When I think of our family’s Brazilian Stroganoff recipe, it’s like a warm hug on a plate, bringing back memories of special occasions. Whether it was a birthday, a welcome-home celebration, or just a good excuse to gather around the table, this dish—affectionately dubbed “strogo” in our house—was always the star of the show.
Food has a unique way of connecting us to cherished moments, and this recipe holds a special place in the hearts of my parents, siblings, and even our extended family. Over the years, our spouses and partners have come to love this treasured dish too. It was generously shared with my mother by a dear family friend, Elení Tabacow, and as long as I can remember, Elení’s strogo has been a beloved staple in our home.
This Brazilian Beef Stroganoff is a rich, flavorful stew made with tender pieces of meat, all bathed in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. At our house, it’s traditionally served with white rice and plantains. For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, you can easily swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or celery root mash. You can also try Brazilian chicken stroganoff recipe.
Known as Estrogonofe de Carne in Portuguese, Brazilian Stroganoff may be a daily staple in Brazil, but its origins are actually Russian. The key difference between the classic Russian version and the Brazilian adaptation lies in the ingredients. While the Russian recipe uses mustard, vegetable or beef broth, and finishes with sour cream, the Brazilian version features tomato sauce mixed with heavy cream and is almost always served with white rice or potato sticks.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a piece of our family’s history. I hope you enjoy this Brazilian Stroganoff as much as we do, and that it becomes a cherished recipe in your home too.
Brazilian stroganoff recipe quick facts
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 portions
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary notes: Gluten-free, Low-carb (with modifications)
Brazilian stroganoff recipe ingredients
Brazilian stroganoff recipe Main Components
- 5 tablespoons butter: For rich flavor and browning the meat.
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak, cubed or cut into thin, short strips for tender, juicy bites.
- 1 pound white button mushrooms, sliced to add earthy, umami richness.
- 1 pound onion, chopped for depth and sweetness.
- 1 can tomato soup: The base of the sauce, giving it a sweet, tangy flavor.
- 3 tablespoons cognac: Adds a layer of warmth and sophistication (optional but recommended).
- 2 cups heavy cream: To create that luscious, creamy texture.
- Salt & black pepper: To season to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Stroganoff recipe
This Brazilian Stroganoff recipe is comfort food at its finest—creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s a recipe with roots and stories, making it even more special when you share it with your loved ones.
Brazilian Stroganoff recipe: Our Favorite Family Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter: For rich flavor and browning the meat.
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak cubed or cut into thin, short strips for tender, juicy bites.
- 1 pound white button mushrooms sliced to add earthy, umami richness.
- 1 pound onion chopped for depth and sweetness.
- 1 can tomato soup: The base of the sauce giving it a sweet, tangy flavor.
- 3 tablespoons cognac: Adds a layer of warmth and sophistication optional but recommended.
- 2 cups heavy cream: To create that luscious creamy texture.
- Salt & black pepper: To season to perfection.
Instructions
Prepare the Meat
- Season the Meat: Lightly season the cubed steak with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the Meat: Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted and sizzling, brown the meat in batches, cooking each piece for about 1-2 minutes per side. This ensures a nice sear without overcrowding the pan. Transfer the browned meat to a bowl and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Cook the Onions: In the same skillet or Dutch oven, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, deglazing the pan as much as possible.
- Combine: Return the browned meat to the pan with the onions. Let everything simmer together until the meat is tender—this can take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the cut and size of your beef.
- Add Mushrooms and Tomato Soup: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and the can of tomato soup. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Cognac: Pour in the heavy cream and cognac, and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the stroganoff simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop a rich, rust color.
Serve
- Serve: Brazilian stroganoff is traditionally served with white rice and matchstick fries. In my house, we serve it with white rice and tostones (fried green plantains) for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutrition
Tips for Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, and Vegan/Vegetarian Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your tomato soup is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Swap out the white rice for cauliflower rice or celery root mash. You can also skip the potato sticks or substitute them with crispy zucchini fries.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace the beef with mushrooms, tofu, or seitan. Use a plant-based cream and a vegan-friendly tomato soup. The cognac is optional but can be substituted with a splash of vegetable broth for depth.
Brazilian Stroganoff recipe Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Brazilian Stroganoff recipe Notes and Tips
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day ahead, and the flavors will only deepen. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add more herbs, a dash of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the stroganoff.
This Brazilian Stroganoff recipe is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a slice of our family’s history. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this dish as we do. It’s perfect for any occasion and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you want to try other family staples click here: Mexican tomato soup, Cuban shredded beef & Kefta meatballs tajine with eggs
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