Stroganoff Casserole with a Twist: Comfort Food Elevated
Stroganoff, a dish traditionally made with beef, sour cream, and mushrooms, is a classic comfort food. But sometimes, even classics need a little reimagining. This Stroganoff Casserole with a Twist takes the familiar flavors we love and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying bake that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This recipe elevates the traditional stroganoff by incorporating unexpected ingredients and a layered presentation, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
## Why This Stroganoff Casserole is a Must-Try
* **Comfort Food Reinvented:** It takes the classic flavors of stroganoff and presents them in a fun, casserole format.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is surprisingly easy to assemble.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** A great make-ahead meal that can be baked when you’re ready to eat.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with family and friends.
* **Versatile:** Adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences; easily made vegetarian or gluten-free.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe serves 6-8 people.
**For the Stroganoff Base:**
* 1.5 lbs Beef Sirloin, cut into thin strips (or substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or vegetarian protein)
* 1 large Onion, chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
* 1/2 cup Dry Sherry (or beef broth)
* 2 cups Beef Broth
* 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
* Salt and Black Pepper to taste
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil
* 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 1 cup Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternative)
**For the “Twist” & Casserole Assembly:**
* 1 lb Egg Noodles, cooked according to package directions
* 1 cup Frozen Peas
* 1/2 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
* 1 cup Shredded Gruyere Cheese (or Swiss cheese, or a vegan cheese alternative)
* 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
* 2 tbsp Melted Butter (or olive oil)
**Optional Toppings:**
* Fresh Parsley, chopped
* Extra Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Crispy Fried Onions
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Stroganoff Casserole with a Twist.
**Step 1: Prepare the Beef (or Substitute)**
* **If using beef sirloin:** In a large bowl, toss the beef strips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This will season the meat evenly and enhance its flavor during cooking.
* **If using ground beef or turkey:** No need to pre-season. You’ll be browning it directly in the next step.
* **If using a vegetarian protein:** Follow the package instructions to prepare it. Some vegetarian proteins may benefit from a quick sear or sauté to add texture and flavor.
**Step 2: Brown the Beef (or Substitute)**
* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef to get a good sear.
* **For beef sirloin:** Add the beef strips to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
* **For ground beef or turkey:** Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
* **For vegetarian protein:** Sear or sauté the protein according to package directions, adding a little olive oil to the skillet if needed. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
**Step 4: Create the Stroganoff Sauce**
* If using, pour the dry sherry (or beef broth) into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
* Add the beef broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend) with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce without creating lumps.
* Slowly pour the flour slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative). Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it can cause it to curdle. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, and chopped fresh dill. Toss to combine. The peas add a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole, while the dill adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
* Add the stroganoff sauce and the cooked beef (or substitute) to the noodle mixture. Stir well to ensure that all the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the beef is distributed throughout.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
* Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese, or vegan cheese alternative) evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, bubbly topping.
* In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) with the melted butter (or olive oil). Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. This will create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
* Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**
* Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep a close eye on the casserole to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley, extra sour cream or Greek yogurt, or crispy fried onions, if desired. These toppings add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
* Serve the Stroganoff Casserole with a Twist hot. Enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the beef with sliced portobello mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free egg noodles, gluten-free flour for the sauce, and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Cream Cheese variation:** Add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the stroganoff sauce for an extra creamy texture.
* **Wine pairing:** Serve with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## Conclusion
This Stroganoff Casserole with a Twist is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender beef (or substitute), and cheesy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. The addition of peas and dill elevates the classic stroganoff flavors, while the casserole format makes it easy to serve and enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in this comforting and flavorful casserole. Enjoy!
## Enjoy! Bon appétit!