Cream Cheese Steak Stroganoff: A Decadent Twist on a Classic
Cream cheese steak stroganoff elevates the traditional comfort food to a new level of richness and flavor. This recipe combines tender steak, savory mushrooms, and a luscious cream cheese sauce that will leave you craving more. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something truly satisfying.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Enhanced Creaminess:** The addition of cream cheese creates an incredibly smooth and decadent sauce that clings beautifully to the steak and noodles.
* **Rich Flavor:** The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard deepens the umami notes and adds complexity to the dish.
* **Tender Steak:** Using a cut like sirloin or ribeye and cooking it quickly ensures a tender and juicy steak in every bite.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a customizable and comforting meal.
* **Relatively Quick:** Despite its elevated flavor profile, this dish can be prepared in about 45 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight indulgence.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak or Ribeye, cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick)
* 1 tbsp Olive oil
* 1 Yellow onion, chopped
* 8 oz Cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
* 1 cup Beef broth
* 1/2 cup Dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
* 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup Sour cream
* 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 lb Egg noodles or your preferred pasta/base
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Steak
1. **Slice the Steak:** If your butcher hasn’t already done so, thinly slice the steak against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures maximum tenderness. Pat the steak strips dry with paper towels. This helps get a good sear.
2. **Season the Steak:** In a bowl, toss the steak strips with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as this is the primary flavor for the meat. A little garlic powder or onion powder can also be added for extra flavor.
### Step 2: Sear the Steak
1. **Heat the Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the steak. A hot skillet is key to searing and browning the meat properly.
2. **Sear in Batches:** Add the steak strips to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set aside. It’s okay if the steak isn’t fully cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
1. **Sauté the Onion:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add the Mushrooms:** Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture, so cook until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are nicely browned.
3. **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
### Step 4: Make the Sauce
1. **Add Flour:** Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will help thicken the sauce. Make sure to cook the flour thoroughly to avoid a raw flour taste.
2. **Deglaze with Wine (Optional):** If using, pour the red wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the wine has reduced slightly.
3. **Add Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, and Mustard:** Pour the beef broth into the skillet and stir well to combine. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard and stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Stir in Cream Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated to avoid any lumps.
6. **Add Sour Cream:** Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it can curdle.
### Step 5: Combine and Finish
1. **Add the Steak:** Return the seared steak to the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat. Heat through for a minute or two, until the steak is warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough.
2. **Add Parsley:** Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
3. **Season to Taste:** Taste the stroganoff and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the saltiness of the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce can vary, so adjust accordingly.
### Step 6: Serve
1. **Cook the Noodles:** While the stroganoff is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2. **Serve:** Serve the cream cheese steak stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
## Tips for Success
* **Use a Good Cut of Steak:** The quality of the steak will greatly impact the final result. Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices because they are tender and flavorful. Avoid tougher cuts like flank steak unless you are willing to marinate them for an extended period of time.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the steak, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the steak to steam instead of sear.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the sauce. This will help it melt smoothly and evenly.
* **Don’t Boil After Adding Sour Cream:** Boiling the sauce after adding the sour cream can cause it to curdle. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently until the sour cream is incorporated.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** The sauce can be easily customized to your preferences. Add more beef broth for a thinner sauce, or more cream cheese for a thicker sauce. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
## Variations and Additions
* **Mushrooms:** Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor.
* **Onions:** Shallots can be used in place of yellow onions for a more delicate flavor.
* **Wine:** If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Herbs:** Fresh dill or thyme can be used in place of parsley.
* **Spicy Kick:** Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
* **Healthier Option:** Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Classic:** Serve over egg noodles for the most traditional experience.
* **Rice:** Fluffy white rice or brown rice are excellent alternatives to noodles.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the stroganoff.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stroganoff.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Store leftover cream cheese steak stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stroganoff in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
## Make Ahead Tips
* **Prep the Steak:** The steak can be sliced and seasoned ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Chop the Vegetables:** The onions, mushrooms, and garlic can be chopped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Make the Sauce:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the steak.
## Cream Cheese Steak Stroganoff Recipe
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak or Ribeye, cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick)
* 1 tbsp Olive oil
* 1 Yellow onion, chopped
* 8 oz Cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
* 1 cup Beef broth
* 1/2 cup Dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
* 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup Sour cream
* 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 lb Egg noodles or your preferred pasta/base
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl
**Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Steak:** If your butcher hasn’t already done so, thinly slice the steak against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Pat the steak strips dry with paper towels. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Steak:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. **Make the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. If using, pour the red wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the wine has reduced slightly. Pour the beef broth into the skillet and stir well to combine. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard and stir until everything is evenly incorporated. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream.
5. **Combine and Finish:** Return the seared steak to the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat. Heat through for a minute or two, until the steak is warmed through. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the stroganoff and add salt and pepper as needed.
6. **Serve:** While the stroganoff is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set aside. Serve the cream cheese steak stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy this decadent twist on a classic comfort food! This Cream Cheese Steak Stroganoff is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavor and creamy texture.