get a nice creamy sauce, it won't be as thick as it would be if sour cream was used.

Can I use a different type of protein instead of beef in this stroganoff?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of protein instead of beef in your stroganoff. While beef is the traditional choice, there are various alternatives you can explore to customize the dish to your preferences. Chicken, pork, or turkey can be used. You can even make it meatless by using tofu, tempeh, or bell peppers instead.

You can also use ground beef for a delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Beef Recipes

Do you ever just get a craving for red meat? Here's a collection of delicious beefy recipes sure to appeal to your carnivorous side.

Braised Beef

Beef Tamales

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Beef Tenderloin

Beef And Broccoli