Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Stroganoff-Style Leftover Beef

Stroganoff-Style Leftover Beef

Classic flavor with roast or braised beef

Cooler temperatures are on the way in our part of the world. Cue Beef Stroganoff – it’s a hearty comfort dish that always tastes best in cold weather.

And you don’t even need to cook the meat, because you already have some leftovers on hand, right?

You can make the dish ahead of time, too. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve for a no-fuss dinner-party treat.

Gives you a warm fuzzy feeling, doesn’t it?


Stroganoff-Style Leftover Beef

Recipe: Stroganoff-Style Leftover Beef

This isn’t the classic recipe for Beef Stroganoff. That one calls for quickly sautéing a tender cut of beef (like tenderloin) until it’s rare or medium, then making a rich mushroom sauce with cream and/or sour cream.

But we think leftover roast or braised beef has a much deeper flavor, so that’s what we’re using. BTW, this dish is particularly succulent when made with leftover wine-braised beef Short Ribs or Pot Roast.

Prep time for this dish is about 15 minutes. Cooking adds about half an hour.

This dish yields 4 generous servings. Leftovers keep for a few days if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • ~1 pound leftover boneless braised or roast beef (or more to taste)
  • 1 pound mushrooms (the ordinary white ones work fine in this dish)
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (see Notes)
  • salt to taste (about ½ teaspoon kosher salt for us; see Notes)
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste (several grinds for us)
  • 1 cup beef stock or leftover beef gravy (see Notes)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
  • ½ cup sour cream (or more to taste)
  • cooked noodles for serving (2 to 3 ounces dried noodles per serving; see Notes)
  • chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Procedure
  1. Remove the leftover beef from its bone if necessary. Then cut the beef into slices of about one-quarter to one-third inch thick. Set aside.
  2. Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to clean them. Cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters. Set aside.
  3. Peel the shallots and mince them.
  4. Add the olive oil and butter to large frying pan. Heat until the fat is frothy and hot. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms and the dried thyme, season with salt and pepper, then cook until the mushrooms are browned – 5 to 8 minutes. (Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the mushrooms in two batches if necessary. Also, you may want to reserve a few of the cooked mushrooms for garnish.)
  5. Add the beef stock or gravy and deglaze the cooking pan. Add the heavy cream and the sliced beef, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until the cream is reduced by half or a bit more. (If you’re making this dish ahead of time, you can stop at this point. Just cool the cooked beef/cream mixture and refrigerate it, then continue with the following steps when you’re ready to serve.)
  6. About 10 minutes before the cream is finished reducing, start cooking the noodles.
  7. Taste the beef mixture, then adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the cooking pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream. 
  8. Plate the cooked noodles, then ladle the beef mixture over them. Garnish with parsley and reserved mushrooms, if you wish. Serve and enjoy.
Stroganoff-Style Leftover Beef

Notes
  • In the US, this dish was at the height of its popularity in the 1950s and 60s. In those days, though, home cooks often used cream of mushroom soup (instead of fresh mushrooms and real cream).  
  • Using leftover roast beef that’s been cooked to rare or medium, and want to keep it that way? Don’t add the beef in Step 5. Instead, add it a couple of minutes before you add the sour cream (Step 7) and cook just long enough to heat it through.
  • But keep in mind: Cooking the beef and mushrooms with the cream and stock or gravy will yield deeper flavor.
  • BTW, when we have leftover roast or braised beef, we'll often freeze it to use later in a recipe like this.
  • Many recipes use sour cream alone in this dish. We think heavy cream adds much more flavor, so we recommend using it. But do add sour cream to finish the dish – it gives great tang.
  • Some recipes add mustard to this dish, which also adds zip. If you want to try this, just add a teaspoon or two of Dijon-style mustard when you add the cream in Step 5.
  • Beef stock works fine in this recipe. But it tastes even better when made with leftover beef gravy or sauce.
  • Some recipes add white wine to this dish. We haven’t tried that, but feel free to experiment.
  • Use any kind of mushroom that you like in this dish. Ordinary white button mushrooms work well. 
  • We use dried thyme in this recipe because it pairs well with mushrooms. Fresh thyme works too – just double the amount we suggest. Fresh tarragon or dill would also be nice.
  • Many recipes add paprika to this dish (usually a couple of teaspoons).
  • We use kosher salt for cooking. It’s less salty by volume than regular table salt (the flakes are larger, so it doesn’t pack a measure as densely). If you substitute regular table salt, start with about half as much as we suggest. But always season to your taste, not ours.
  • We like to serve egg noodles with this dish (preferably ones with a twisted shape). But use any kind of noodle you like. 
  • You can butter the noodles or not before serving. We usually don’t because this dish is already quite rich. 
  • We consider 2 ounces of dried noodles adequate for a serving, but increase that to 3 if you like. If you’re serving hungry teenage boys, you might want to make it 4 ounces.
  • Don’t want to use noodles? You can substitute rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
  • Garnish isn’t necessary for this dish, but we like the look of parsley, so we always use it. A few extra mushrooms on top also add a nice touch.
  • Beef Stroganoff was probably first served in Russia sometime during the mid-1800s. When it first appeared, the dish didn’t include mushrooms. But we think mushrooms add a lot of flavor, so we’re glad the recipe evolved to include them.
Stroganoff-Style Leftover Beef

Red Meat

“Tasty,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Remember when we were kids? Beef Stroganoff was one of the it company dishes.”

“People don’t make it so much these days,” I said. “What’s their beef with it?”

“Maybe they remember the canned-mushroom-soup version of yore,” said Mrs K R.

“Yeah, that dish could have used some beefing up,” I said.

“Home cooks didn’t noodle around much with recipes in those days,” said Mrs K R. “The can opener was their main kitchen tool.” 

All can and no cattle, you might say.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs
Wine-Braised Beef Pot Roast
Boeuf Bourguignon
Hungarian Beef Paprika Stew
Moroccan Beef Tagine
Moroccan Kefta and Tomato Tagine
Spicy Pork Vindaloo
Or check out the index for more

68 comments:

Pam said...

It looks really delicious, John! I love it with egg noodles and all those mushrooms, about the same way I make it. Next time, adding Dijon mustard would be great. Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, mushrooms are wonderful in this dish! Dijon mustard is a fun variation, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

What a fabulous use for leftover pot roast! It's guaranteed to be full of tender beef (I've made shoe leather stroganoff a time or two).

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, good point about traditionally-made stroganoff sometimes having tough meat. Not a problem with this method! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia said...

Oh my ... dinner! I have a roast in the oven - now I know what to do with leftovers ;)

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

Don’t you just love leftovers to make a delicious dish like your beef stroganoff? For me this this is the perfect comfort food. Thanks John!

Mae Travels said...

Canned mushroom soup!! To think that some cooks still use it instead of real mushrooms! Somehow I was ahead of the curve on this one — started converting those recipes when they weren’t even retro yet. Your procedure sounds complicated and totally worth it. I keep thinking that Beef Stroganoff ( the not-canned version) didn’t deserve to fall into obscurity along with the stressful entertaining standards of yore.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Pam said...

Great use of leftover beef. The stroganoff looks delicious.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, it really is terrific comfort food, isn't it? And a great way to use leftovers! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, mmm, roast beef! Great first time around, and then used in leftovers -- in this dish! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, when I was a kid, you almost never say fresh mushrooms at the grocery store. Or maybe there were there and I just didn't see them (I wasn't all that food-aware back then). Mushroom soup used to rule! This is better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it IS delicious! Need to roast or braise beef again soon so we can have this again. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I am salivatiing! I love Beef Stroganoff but can,t remember the last time I made it though. No leftovers right now but will make sure to have some soon.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, once you make this, you'll probably find yourself making roast or braised beef often -- just so you can have this again! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

This looks droolworthy, John! I haven't had stroganoff in ages..now I am really craving some!

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

My parents always make a roast for Christmas and the leftovers last forever--I'm going to remember this recipe to use some of those leftovers up! It sounds fantastic!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's been ages since we've made it too! Now can't wait to make it again. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, hard to beat this recipe for leftover roast beef! Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I haven’t had beef stroganoff in years but always loved it. Yes we use to use Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup - who didn’t? Love this recipe and that it takes me down memory lane. Great use of leftover beef.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, yup, Campbell's soup used to rule! I haven't made tuna noodle casserole with it in years, but that's actually a fun dish. :-) And this one is really wonderful! Thanks for the comment.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

I haven't have Beef Stroganoff in forever! What a fabulous way to use leftovers. (Instead of tacos, I'm going to make Beef Stroganoff!)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, well, tacos are good too. :-) Although this is a nice change! Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I love using the gift of leftovers to turn into something even more delicious than the original. And how can you go wrong with egg noodles and plenty of earthy mushrooms?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this actually IS better than the original dish. And that was pretty darn good! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

I'm crazy about beef stroganoff, so I love that you use leftover beef to make this.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, beef stroganoff is such a good dish, isn't it? And leftover beef is terrific in it! Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

What a great way to utilize left overs - however for me... Yeah, there are NEVER left overs ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGI, LOL! Well if you EVER do, you know what to do with them. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Izaa said...

I would like to eat such delicacies with pleasure

Jeff the Chef said...

I haven't had stroganoff in a long time! Thanks for bringing it back. It used to be one of my favorites. Great idea as a way to use leftover beef!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Izza, it was a pleasure both to make and eat this dish! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, great dish, isn't it? I think it's better made with leftovers! It's all about the mushrooms and sauce, anyway. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelly | Foodtasia said...

Looks perfect! Comfort food at its finest!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelly, definitely fine comfort food. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

This recipe makes me hungry to try making Beef Stroganoff again! But your comment about using a can of mushroom soup in the recipe made me chuckle a bit. How I remember those days of opening a can of Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup to make our various casseroles!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, those cans were handy! And the good thing is, we ate dishes we probably wouldn't have without them. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

My mom used to always use leftover beef for a similar dish which I loved. I agree, it's the tougher cuts of meat that cook for a long time, that are the best (at least for this). And those lovely noodles -- together it's such a comforting meal.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

John - I have always loved beef stroganoff! Never thought of using leftover meat - quite brilliant if you, you know! Did people actually use canned mushroom soup to make this? What WERE they thinking?!?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, the tougher cuts of meat tend to have better flavor, don't they? I'll take flavor over tenderness any day! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, that canned soup was HUGE in the 50s and 60s. This is better -- really good mushroom and cream flavor in this. Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

We have not made beef stroganoff in ages! Now you have us craving this. You know when you have leftover beef it is something that we don't always want to put in fried rice or soup so this is a delightful change. Hope you weekend is fabulous!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, it's been ages wince we've had this dish, too. But I had some leftover beef in the freezer, and I've been craving Stroganoff, so this is the result. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Can you think of a dish that isn't better when made with leftovers? :) What a wonderful way to use leftover beef. It's been years since I've had stroganoff and your pictures, as always, have me wanting some. I have a beef dish scheduled for the near future so I'm pinning this as an idea for the leftovers. Thanks John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, this tastes better made with leftovers than made the traditional way! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

It seems like our weather is cooling down, but it's actually still in the 80's. Still, fall is in the air here (which means shocking blue skies and cool, dark mornings) so I'm in the mood for your noodles. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, as much as the cool weather, it's the difference in the way the daylight appears that signals fall to me. The angle of the sun changes, and it's not nearly as intense. Plus, of course, days get shorter. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

How are you John? I'm jealous that your area is getting cooler for comfort food! Love this cozy dish, and it's interesting that cream of mushroom soup was used to make this dish before. Love reading those note sections of your recipes - learn quite a lot every time.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, good to see you! A lot of people still make this dish with cream of mushroom soup! It's actually not bad at all, although this is much, much better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Natalia said...

Yum, looks like a perfect dinner☺

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, it IS perfect! :-) Thanks for the comment.

amira said...

Love stroganoff so much and my kids devour it. I never use cream of mushroom soup. We have been hit by cold weather and snow so it is indeed a recipe I will visit soon. Thank you for reminding me :).

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, it was 90 here last week, and now it's pretty chilly. But no snow yet, thank goodness! Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

I have not had stroganoff for ages, and I love the idea of using leftover. It looks delicious John...have a wonderful weekend!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I think this is still a popular dish. Perfect for fall! And stroganoff always makes everyone run to the table!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, one of those great dishes that's just not seen too much these days. Time to make it popular again! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, hard to resist stroganoff, isn't it? Good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

Wow, I love your recipe for beef stroganoff, John. I'll 'fess up and say I'm one that still uses a can of creamed soup when I make stroganoff (my bad). I love it that way because it tastes like home to me and I think of my mom. But, I will definitely give your delicious-looking scratch recipe a try. Looks really good! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, that cream of mushroom soup is addictive! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

I love being able to repurpose leftovers into a new delicious dish!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, this makes the best leftovers ever. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

John, I was offline for a few days and missed this one--lovelovelove it! I'll be making it very soon!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, this is a good one -- not one you want to miss. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

John, I was going through my backlog of unread posts and got to this one yesterday afternoon. As I read your post I remembered two things, first it was my night to cook. Ouch, I hadn't plan a thing. Second, I remembered we had a nice piece of leftover leg of lamb. Bingo, you gave me dinner and it was so good. We had all that I needed, but I had to make a couple of substitutes. Still had wild mushrooms, so we used them. Didn't have fresh thyme but had plenty of fresh. Finally, we don't have sour cream here, so I used Creme fraiche. A five-star quick meal. Thanks for sharing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, Creme fraiche would be wonderful in this! And love the idea of lamb -- I gotta try that. :-) Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for the comment.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

We have a meal about once a week that features a leftover item of some sort. Your beef stroganoff with noodles is a terrific way to use leftover roast beef.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, much as I love roast beef, this is better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Emma @ Bake Then Eat said...

This is a great way to re-purpose leftovers.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, it is! And you can use so many different leftovers -- not just beef. :-) Thanks for the comment.