If you’re searching for a comforting solo dinner, this quick beef stroganoff for one is the perfect small-batch recipe. It delivers all the cozy, creamy flavors of classic stroganoff—tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a velvety sauce—without leftovers or extra dishes. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal when you want something hearty but fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Beef Stroganoff for One
This recipe is designed for anyone cooking just for themselves but still wanting something warm and satisfying. It uses a single skillet, pantry-friendly ingredients, and simple techniques to deliver a restaurant-quality dinner without the waste of scaling down a large recipe. The sauce is rich and creamy, the beef stays tender, and the entire dish comes together quickly enough for busy evenings.
You’ll also love how customizable it is—swap the noodles for rice, lighten it with Greek yogurt, or switch the protein to chicken if needed. It’s small-batch comfort food at its best.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef & Sauce
- 6 oz beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup diced onions
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp coarse black pepper
- Optional: Replace white wine with ¼ cup additional broth + 1 tsp lemon juice for a bright, alcohol-free alternative.
For the Noodles
- 2 oz dry wide egg noodles
- ½ tbsp salted butter
For Serving
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
How to Make Quick Beef Stroganoff for One (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Prep and Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic, then cook for 4–5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. This builds the savory base of the sauce.
Step 2 — Brown the Beef
Add the sliced beef sirloin to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned on the outside but still tender.
Step 3 — Create the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat. This helps thicken the sauce naturally without adding extra dishes.
Step 4 — Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth (and lemon-broth mixture if skipping wine) along with Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky gravy.
Step 5 — Prepare the Noodles
While the sauce simmers, boil the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with butter to keep them soft and flavorful.
Step 6 — Finish with Creaminess
Turn off the heat and stir the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the sauce. This gives the stroganoff its signature creamy finish without curdling.
Step 7 — Serve
Spoon the creamy beef mixture over the buttered noodles and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the protein: Thin-sliced chicken breast or lean ground beef works wonderfully.
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the butter by half.
- Thicker sauce: Simmer 1–2 extra minutes or add another teaspoon of flour before the broth.
- More flavor depth: Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of paprika.
- Different base: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
Serving Ideas & Storage
This stroganoff is delicious on its own, but pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Since it’s designed for one serving, you likely won’t have leftovers—but if you do, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid separating the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~525 |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbs | ~42g |
| Fat | ~26g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~560mg |
Final Thoughts
Easy, comforting, and perfectly portioned, this quick beef stroganoff for one is the ideal answer to a busy night when you want something warm and homemade. With simple ingredients and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a solo dinner that feels anything but ordinary.