Looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that skips the mushrooms but doesn’t skimp on flavor? This beef stroganoff without mushrooms is a creamy, satisfying twist on the classic that’s perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just prefer a simpler take, this version brings all the savory goodness of a traditional beef stroganoff recipe—minus the fungi.
What makes this dish even better? It’s incredibly flexible. You can use sliced steak or go with a hearty ground beef stroganoff recipe for quicker prep. It’s also easy to adapt if you’re avoiding dairy, thanks to sour cream alternatives that still deliver that rich, velvety sauce. From stove-top to slow cooker beef stroganoff without mushrooms, you’ve got options.
Let’s dive in and bring some serious comfort to your table—without the mushrooms, but with all the love.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits :
No Mushrooms? No Problem – Enjoy the rich flavor of stroganoff without any mushrooms in sight.
Dinner in a Snap – This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flexible Ingredients – Use ground beef, steak strips, or even swap in plant-based options if needed.
Great for All Diets – Easily adapted into a dairy-free ground beef casserole recipe or made with milk instead of sour cream.
Perfect Pairing – Serve it over your favorite base—egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this beef stroganoff without mushrooms absolutely delicious. The ingredients are simple, but when brought together, they create that signature creamy, savory flavor we all love. Whether you’re using steak strips or opting for a ground beef stroganoff recipe, everything here is easy to find and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) beef – Thinly sliced sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef works great. If you’re going the quicker route, ground beef makes for a classic dairy-free ground beef casserole recipe base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – Adds richness and helps with browning.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Brings in sweetness and depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – For that irresistible aroma.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce; you can skip it for a gluten-free version.
- 1 cup beef broth – Use a rich broth to layer in more flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – A gentle spice that brings warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Always adjust as you cook.
- 3/4 cup sour cream – Or substitute with plain yogurt, milk with lemon juice (for an old fashioned beef stroganoff with milk instead of sour cream feel), or your favorite non-dairy option for a beef stroganoff no sour cream or yogurt variation.
- Chopped fresh parsley – Optional, but brightens the dish beautifully.
- Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes – For serving.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a slow cooker beef stroganoff without mushrooms, just toss everything (except the sour cream) into the pot and let it work its magic. Stir in the sour cream at the end for a perfectly creamy finish.
Beef Stroganoff Without Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g beef (sliced or ground)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour optional
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup sour cream or non-dairy substitute
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- Cooked noodles rice, or mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Cook the beef – Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef and remove it from the pan once cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics – In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Make the sauce – Sprinkle in the flour and stir. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking until smooth. Add paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add creaminess – Reduce heat and stir in sour cream or your dairy-free alternative. Mix until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
- Finish and serve – Return the cooked beef to the pan, coat in the sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Serve over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Instructions (Rewritten & Brief)
Sear the Meat – Warm some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add your beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, then remove it from the pan.
Cook the Base Flavors – In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and let it cook just until fragrant.
Create the Sauce – Sprinkle in the flour, stir well, and slowly pour in the broth while mixing to avoid lumps. Add paprika, salt, and pepper, letting it simmer until it thickens slightly.
Mix in the Cream – Lower the heat and gently stir in your sour cream or dairy-free option—just until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
Bring It All Together – Add the beef back into the sauce and stir to coat. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, then serve hot with your choice of sides.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Slice Against the Grain – If using steak, slicing it against the grain keeps it tender and juicy.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Use plant-based cream or unsweetened almond milk with lemon juice for a creamy, non-dairy alternative. Great for beef stroganoff no sour cream or yogurt lovers.
- Ground Beef Shortcut – Swap in ground beef for a faster, budget-friendly ground beef stroganoff recipe.
- Slow Cooker Friendly – For a slow cooker beef stroganoff without mushrooms, toss all ingredients (except cream) into the pot. Stir in cream just before serving.
- Old-Fashioned Option – Prefer a nostalgic touch? Try old fashioned beef stroganoff with milk instead of sour cream—it’s lighter but still rich.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing – Serve over buttery egg noodles for that nostalgic feel.
- Comfort Combo – Spoon it onto fluffy mashed potatoes for a cozy, hearty meal.
- Lighter Option – Pair with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a simpler base.
- Family-Style – Add a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a balanced plate.
- Leftover-Friendly – This dish reheats well, making it great for next-day lunches or a quick dairy-free ground beef casserole recipe makeover.
Conclusion
This beef stroganoff without mushrooms proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients—or mushrooms—to create something deeply satisfying. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes: comforting, customizable, and easy enough for any night of the week.
Whether you go classic with noodles or take the shortcut with ground beef, this recipe fits beautifully into your rotation. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to beef stroganoff recipe for cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners.
FAQs
Do you have to use mushrooms in beef stroganoff?
Not at all! This version skips mushrooms completely while still delivering all the creamy, savory flavor you’d expect from a classic beef stroganoff recipe.
What vegetables can go in beef stroganoff?
While this is a no-mushroom version, feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas for a colorful twist. Just sauté them along with the onions or stir them in toward the end.
What’s the difference between stroganoff and goulash?
Stroganoff is a creamy, beef-based dish usually finished with sour cream. Goulash, on the other hand, is a paprika-heavy stew with a tomato base, often containing potatoes or pasta.
What is stroganoff sauce made of?
Stroganoff sauce typically includes beef broth, a touch of flour for thickening, and sour cream (or a non-dairy alternative for a beef stroganoff no sour cream or yogurt option). It’s smooth, rich, and comforting.
How to add more flavor to beef stroganoff?
Amp up the taste with a dash of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. For deeper flavor, consider a splash of soy sauce or a bit of garlic powder—especially in ground beef stroganoff recipes.