Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Beef Stroganoff Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional beef stroganoff in an easy-to-make casserole format. Tender stewing beef, hearty mushrooms, and aromatic onions are combined with a rich and creamy sauce, then baked with egg noodles to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 cups halved mushrooms
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 2 tablespoons soft butter
• 2/3 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 8 ounces dry egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Preparing the Beef Mixture:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season Beef:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the stewing beef pieces with the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss until the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Sear Beef:
   • Heat the sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and halved mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and discard any excess liquid.
5. Prepare Sauce:
   • Return the skillet to medium heat and add the soft butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine, creating a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add Broth and Thyme:
   • Gradually pour in the low-sodium beef broth while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet and simmer the sauce until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs.

Assembling the Casserole:

7. Cook Noodles:
   • Meanwhile, cook the dry egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, and prepared sauce. Stir until all ingredients are well coated.
9. Layer Casserole:
   • Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
10. Top with Noodles:
    • Layer the cooked egg noodles evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
11. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
12. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the casserole. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Creamy Variation: For an extra creamy texture, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce before assembling the casserole.
• Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as Swiss or Gruyère, over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey and flavorful finish.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the stewing beef with diced seitan or extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, leftover Beef Stroganoff Casserole can be frozen for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I use different cuts of beef in this recipe? A: While stewing beef is traditional for beef stroganoff, you can also use other cuts such as sirloin or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut of beef used.

Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce in a convenient casserole format. Whether served for a cozy weeknight dinner or enjoyed as a crowd-pleasing meal for family and friends, this hearty dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try for a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love!