Easy & Delicious Beef Stroganoff Casserole: The Ultimate Family Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like a classic comfort meal to bring warmth and joy to your family dinner table. This Beef Stroganoff Casserole takes all the rich, savory flavors of the traditional Russian dish and transforms them into an incredibly easy, hearty, and satisfying casserole that everyone is sure to adore. Forget the fuss of separate side dishes; this all-in-one masterpiece combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and wide egg noodles in a luxuriously creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection.

A Timeless Classic, Reimagined for Modern Kitchens

Beef Stroganoff holds a special place in many hearts, often evoking memories of childhood dinners or special occasions. My grandmother, a true master of comforting cuisine, made a beef stroganoff that was simply unforgettable. It was a dish that, despite its simplicity, delivered an explosion of flavors using some of my favorite ingredients. This casserole version pays homage to that beloved classic, offering the same deep, satisfying taste with the added convenience of a baked dish.

Why a casserole, you ask? Because casseroles are the unsung heroes of weeknight dinners and potluck gatherings. They’re designed for ease, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. This Beef Stroganoff Casserole is no exception. It streamlines the cooking process, allowing the rich flavors to meld together beautifully as it bakes, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a hug in a dish.

Imagine succulent strips of sirloin steak, perfectly sautéed with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a thick, velvety cream sauce. A generous dash of Worcestershire sauce introduces a complex richness and umami depth that truly elevates the flavor profile, making each bite an experience. This is comfort food at its finest – robust, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Key Ingredients for Your Best Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Creating this irresistible Beef Stroganoff Casserole requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather to bring this delicious dish to life:

• Wide Egg Noodles: The foundation of our casserole, providing a comforting texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and browning the beef.
• Aromatics: Fresh onion and minced garlic form the flavorful base.
• Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms add an earthy depth that is characteristic of classic stroganoff.
• Sirloin Steak: Cut into strips, sirloin offers a tender and flavorful beef component.
• Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are crucial for enhancing all the flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a profound savory and tangy complexity to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Used both for cooking the noodles and as a base for the rich sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent that creates that luscious, creamy sauce consistency.
• Dairy: Milk and sour cream combine to give the sauce its signature tang and creaminess.
• Crispy Fried Onions: The ultimate topping, adding a delightful crunch and extra savory onion flavor.

Selecting the Right Beef for Tender Results

While sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you have options. Beef tenderloin offers an even more melt-in-your-mouth experience, though it’s pricier. For a more budget-friendly or slow-cooked approach, chuck roast can be used, though it will require longer simmering to become tender. Whichever cut you choose, ensure it’s trimmed of excess fat and cut into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

The Magic of Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms are non-negotiable for an authentic stroganoff flavor. White button or cremini mushrooms are readily available and work wonderfully. For a deeper, more gourmet flavor, consider adding a mix of shiitake or oyster mushrooms.

Step-by-Step: How to Craft Your Homemade Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Making this Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a straightforward process, designed for delicious results without unnecessary complications. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Noodles: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Cook the wide egg noodles according to their package directions. For an extra layer of flavor, consider cooking them in beef broth instead of plain water. Once cooked, drain them and keep them warm while you prepare the rich meat sauce.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced fresh mushrooms. Sauté them for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, and the onions are translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.

3. Brown the Beef and Develop Flavor: Add the sirloin steak strips to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is completely browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning rather than steaming. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently while you prepare the thickening mixture.

4. Create the Thickening Mixture: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, an additional 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and completely combined, with no lumps of flour remaining. This slurry will be the key to our creamy sauce.

5. Combine and Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the simmering meat mixture in the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken to your desired consistency. Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and smooth. Ensure the sour cream is stirred in off the heat to prevent it from curdling.

6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the warm, cooked egg noodles to the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them evenly. Pour the rich, creamy beef mixture over the noodles, spreading it gently to cover them completely. Finally, generously sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. This will add a fantastic texture and an extra layer of savory flavor.

7. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the crispy fried onions are golden brown. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Stroganoff Casserole

Don’t Overcook the Noodles

For any casserole involving pasta, it’s crucial to cook the noodles al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. They will continue to cook and soften in the oven as they bake in the sauce. Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the casserole, so keep them firm during their initial boil.

Browning the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Achieving a good sear on your beef strips is paramount for developing deep, rich flavor. Ensure your skillet is hot and avoid overcrowding it. If you have too many strips, cook them in batches to allow for proper browning and caramelization, rather than steaming them.

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

When whisking in the flour and milk mixture, do so gradually and continuously whisk to prevent lumps. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash more beef broth or milk can thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer, or make a small slurry of cornstarch and water to slowly whisk in for extra thickening.

Customizing Your Casserole

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to make it your own! Consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of sauce preparation for added greens. A pinch of paprika or Dijon mustard can also enhance the sauce’s complexity. For a cheesier topping, mix some shredded Parmesan or mozzarella with the fried onions before baking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus can also add a fresh, crisp element. For those who love a hearty carb, a crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delectable sauce.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

A Family Favorite for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a dish to share at a potluck, or a hearty meal for a special gathering, this Easy Beef Stroganoff Casserole is sure to be a hit. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and simple preparation make it a standout recipe that will earn a permanent spot in your family’s meal rotation.

I genuinely hope you and your family find this Beef Stroganoff Casserole as comforting and delicious as we do. It’s truly a dish that brings smiles and satisfaction, making any night feel a little more special. If you decide to whip up this amazing casserole, please snap a picture and share it with me! You can tag me on Instagram @thebakermama – I absolutely love seeing your inspired creations from the recipes I share. Enjoy every delightful bite!

xoxo,

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

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• Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main

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Description

An easy casserole version of a classic, this Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a meal the whole family is sure to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces wide egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into strips
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. Cook egg noodles according to package directions and keep warm while you prepare the meat sauce. (Using beef broth to boil noodles adds extra flavor.)
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté for 8-10 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add the steak and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue to cook until beef is completely browned. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Let simmer over low heat while you prepare the thickening ingredients.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Whisk in milk until well combined. Stir the flour mixture into the meat mixture. Add sour cream and stir until completely combined.
4. Transfer cooked noodles to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the creamy beef mixture. Sprinkle with crispy fried onions.
5. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 30 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before serving.