If you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and just downright delicious, you’ve gotta try this Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe. I’ve made lots of stroganoff variations over the years, but this one stands out because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a million steps. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The creme fraiche makes the sauce incredibly silky without being overpowering.
- Hearty and Filling: Thick pork sausages provide juicy, satisfying flavor and protein.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at just about 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you love egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this recipe pairs beautifully with whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients blend beautifully to create a savory, smoky, and creamy dish. When shopping, I usually pick fresh chestnut mushrooms for their earthy flavor and thick pork sausages for juiciness and depth.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin if you can for the best flavor when browning the sausages.
- Thick Pork Sausages: Choose good quality sausages, as they’re the star here; avoid overly spiced types to keep the balance.
- Butter: Adds richness for cooking the veggies.
- Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce smoothly.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic shines through—don’t skimp here!
- Chestnut Mushrooms: Their firm texture holds up well, adding an amazing meaty bite.
- Tomato Puree: Just a tablespoon is perfect to add a subtle tang and depth.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a mild sharpness that lifts the whole dish.
- Smoked Paprika: This is my secret weapon—it adds a smoky warmth without heat.
- Chicken Stock: Use low sodium if you can, so you control the salt better.
- Creme Fraiche: Or soured cream if you prefer; it’s key for that creamy finish without curdling.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh note when sprinkled on top.
Variations
I love that this Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe is super versatile—you can make it your own depending on mood or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to get creative!
- Vegetarian Version: I once swapped the sausages for smoked tofu and used vegetable broth, and it still came out amazingly flavorful.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili to the pan with the garlic for a warming heat.
- Mushroom Medley: Mix chestnut mushrooms with shiitakes or creminis for extra earthiness.
- Herb Changes: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or dill for a completely different herbaceous twist.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages to Lock in Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your thick pork sausages. Brown them evenly on all sides until they’re nicely caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. The key here is not to rush—letting the sausages develop that golden crust really amps up the flavor. Once browned, remove them to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through yet; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Mushrooms Until Soft
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking gently until translucent and fragrant, around 4-5 minutes. Toss in the sliced chestnut mushrooms and keep cooking until they release their moisture and become tender and golden. This step builds the foundation of your sauce, so take your time for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Puree, Dijon, and Smoked Paprika
Now, stir in the tomato puree, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. This trio brings a lovely tang and smoky warmth that complements the sausages beautifully. Cook everything together for a minute or so to let the flavors meld and the tomato puree to cook out a bit, avoiding any raw taste.
Step 4: Simmer with Stock and Return Sausages
Pour in your chicken stock and add the browned sausages back into the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cover loosely. Let it cook for about 15 minutes—this is when those sausages finish cooking and absorb all those delicious flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened slightly and the sausages feel firm but juicy.
Step 5: Finish with Creme Fraiche and Season
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the creme fraiche gently. This gives the sauce its signature creamy texture without curdling. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, then sprinkle over your chopped fresh parsley for that fresh lift.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown sausages in batches if you need to to get an even sear without steaming.
- Watch Your Heat: Simmer gently after adding stock so the sauce thickens gradually without burning.
- Creme Fraiche Finish: Add creme fraiche off the heat or on very low heat to avoid it splitting.
- Use Fresh Parsley: It brightens this rich dish wonderfully and balances the earthy mushrooms.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this stroganoff with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds just the right bit of color and freshness that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy when I serve this over egg noodles—the noodles soak up all that luscious sauce perfectly. But rice or mashed potatoes are equally fantastic if you want something more comforting or gluten-free.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to heap the stroganoff into a pretty shallow bowl and garnish with extra parsley and a dollop of creme fraiche on the side. A side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad rounds it out beautifully for a restaurant-style experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Personally, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2 days. The sauce thickens up nicely overnight, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of stock or water when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with great results. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently. The texture holds up well, though I usually add a little fresh parsley after reheating to refresh the flavors.
Reheating
Reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to keep the sauce creamy and prevent curdling. If it looks thick, add a little extra stock or water to get that perfect silky texture again.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of sausages in this Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! While thick pork sausages are traditional here for their flavor and texture, you can use chicken, turkey, or even spicy sausages for a twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and be mindful of the seasoning to balance the sauce.
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Is creme fraiche necessary, or can I substitute something else?
Creme fraiche adds a rich creaminess without curdling, but if you can’t find it, soured cream or sour cream works well too. Alternatively, Greek yogurt is possible but add it off heat to avoid splitting.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a dairy-free margarine or oil and use coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative in place of creme fraiche. Make sure to check the sausages are dairy-free too.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gently during simmering for a quicker fix.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods, especially when life gets hectic. It’s just the right balance of rich, smoky, and creamy flavors that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your household, too! Give it a try, and let me know how it goes.
Print
Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Description
This Creamy Sausage Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish combining thick pork sausages with a rich, creamy sauce made from chestnut mushrooms, tomato puree, and creme fraiche. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick and easy to prepare, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors served best with egg noodles, mashed potato, or rice.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 8 Thick Pork Sausages
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 Onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- 250 g Chestnut Mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
Pantry
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- ½ tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 350 ml Chicken Stock
- 200 ml Creme Fraiche (or soured cream)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausages: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and brown the thick pork sausages until well colored on all sides. Once browned, remove the sausages and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the butter. Cook the finely chopped onion, garlic, and sliced chestnut mushrooms until they are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato puree, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika, combining thoroughly to coat the vegetables and release their aromas.
- Simmer with Stock: Pour in the chicken stock, then return the browned sausages to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sausages to cook through.
- Add Creaminess: Mix in the creme fraiche to the simmering sauce, stirring well until incorporated, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- This recipe provides an easy, quick version of classic stroganoff with the comforting taste of sausages and a creamy mushroom sauce.
- For a lighter alternative, use soured cream instead of creme fraiche.
- Feel free to serve with your preferred starch such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken stock.
- Ensure sausages are cooked thoroughly before serving by checking internal temperature or slicing into one.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 408 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1011 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg