If you’re craving a cozy, creamy, and utterly comforting dish, this Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is just what you need. It’s got that rich, hearty feel of a classic stroganoff, but with a fresh, plant-based twist that I absolutely adore. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, making weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing flavor. Stick around—I’ll walk you through the whole process so you’ll nail it, even if you’re new to making stroganoff.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Saves you time on cleanup and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Comfort Food Vibes: This creamy, savory dish feels indulgent but is surprisingly light and wholesome.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh mushrooms for a deep, earthy flavor.
- Family Favorite: I’ve made this on busy nights, and my family always asks for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe come together to create a rich, silky sauce packed with umami. I love that you can find everything in most grocery stores, and the mushrooms add such satisfying texture and flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, robust foundation for sautéing without overpowering the dish.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth once caramelized gently.
- Cremini mushrooms: These have a nice meaty texture and deeper flavor than white mushrooms.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it brings a bright, aromatic lift.
- Fresh thyme leaves: These little leaves infuse the sauce with a subtle earthy herbaceousness.
- All purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Vegetable broth: Keeps things vegetarian while adding savory richness. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt.
- Fine sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!
- Dried broad egg noodles: Wide noodles catch the sauce perfectly; if you want to keep it vegan, swap for a plant-based noodle.
- Milk: Adds softness and creaminess; you can easily substitute with any plant-based milk.
- Parmesan cheese: Great for garnish—provides a salty, nutty finish. You can skip or swap for nutritional yeast if vegan.
- Flat-leaf parsley: Optional but freshens the dish with a bright, herbal note.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: I’ve made this with almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and it’s just as creamy and delicious.
- Additional Veggies: Sometimes, I toss in chopped spinach or peas at the end to sneak in some greens—my family barely notices!
- Different Mushrooms: Mixing shiitake or portobello with creminis amps the flavor even more—give it a try for an earthier taste.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne gives the stroganoff a subtle smoky heat that’s addictive.
How to Make Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion to Sweet Perfection
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced yellow onion and sauté it until the edges turn golden and soft—about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it forms the sweet flavor base that carries the dish. Don’t rush it; the aroma you’ll get here is a delicious preview of what’s to come.
Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms Deeply
Next, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook them until the moisture they release evaporates and they brown nicely—this usually takes around 8 minutes. Patience here is your friend because those browned bits and caramelization create the rich umami flavor essential to a great stroganoff.
Step 3: Build Your Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium, add the last tablespoon of oil, the minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir frequently until the garlic’s fragrance hits your nose—usually 1 to 2 minutes. Then sprinkle in the flour, stirring well to coat all the veggies evenly; this helps thicken the sauce later. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring vigorously—this prevents clumps and also scrapes up all those tasty browned bits from the pan, which deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles Right in the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the dried broad egg noodles. Give them a gentle stir so the noodles soak up the liquid evenly. Cook for about 4 minutes, then stir in the milk. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but still have a nice bite (al dente), around 4 minutes more. If the sauce looks too thick or dry, add a splash more broth to keep things moist—just be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the noodles.
Step 5: Season, Garnish, and Serve
Finish up by tasting and seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for a fresh and cheesy finish. Serve immediately—you’ll love how the sauce clings to those tender noodles and mushrooms.
Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Build Flavor in Layers: Don’t skip browning the onions and mushrooms well—they layer amazing umami and sweetness into the dish.
- Prevent Clumps: When adding broth to the flour-coated veggies, pour slowly while stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
- Gentle Stirring: When cooking noodles, stir carefully to avoid breaking them; they’re delicate but soak up sauce beautifully.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add milk gradually—you can always add more for a silkier sauce, but it’s easier to add than fix if too thin.
How to Serve Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I always go with freshly grated Parmesan cheese—the salty, nutty flavor elevates the creamy sauce perfectly. A sprinkling of chopped flat-leaf parsley gives a lovely herbal brightness and pretty pop of green that feels fresh and inviting. If you want a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
Since this dish is rich and substantial on its own, I like to serve it alongside something light and crunchy. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon offer contrast and balance. For heartier meals, roasted root vegetables or garlic bread round it out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this stroganoff in individual deep bowls with a sprig of thyme on top and a dusting of smoked paprika to add color and warmth. Another fun way is to plate it over creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles—especially comforting and a total crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up some sauce overnight, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that nice creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing works too, but I recommend slightly undercooking the noodles next time if you plan to freeze it, as they soften more upon thawing. Portion it out into freezer bags or containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Adding a bit more milk or broth helps loosen the sauce and refresh the dish’s creaminess. Resist the urge to microwave too long or on high, which can make the noodles mushy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For noodles, opt for gluten-free pasta varieties. Just be mindful to adjust the liquid slightly as different flours absorb differently.
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How do I make this dish vegan?
To keep it vegan, use plant-based milk like oat or almond milk instead of dairy milk, skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Also, double-check your noodles to ensure they don’t contain eggs, or choose a vegan pasta.
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Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried noodles?
You can! Fresh pasta cooks faster, so add it later in the cooking process and watch closely to avoid overcooking. Because fresh pasta releases more starch, the sauce might thicken quickly; adjust liquid accordingly.
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What’s the best mushroom type for this recipe?
I find cremini mushrooms perfect because they have great flavor and texture, but mixing in shiitake or portobello can boost the umami even more. Just avoid watery varieties that release too much moisture, which can thin the sauce.
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Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double it, but make sure to use a large enough pot to cook the noodles evenly, and adjust the cooking times slightly. Stir gently but thoroughly to prevent sticking and clumping when working with bigger quantities.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe has become a go-to for cozy dinners when I want something that feels special but isn’t fussy. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with welcoming aromas and brings everyone to the table hungry for more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just indulging yourself, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try—it hits all the right notes and keeps you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation too!
Print
Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic dish. Made with cremini mushrooms, fresh thyme, and broad egg noodles simmered in a creamy vegetable broth-based sauce, it’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for weeknights. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley, this cozy dish is rich in flavor yet simple to prepare, making it a family favorite that can be easily adapted to be dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Pantry Staples
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 7 oz dried broad egg noodles
Dairy
- ½ cup milk
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Garnish
- Chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes golden at the edges, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add mushrooms: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Continue sautéing until the mushrooms turn golden brown and any released liquid evaporates, approximately 8 minutes.
- Build sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir frequently and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly, which will help thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring vigorously to avoid any lumps, scraping the brown bits off the pan for extra flavor. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook noodles: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the dried broad egg noodles. Gently stir to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Cook the noodles for about 4 minutes, then add the milk. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the noodles are al dente, approximately another 4 minutes. If the pan becomes too dry, add a splash more vegetable broth. Stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the stroganoff with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped flat-leaf parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- This dish uses just 10 simple ingredients for an easy, flavorful one-pot meal.
- A lighter and healthier alternative to traditional stroganoff.
- Can be made dairy-free and vegan by substituting the milk and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Broad egg noodles are preferred for their texture; however, other pasta shapes can be used.
- Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 381 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 759 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg