Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts

Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts is a classic comfort food mash-up. Made with a sauteed mushroom and beef sauce piled-high on French bread, and baked until cheesy!

Hi! I’m back! Well, I officially never really left-left more of a temporary leave of absence. Life has been in sprint mode for the past couple months. Instead of sprinting a hundred yard dash, I have sprinted what feels like a marathon, but maybe that’s the way life is for most folks these days? 

Truth: I’ve been MIA on the blog for a bit because we started our much needed kitchen remodel in July. The whole process was enlightening. I’m very thankful we had our previous upstairs renovation under our belt for perspective because it definitely put doing dishes in the bathtub under a list of things that could have been worse. For the record, I will never take running water for granted. 

Anyway, we are in the home stretch of the remodel and our contractor (WHO IS A SAINT!) is finishing up all those glorious details like trim, paint, etc. I can’t wait to show you the finished product because not only does the house feel better, it now is a space where I can create and get back to feeding you! 

Things around the blog should be back to normal operating hours with new posts going live on Tuesday and Thursday. I’m ecstatic to get back in the kitchen and be curious, playful, and creative. Hopefully this new kitchen adventure will burp up some fun and exciting recipes that we can all giggle about in the old folks home! 

Alright……onward! 

Back in recipe action with a personal favorite of mine because you know that I love a good mash-up. A few of our go-tos that I’ve created: Trashed- Up Steak Burger, Slow Cooker Pot Roast Sandwiches, Curry Veggie Burger, and now, Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts. The recipe itself hails from my cookbook: Modern Comfort Cooking but I figured it needed a resting place on The Curious Plate as well. 

What is Beef Stroganoff? 

Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish known for its rich and creamy sauce, tender pieces of beef, and typically served over egg noodles or rice. The key components of a traditional Beef Stroganoff dish include: 

• Beef: thinly sliced strips of beef, often from tender cuts like sirloin or filet mignon, are used. The beef is typically seared or browned in a hot pan, which adds flavor and tenderness. 
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, such as button or cremini, are sautéed along with the beef to add an earthy, umami flavor to the dish.
• Onions: diced or sliced onions are usually added to the pan, contributing sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: the sauce is enriched with sour cream or heavy cream, creating a creamy and luscious texture. 
• Broth or Wine: some recipes include beef broth or white wine, which is used to deglaze the pan and further enhance the sauce’s flavor.
• Seasonings: common seasonings include garlic, paprika, and sometimes mustard or Worcestershire sauce for additional depth of flavor. Salt and pepper are used to taste.

Ingredients Used to Make Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts

The dish is usually served hot, and the creamy sauce coats the beef, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It’s often garnished with fresh herbs like parsley and can be served with a side of noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, depending on regional variations and personal preferences. For this version you will need: 

• Loaf of French Bread – a baguette will work as too.
• Olive oil
• Cremini Mushrooms – or any favorite mushroom you have on hand!
• Kosher salt and ground pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Yellow onion – white onion works as well
• Garlic
• Ground beef – feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or make it vegetarian by adding more mushrooms
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Beef broth
• Dijon mustard
• Sour cream – keep it on the lighter side by using Greek yogurt instead
• Havarti cheese  – any shredded cheese will work – try mozzarella too!
• Fresh Parsley

How to Cook Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts

Making these toasts at home couldn’t be easier! These simple steps will help you achieve the best results and ensure a delicious, and perfectly cooked meal:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Place the French loaf halves on the baking sheet and scoop out some of the extra bread, leaving room to nestle the beef stroganoff. Set the baking sheet aside.

In a large Dutch oven preheated to medium-high heat, add the olive oil and mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms until slightly golden brown, about 3 minutes, and then add 1/2 tsp of kosher salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Keep sauteing the mushrooms until they are golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the mushrooms from the Dutch oven and place them into a mixing bowl. Set mushrooms aside.

Turn the heat to medium and melt the butter in the Dutch oven. Once the butter has melted, add the onion, garlic, 1/2 tsp of kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp of ground pepper. Saute the veggies until they are softened. Next, add the ground beef and using a wooden spoon to break up the meat, cook the beef until it is no longer pink, or for about 5 minutes. Add the cooked mushrooms back in and stir to thoroughly combine.

Add the flour and paprika to the ground beef and begin to stir until the flour has been cooked out, or about 1 to 2 minutes. Next, pour in the beef stock and stir to make sure everything is well combined. Bring the ingredients in the Dutch oven to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes and then remove the Dutch oven from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard and sour cream.

Next, divide the beef stroganoff mixture between the two loaf halves. Top each halve with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake the loaves for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the loaves cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, cut the loaves into squared-sized toasts and garnish with tops of parsley!

Easy Variations for Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts

Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:

• Mushroom Lovers’ Stroganoff: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you can increase the mushroom content in the stroganoff filling. Add a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or portobello for extra earthy flavors.
• Creamy Spinach Stroganoff: Incorporate sautéed spinach into the stroganoff sauce for added nutrients and a burst of green color. This is a great way to sneak in some vegetables.
• Chicken Stroganoff Toasts: Swap out the beef for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for a lighter alternative. The cooking time for the chicken may be slightly different, so adjust accordingly.
• Vegetarian Stroganoff: For a meatless version, substitute the beef with meat alternatives like tempeh, or tofu. You can also use a mix of hearty vegetables, such as cauliflower, for a satisfying vegetarian stroganoff.
• Vegan Stroganoff Toasts: Replace dairy products with vegan alternatives. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of sour cream and a plant-based butter spread for the French bread toasts. Tofu or temph can serve as the protein source in the vegan stroganoff.
• Gluten-Free Stroganoff Toasts: If you have dietary restrictions, choose gluten-free French bread or bread alternatives. Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Spicy Stroganoff: Add a kick of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños into the stroganoff sauce. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of spiciness.
• Stroganoff with Noodles: Instead of French bread toasts, serve your stroganoff over egg noodles or pappardelle for a more traditional presentation.

Proper Storing

Here are some guidelines on how to store Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts:

• Fridge: If you have leftover Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts, you can store them in the refrigerator. Allow the toasts to cool to room temperature if they are hot. Next, use an airtight container to store the toasts and the stroganoff filling separately. If the toasts have been assembled, it’s best to separate them. Place the French bread toasts in one container and the stroganoff filling in another. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts for a longer period, you can freeze them. Allow the toasts to cool completely if they are hot. Place the toasts and the stroganoff filling in separate airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label and date the containers or bags. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the stored Beef Stroganoff French Bread Toasts:
  • If frozen, thaw the components in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave using the defrost setting.
  • Reheat the stroganoff filling on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
  • Toast the French bread separately in a toaster or oven to restore its crispiness.
  • Reassemble the toasts with the heated stroganoff filling, and enjoy!

NOTE: It’s important to note that while the stroganoff filling can be frozen and reheated, the bread may not retain its original crisp texture after freezing and thawing.