Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family meals. It combines tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich sauce made with beef broth, milk, and sour cream. This recipe comes together quickly in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for when you need a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a low-carb alternative, the result is always delicious.

This dish brings together flavors that are both comforting and indulgent. The beef adds richness, while the sour cream gives the sauce a velvety smoothness with a slight tang. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills to whip up this easy meal. With a few pantry staples and one pan, you’ll have a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love.

Let’s dive into this simple, yet flavorful, recipe that will soon become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting meal in a short amount of time.

2. One-Pan Meal

The entire dish is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze after you enjoy this flavorful dinner.

3. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The combination of beef broth, milk, and sour cream creates a silky smooth sauce that coats the noodles and ground beef perfectly.

4. Versatile

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap the protein, add extra vegetables, or choose a different base like mashed potatoes or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.

5. Family-Friendly

The hearty nature of this dish, with its rich flavors and comforting texture, is sure to please everyone around the dinner table, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

  • Egg noodles
  • Ground beef
  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Beef broth
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Sour cream

Variations

  • Protein Swap: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. For a heartier alternative, diced steak works well too.
  • Mushroom Lovers: Add extra mushrooms or try a variety like cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms for more flavor.
  • Creamy Alternatives: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt or cream cheese are great substitutes that will still yield a creamy result.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or serve this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash.
  • Low-Carb Version: Skip the noodles and serve the stroganoff over spiralized zucchini, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
  • Herb Boost: Fresh thyme, parsley, or dill sprinkled on top will bring an extra burst of freshness to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4: Add the Beef Broth

Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly over medium heat. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens again and becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 7: Combine the Beef and Noodles

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 8: Finish with Sour Cream

Gently stir in the sour cream, blending it into the sauce until fully incorporated. The sour cream will make the sauce even creamier and add a subtle tang.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff hot with your favorite vegetable side dish or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Prevent Lumps: Always whisk the flour into the butter before adding the liquids to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Add Vegetables: Mushrooms or onions can be added to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
  • Control the Flavor: Taste the sauce before adding the sour cream and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Overcooked noodles may turn mushy, so cook them al dente and let them absorb the creamy sauce.

How to Serve

Ground Beef Stroganoff is delicious served with a variety of sides. It pairs well with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a side salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. If you want to make it even heartier, serve it over mashed potatoes or rice instead of noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stroganoff cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little beef broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the stroganoff over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to bring back its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne. Choose a noodle that holds sauce well.

2. Can I make this without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy effect.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the stroganoff ahead of time. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, mushrooms, onions, or even peas are great additions to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not naturally gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free noodles or serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a gluten-free option.

6. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well and provide a lighter alternative to ground beef.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

8. Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Yes, you can freeze the stroganoff for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it before reheating.

9. Can I make this dish in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can make the entire dish, freeze it, and reheat it later. Make sure it cools completely before freezing.

10. Can I add a spicy element to the stroganoff?

Yes, if you prefer a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s an easy dish that comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The rich, smooth sauce combined with hearty ground beef and tender noodles makes for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy. With plenty of variations and ways to customize, you can make this recipe your own, ensuring it becomes a staple in your home.

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Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy one-pan dinner loaded with savory beef, creamy sauce, and egg noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comfort food comes together in just 30 minutes for a hearty, family-friendly meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz egg noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Beef: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
  • Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
  • Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, about 5-7 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  • Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to distribute the flavors.
  • Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked noodles and ground beef back into the skillet and stir until fully combined and heated through.
  • Finish with Sour Cream: Gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth with a hint of tang.
  • Serve: Enjoy this comforting dish hot with a side of vegetables or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Storage: Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture.
  • Variations and Substitutions:
    • Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option; diced steak for a heartier version.
    • Mushroom Lovers: Add a mix of cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms for extra flavor.
    • Creamy Alternatives: Substitute Greek yogurt or cream cheese if you’re out of sour cream.
    • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash.
    • Low-Carb Version: Skip the noodles and serve over spiralized zucchini or roasted vegetables.
    • Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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