If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that comes together in no time, this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe will become your new favorite. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender ground beef and mushrooms, it’s a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This hearty take on a classic Stroganoff offers bold flavors and a smooth sauce that pairs beautifully with egg noodles or rice, making it a meal everyone at the table will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Prep: Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Comfort Food Classic: Cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying to warm you up on any day.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ground beef and pantry staples without breaking the bank.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and texture everyone, including kids, will enjoy.
- Adaptable: Easily tweaks to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Stroganoff lies in its simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an important role, from the savory beef to the creamy sauce that binds everything perfectly.
- Ground beef: The star ingredient, bringing hearty flavor and protein to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Adds earthiness and texture for classic Stroganoff richness.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatics that build depth and bring out savory notes.
- Beef broth: Provides moisture and umami, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Sour cream: The creamy component that makes the Stroganoff luscious and silky.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- Butter and flour: Combined to create a roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Egg noodles: The traditional base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
Variations for Ground Beef Stroganoff
This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or just to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
- Make it vegetarian: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free option.
- Add veggies: Toss in peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Use cream cheese: Replace sour cream with cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat and smoky flavor.
- Swap noodles: Try mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add ground beef and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, toss in sliced mushrooms, cooking until they release their moisture and become golden brown. This develops the deep, earthy flavor Stroganoff is known for.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Liquid
Add butter to the pan and let it melt, then sprinkle in the flour while stirring continuously to form a smooth, golden roux. Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens.
Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream and Mustard
Lower the heat and mix in sour cream and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Be careful not to let it boil, which can cause the sour cream to curdle.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked beef and onions to the sauce and stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over cooked egg noodles or your favorite base.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Brown the beef well: Developing a good sear adds extra flavor and depth to the dish.
- Don’t skip the roux: It’s critical for achieving the sauce’s perfect creamy texture and thickness.
- Low and slow with sour cream: Stir it in off the heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.
- Use fresh mushrooms: They provide better texture and a stronger, more natural flavor than canned.
- Rest before serving: Letting the dish sit a few minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or dill adds a bright, herbaceous contrast that lifts the richness of the stroganoff—don’t forget a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top for visual appeal and a little extra bite.
Side Dishes
While traditional egg noodles are the classic choice, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad will add freshness and balance to this hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Beef Stroganoff in hollowed-out bread bowls, over baked potatoes, or even layered in a casserole for a comforting family-style meal everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and safe.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and budget-friendly, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter variation without sacrificing taste.
Is sour cream necessary?
Sour cream is key to achieving that signature tangy, creamy sauce, but Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used as alternatives depending on your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux, and choose gluten-free noodles or sides to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long does it take to cook?
This Ground Beef Stroganoff takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect quick meal for any day of the week.
What are the best sides for this dish?
Classic egg noodles, buttered rice, or mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce, while steamed or roasted vegetables add freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Stroganoff is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a go-to comfort food. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Adaptable (Gluten Free option: use gluten-free flour and noodles)
Description
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish made with tender ground beef, mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter
Dry Ingredients & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Base
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onions, cooking and stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat before continuing.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, enhancing the dish’s rich, earthy flavor.
- Make the Roux and Add Liquid: Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter while stirring continuously to form a smooth golden roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Sour Cream and Mustard: Lower the heat and mix in sour cream and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef and onions to the sauce and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over prepared egg noodles or your preferred base.
Notes
- Brown the beef well to develop extra flavor.
- Don’t skip the roux for the sauce’s perfect creamy texture and thickness.
- Stir sour cream in off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Use fresh mushrooms for better texture and flavor.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and cracked black pepper for added brightness and appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg