Beef stroganoff is a hearty, creamy comfort food that has become a weeknight dinner staple. Many traditional recipes call for a can of cream of mushroom soup to create the rich, velvety sauce. However, it’s easy to make delicious beef stroganoff without relying on processed canned soups.
In this guide, I will share 12 simple ingredient swaps and techniques to give you a creamy, from-scratch beef stroganoff that’s just as satisfying. With a few easy substitutions, you can ditch the cream of mushroom soup but still end up with a tender, flavorful beef dish smothered in a luscious gravy
Why Make Beef Stroganoff without Canned Soup?
Here are some of the benefits of creating your own sauce for beef stroganoff rather than using a canned cream soup:
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Allows you to control the ingredients You can avoid additives, preservatives, or other unwanted ingredients
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Creates a fresher, brighter flavor. Homemade sauce has a less processed taste.
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Lets you adjust the thickness and creaminess. You can make the sauce as rich as you prefer.
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Saves money in the long run. Making your own sauce is cheaper than buying canned soup.
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Adds versatility You can modify the flavors more easily
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Improves the nutrition profile. Homemade sauce has less sodium than most canned soups.
Easy Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup
If you want to keep the convenience but improve the nutrition of beef stroganoff, look for low-sodium organic cream soups without additives. But making your own creamy sauce opens up many possibilities!
Here are 12 simple ingredient swaps to replace canned cream of mushroom soup:
1. Sour Cream
Sour cream is naturally thick and tangy. Just whisk in enough to get the texture you want.
2. Plain Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and its thickness mimics canned soup.
3. Silken Tofu
Blended silken tofu can provide a rich, creamy base for homemade sauce.
4. Cashew Cream
For a plant-based option, blend soaked raw cashews into a luscious cashew cream.
5. Coconut Milk
The thickness of full-fat coconut milk replicates the consistency of cream soup.
6. Heavy Cream
Add as much heavy cream as needed to get the ideal thickness and richness.
7. Half and Half
For a lighter cream sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
8. Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk has a creamy texture similar to condensed canned soups.
9. Cottage Cheese
Pureed cottage cheese makes a protein-packed, creamy sauce.
10. Ricotta Cheese
Smooth ricotta cheese blends into beef stroganoff sauce seamlessly.
11. Mascarpone
The soft texture of mascarpone melts into a perfect gravy-like sauce.
12. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese whisks smoothly into a rich, thick sauce.
Tips for Making Beef Stroganoff without Canned Soup
Once you’ve chosen your base for the homemade sauce, here are some tips to maximize flavor and texture:
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Sauté aromatics like onion and garlic first to build a flavorful sauce base.
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Cook the beef well until nicely browned to develop deep, savory notes.
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Deglaze the pan with a small amount of broth or wine to pick up any flavorful browned bits.
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For a thicker sauce, make a blonde roux by cooking flour briefly in the fat left in the pan before adding liquid.
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Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
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Finish with a pat of butter or splash of cream for extra richness and sheen.
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Season well with salt, pepper and herbs like parsley, dill or thyme.
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Serve over wide egg noodles, mashed potatoes or even cauliflower rice.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, dollop of sour cream or splash of vinegar for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Top sirloin, tenderized round steak, or chuck roast work well, but you can also use ground beef for simplicity.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Fully prepare the stroganoff, then reheat gently over medium-low heat. Or cook the beef mixture ahead and make the final sauce right before serving.
What herbs complement the flavor?
Fresh parsley, dill, chives, thyme and tarragon all enhance the flavor of beef stroganoff.
Is wine a good addition?
Definitely! Deglaze the pan with a dry white wine like chardonnay or use red wine to deepen the flavors.
Should I use egg noodles or regular pasta?
Wide egg noodles are traditional, but pappardelle, fettuccine or ribbon cuts also work nicely and hold the creamy sauce.
What about mushrooms – are they necessary?
No, mushrooms are optional! But they add terrific umami flavor and make the sauce seem extra hearty.
Can I make this on the stovetop or in a slow cooker?
You can prepare classic beef stroganoff easily either on the stovetop or in a multi-functional slow cooker set to high heat.
What sides go well with beef stroganoff?
Some tasty pairings include roasted vegetables, crispy garlic bread, a simple salad, or even just a garnish of fresh parsley.
