There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of beef stroganoff, a classic dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This isn’t just any version, though! We’re putting a delightful, healthier spin on the traditional recipe with our High-Protein Beef Stroganoff. We achieve incredible creaminess using blended cottage cheese, making it rich without the heavy cream. Get ready for a satisfying, protein-packed meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Beef Stroganoff
You are going to adore this elevated Protein Beef Stroganoff for so many reasons. It truly makes weeknight cooking both easy and delicious.
- Packed with Protein: This hearty dish keeps you feeling full and satisfied, thanks to a significant protein boost.
- Classic Comfort, Healthier: Enjoy all the familiar, creamy flavors you love in a version that’s better for you.
- Quick & Easy: It comes together effortlessly, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is precious.
- Incredible Creamy Texture: Blended cottage cheese creates a velvety smooth sauce that everyone will rave about.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a larger batch and enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients for Protein Beef Stroganoff
This cottage cheese beef stroganoff recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- 1 cup cottage cheese, room temperature
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1/2 cup diced onion, about a medium-sized onion
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 5 cups beef broth
- 12 oz egg noodles, or your favorite pasta noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to serve
Notes & Substitutions
- Room temperature cottage cheese: Ensure your cottage cheese is at room temperature before blending for the smoothest possible sauce.
- Lean beef choice: For the beef, a lean ground beef like 90/10 also works well.
- Add extra vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers along with the mushrooms for more nutrients and flavor.
- Pasta alternatives: Swap egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or lentil-based pasta to boost fiber and protein.
- Low-sodium broth: Opt for a low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt content in your dish.
- Thyme substitution: If using dried thyme instead of fresh, use 1/3 teaspoon.
The Cleveland Clinic highlights the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese for weight loss and blood sugar control.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment to whip up this amazing high-protein stroganoff.
- A medium pot or large skillet with a lid is essential.
- A blender or immersion blender makes the cottage cheese perfectly smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- A wooden spoon or spatula is ideal for stirring and scraping.
How To Make This Healthy Stroganoff Recipe
Creating this flavorful High-Protein Beef Stroganoff is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.
1. Blend the cottage cheese:
- First, blend the room temperature cottage cheese until it is perfectly smooth and velvety. Set this aside.
2. Sauté the mushrooms:
- Next, heat a medium pot or large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced mushrooms. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and release their moisture, which usually takes about 8 minutes.
3. Cook the beef and onion:
- Stir in the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Continue cooking this mixture, stirring often, until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and the onion has softened. This typically takes another 8 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks.
4. Add garlic, thyme, and flour:
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the grated garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for just one more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture. Stir well, cooking the flour for about 2 minutes to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
5. Add liquids and noodles:
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and the beef broth, stirring continuously to combine everything smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle low boil.
- Add the egg noodles to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and cook, stirring every 3 minutes or so, until the noodles are cooked through to your desired tenderness. The noodles will absorb much of the liquid.
6. Finish with cottage cheese:
- Finally, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the previously blended cottage cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and beautifully creamy. Avoid boiling after adding the cottage cheese.
7. Serve and enjoy:
- Serve your delicious High-Protein Beef Stroganoff hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra grind of black pepper, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best High-Protein Beef Stroganoff
- Blend cottage cheese completely: Achieve a truly velvety sauce by blending your cottage cheese thoroughly until absolutely smooth. Don’t rush this step, as it’s key to the creamy texture.
- Brown the beef well: Maximize the flavor of your dish by ensuring the ground beef browns thoroughly. This develops rich, savory notes that are essential for a delicious stroganoff.
- Avoid flour clumps: To prevent any flour clumps in your sauce, sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and whisk or stir it in well before adding the liquids.
- Cook noodles just right: Pay close attention to your noodles; don’t overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Cook it until it’s just al dente for the best texture.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If your sauce appears too thick after cooking, simply add a splash more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not blending cottage cheese properly: A common mistake is not blending the cottage cheese properly; this can result in a grainy sauce instead of a smooth one.
- Overcrowding the pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the beef; doing so steams the meat instead of searing it, preventing a deep, rich flavor.
- Adding cottage cheese too early: Remember to add the blended cottage cheese only after removing the pot from the heat; adding cold cottage cheese directly to a boiling mixture can cause it to curdle.
- Forgetting to adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasonings; under-seasoning the dish can leave it bland.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make this low calorie beef stroganoff a go-to meal with these versatile ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a traditional touch: Serve this classic dish with extra freshly ground black pepper for a traditional touch.
- Pair with simple sides: Complement the rich flavors with simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp green salad.
- Include something to soak the sauce: A piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Garnish your stroganoff with fresh chives or dill for an added burst of freshness.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover High-Protein Beef Stroganoff promptly in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Adjust consistency: Add a splash of extra beef broth or water to thin the sauce slightly, as it may thicken in the refrigerator.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish is excellent for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout busy weeks.
Variations
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based sour cream alternative or homemade cashew cream in place of the cottage cheese.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of sliced mushrooms, plant-based ground “meat,” or hearty lentils.
- Chicken stroganoff: Swap the beef for ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter variation.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and thyme for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving for this delicious High-Protein Beef Stroganoff, based on four servings.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 709 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 72 g |
| Protein | 47 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 154 mg |
| Sodium | 1434 mg |
| Potassium | 1050 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 154 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 123 mg |
| Iron | 6 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes this stroganoff high-protein?
This recipe gets its significant protein boost from both the generous amount of ground beef and the use of cottage cheese as a creamy base. Cottage cheese is naturally rich in protein, making it an excellent addition.
Can I use a different type of beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef is easy, you can use thinly sliced sirloin, beef strips, or even stew meat cut into small pieces. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
Is it suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this High-Protein Beef Stroganoff is perfect for meal prepping. It reheats wonderfully, making it a convenient option for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Store it in individual airtight containers.
Can I freeze high-protein beef stroganoff?
You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What if my sauce is too thin/thick?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it gently for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken slightly. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This High-Protein Beef Stroganoff truly redefines comfort food, proving that healthier choices can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. It brings together rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture, all while packing a significant protein punch to keep you feeling great. I encourage you to try this updated classic in your kitchen soon; it’s perfect for busy weeknights and provides a wonderful, nourishing meal. Share your experience in the comments, or explore more easy recipes to boost your cooking confidence!
The Best Creamy High-Protein Beef Stroganoff – 7 Easy Steps
Equipment
- Blender
- medium pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese room temperature
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb mushrooms sliced
- pinch salt and pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 5 cups beef broth
- 12 oz egg noodles or favorite pasta noodles
- fresh parsley chopped, to serve
Instructions
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese in a blender until completely smooth and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot, add sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper; sauté for about 8 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for another 8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
- Add grated garlic and fresh thyme, sautéing for one minute, then sprinkle in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a low boil.
- Add egg noodles, cover the pot, and cook, stirring every 3 minutes, until the noodles are thoroughly cooked.
- Stir the blended cottage cheese into the pot until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve the stroganoff hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra ground black pepper.