Beef Stroganoff with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup

Beef Stroganoff is a timeless classic that has graced dinner tables worldwide for generations. This creamy, savory dish is known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. In this article, we will delve into the delightful world of Beef Stroganoff made with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, exploring its history, ingredients, preparation, and tips for creating the perfect bowl of comfort.

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup: A Time-Tested Kitchen Staple

Before delving into the specifics of using Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup in Beef Stroganoff, it’s important to understand this iconic canned soup’s role in the culinary world. Campbell’s Soup Company, founded in 1869, is a household name that has provided convenient and delicious solutions to home cooks for over a century. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is one of their most popular products, and it has been a pantry staple for countless households.

The cream of mushroom soup is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a base for various dishes, including casseroles, gravies, and Beef Stroganoff. Its creamy texture and rich mushroom flavor make it an ideal choice for enhancing the sauce in this classic dish.

Using Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup in your Beef Stroganoff recipe offers several advantages:

Convenience: The soup comes ready to use, eliminating the need to make a roux or prepare a mushroom-based sauce from scratch. This convenience can be a time-saver for busy home cooks.
Consistency: Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup provides a consistent and reliable flavor profile, ensuring that your Beef Stroganoff will taste delicious every time you make it.
Mushroom Flavor: The soup contains real mushrooms, which add an authentic mushroom flavor to the sauce, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
Creaminess: The soup’s creamy consistency contributes to the velvety texture of the Beef Stroganoff sauce.
Long Shelf Life: Canned soup has a long shelf life, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for impromptu Beef Stroganoff cravings.

Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup

Now that we’ve explored the history of Beef Stroganoff and the role of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup let’s move on to the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this classic dish. Here’s a list of the essential components:

For the Beef Stroganoff:

Beef: The traditional choice is thinly sliced beef sirloin or tenderloin. You can also use beef strips or cubes for a heartier version.
Onions: Sliced onions add a sweet and savory element to the dish.
Mushrooms: While white button mushrooms are commonly used, you can experiment with other mushroom varieties like cremini or shiitake for different flavor profiles.
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the base of the creamy sauce and imparts a rich mushroom flavor.
Sour Cream: Sour cream provides tanginess and additional creaminess to the sauce.
Beef Broth: Beef broth enhances the beefy flavor of the dish and adds depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Minced garlic cloves contribute aromatic flavor.
Butter and Cooking Oil: Butter adds richness while cooking oil prevents the butter from burning at higher temperatures.
Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, black pepper, and paprika. Some variations also use Worcestershire sauce for a hint of umami.

For Serving:

Egg Noodles or Rice: Beef Stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles or steamed rice, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color as a garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now that we have all our ingredients ready let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Beef Stroganoff with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by thinly slicing the beef into strips if using sirloin or tenderloin. If you’re using beef strips or cubes, ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika over the beef. The paprika imparts a gentle, smoky essence and enhances the meat’s flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef

Begin by heating a spacious skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat. Then, combine both butter and cooking oil in the pan. The butter imparts a rich flavor, while the oil serves to prevent it from scorching.
After the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully introduce the seasoned beef into the pan. Proceed to sauté the beef until it achieves a golden-brown color on all sides, typically requiring about 3-5 minutes. It may be necessary to perform this step in multiple batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, as overcrowding can result in steaming rather than browning.
Please take out the browned beef from the pan and place it on a plate, setting it aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Using the same pan, add a little more butter if necessary. Next, introduce the sliced onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent, typically requiring about 2-3 minutes.
Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook them until they reach a tender and browned state, which typically takes an additional 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release moisture during cooking, but as they evaporate, they can brown.
Include the minced garlic and continue to cook for an extra 1-2 minutes or until it becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Return the sautéed beef to the pan with the onions, mushrooms, and garlic.
Pour a can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and the beef broth into the pan. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to combine, and then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat to a low setting and allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream

After simmering, take the pan off the heat.
Stir in sour cream to add creaminess and a hint of tanginess to the sauce. The sour cream should be fully incorporated, creating a velvety, creamy sauce.

Serving Your Delicious Creation

Your Beef Stroganoff with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is now ready to be served. Here are a few serving tips:

Plate your Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve alongside steamed vegetables and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for a Delicious Beef Stroganoff

To make your Beef Stroganoff with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup even more delicious, consider these tips:

Choose Quality Beef: Use a high-quality cut of beef for the best results. Tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin work well.
Sauté for Flavor: Properly searing the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic add depth of flavor to the dish.
Don’t Overheat Sour Cream: Be cautious when adding sour cream to the hot sauce to prevent curdling. Add it off the heat and gently warm it through.
Experiment with Variations: While this recipe provides a classic approach, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or a splash of white wine for extra flavor complexity.
Garnish Creatively: You can enhance your Beef Stroganoff by garnishing it with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives to add a burst of freshness and color.

Beef Stroganoff with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is a delightful and easy-to-make comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, creamy sauce, tender beef, and earthy mushrooms make it a crowd-pleaser. So, why wait? Whip up this classic dish and savor the comforting flavors today!