Beef Stroganoff is a dish that brings warmth and coziness to any meal, and when transformed into a casserole, it becomes a hearty and convenient family favorite. This recipe for Beef Stroganoff Casserole takes all the beloved elements of the classic dish—tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce—and layers them into a baked casserole that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
I first encountered this dish at a family gathering during the chilly autumn months. My aunt, always known for her comforting meals, served this Beef Stroganoff Casserole, and it quickly became a staple at our holiday dinners. The rich aroma of beef and mushrooms baking in the oven was irresistible, and the first bite of that creamy, savory goodness was nothing short of a revelation. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate not just the delicious flavors, but also the ease of preparing a meal that can be prepped in advance and enjoyed by the whole family.
This casserole is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting home-cooked meal with minimal fuss. By combining all the ingredients in one dish and letting the oven do the work, you get a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions based on personal preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
1½ pounds of stewing beef
1½ cups of halved mushrooms
1 large chopped onion
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
⅓ cup of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of table salt
½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
½ teaspoon of paprika
2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
2 tablespoons of soft butter
⅔ cup of low sodium beef broth
Dry egg noodles (I used an 8-ounce package)
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This will ensure that the casserole bakes evenly and the beef becomes tender over a slow cooking time.
Mix Flour and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of table salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Mix these ingredients thoroughly and set aside. This mixture will be used to coat the beef, enhancing its flavor and creating a delicious crust during cooking.
2. Prepare the Beef
Trim and Coat Beef: Take 1½ pounds of stewing beef and trim away any excess fat. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Toss the beef pieces in the prepared flour mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly. This coating will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and 2 tablespoons of soft butter over medium-high heat until the butter has melted. Add the coated beef pieces to the skillet. Cook the beef for about 3 minutes on each side, or until a crust forms. This step adds depth of flavor and a satisfying texture to the meat.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer the browned beef, along with any juices from the skillet, into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add 1½ cups of halved mushrooms and 1 large chopped onion to the dish. The mushrooms and onions will add a wonderful umami flavor to the casserole.
Add Thyme and Broth: Place 4 sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour ⅔ cup of low sodium beef broth over the ingredients. This will help create a flavorful sauce as the casserole bakes. Mix everything well to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. The slow cooking time allows the beef to become fork-tender and the flavors to meld together. If using an oven-safe lid, you can use that instead of foil.
4. Prepare the Noodles and Sauce
Cook Egg Noodles: While the casserole is baking, cook the dry egg noodles according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. This will ensure that the noodles don’t become mushy when baked in the casserole. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
Prepare Gravy Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, a gravy cube, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess and a rich flavor to the casserole. You can adjust the amount of gravy cube based on your preference for seasoning.
5. Finish Baking and Serve
Increase Oven Temperature: After 2 hours of baking, remove the casserole from the oven. Discard the thyme sprigs and raise the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked egg noodles and the prepared gravy mixture into the casserole. Mix everything until well combined. The noodles will absorb some of the sauce, and the gravy mixture will thicken and add richness to the dish.
Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling. This final baking step ensures that everything is heated through and the flavors are well blended.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
Beef Alternatives: You can substitute the stewing beef with ground beef or sliced beef sirloin if you prefer a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Mushroom Choices: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
Noodle Options: While egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta, such as rotini or penne. Ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy sour cream or cream substitute and ensure that the gravy cube is also dairy-free.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary for an extra kick of flavor.
Summary
Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering the rich flavors of beef stroganoff in a convenient and comforting casserole form. Its ability to be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready makes it a perfect choice for busy days or special occasions. The combination of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce layered with egg noodles creates a dish that is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit, bringing warmth and comfort to your table with every bite.
