This Affordable Meal Was A Classic And Quick Dish For Boomer Parents

A few millennials out there might remember eating beef stroganoff growing up, but the dish was far more common in boomer times. While its name goes back to Russian nobility, beef stroganoff hit its peak during the 1950s and 1960s. There are a few variations of the dish, but it tends to consist of thinly sliced strips of beef, onions, and mushrooms with a creamy, spiced sauce. It's generally served over egg noodles, or with a side of rice or veggies.

There are a few major reasons why this dish was such a vital part of the mid-century. It first arrived in restaurants during the 1930s, and over the next few decades, it became a popular item in eateries across the nation. It wasn't long before it was in home kitchens as well. For one thing, beef rationing during WWII meant that it became a craved luxury after the war ended, especially for soldiers who had tried beef stroganoff while abroad. People wanted the indulgence of beef dishes, and this one could be made with even the cheapest cuts.

In the 1960s and 1970s, a few manufacturers started creating instant versions of the mushroomy favorite, so all families needed to add was beef, water, and sour cream to cook the previously-considered-fancy dish. Batches large enough for whole families werequickly whipped up, as fast meals were the name of the game during those decades. Beef stroganoff faded in popularity as millennials looked for fresher options over cheap, super-processed meals. However, the inexpensive ingredients and hearty sauce make this one vintage family dinner that deserves a comeback.

It may not look very appetizing to those of us used to modern plating, but as one Reddit user put it, "Stroganoff isn't meant to be beautiful, it just has to taste good and feel comfortable." Another user recalled the dish from their childhood, saying, "Ah man, this was such an awesome comfort food growing up, and really hit the spot during cold weather." 

Beef stroganoff hasn't had a resurgence (yet), but it's still a simple meal to make from scratch. This is one recipe you'll find in any midcentury church cookbook, but there are plenty of online recipes, too. For a basic version, cut up your beef of choice and sauté it with onions. Add broth and seasonings to the browned beef, and use flour to thicken the mix. Once the mixture has reduced somewhat, stir in mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream, then simmer until it's smooth and everything is soft. You can also use cream of mushroom soup in place of the broth and sour cream. Serve it with egg noodles or veggies, and that's all it takes to relive a comfort food of simpler times.

For a vegan option, use plant-based meat or shredded mushrooms for tons of umami flavor. Consider freezing it in advance and portioning it out for multiple future meals. You can use an Instant Pot when cooking stroganoff or buy some powdered stroganoff sauce mix to make the cooking process even easier.