Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Flash

Beef stroganoff brings comfort to your dinner table with its rich, creamy goodness.

My grandmother shared this classic recipe decades ago during cozy family meals.

Tender ground meat mingles with velvety sauce and perfectly cooked egg noodles.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug.

Simple pantry staples make this meal incredibly accessible for busy cooks.

Mushrooms and sour cream add depth and complexity to each delightful bite.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this traditional comfort classic.

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff Is A Go-To Dinner

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This ground beef stroganoff delivers a hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Simplify Cooking Complexity: The recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it approachable for beginners and home cooks who want a foolproof dinner that looks and tastes impressive.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with potential ingredient swaps like using different proteins, adding extra vegetables, or switching noodle types to match family preferences and pantry availability.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Winner: Kids and adults both love this classic dish with its creamy sauce, tender beef, and familiar ingredients that create a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will enjoy together.

What You’ll Need For Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base with deep flavor, best when lean to reduce excess grease.
• Beef Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation for the sauce, enhances overall meaty taste.

• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy flavor complement that provides additional texture.
• Garlic: Brings pungent, sharp flavor that brightens the entire recipe.

• Flour: Creates smooth thickening agent for the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex tangy and umami undertones.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces sharp, slightly spicy flavor dimension.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste profile.
• Sour Cream: Creates creamy, rich finish with smooth texture.
• Olive Oil: Provides light cooking fat for sautéing vegetables.

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base for stroganoff.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green garnish for color and fresh herb note.

How To Make Ground Beef Stroganoff At Home

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no pink remaining. If excess grease pools, carefully drain it away. Transfer the beef to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Sliced mushrooms

Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become tender and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the vegetable mixture. Let it dance in the pan for about 30 seconds, releasing its warm, intense flavor.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

Dust the vegetables with flour, stirring thoroughly to coat each morsel. Allow the flour to cook for a minute, eliminating any raw taste and creating a perfect foundation for the sauce.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce bubble gently for 5-7 minutes, watching it transform into a luxurious, slightly thickened liquid.

Step 7: Reunite the Beef

Return the previously cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir to ensure every morsel is coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Creamy Decadence

Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

Ladle the stroganoff over a bed of tender egg noodles. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tip: This comfort food classic pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Top Tips For Ground Beef Stroganoff Success

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter, more flavorful stroganoff.
• Sauté Mushrooms Perfectly: Cook mushrooms until they release their moisture and develop a rich, golden-brown color for maximum flavor intensity.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk broth slowly and steadily to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the beef and noodles evenly.
• Temper Sour Cream Carefully: Take the skillet off heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, creamy texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter, low-carb alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

How To Keep Ground Beef Stroganoff Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store the dish separately from noodles to prevent soggy textures. Properly stored, this meal will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Transfer cooled stroganoff to a sealed container and place in the coldest part of your fridge.
• When ready to reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce separate and lose its creamy consistency.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Sides For Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef stroganoff. The wine's subtle fruitiness cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the meaty depth.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes will balance the hearty stroganoff and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
• Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Serve roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil. These caramelized vegetables add a delightful earthy dimension and nutritional balance to the meal, creating a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Crusty Bread Enhancer: Include a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious stroganoff sauce. The bread's crispy texture and ability to absorb the rich flavors make it the perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish.

New Twists On Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Lean Protein Powerhouse: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier version that maintains the same rich, creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms to create a hearty meatless stroganoff that delivers robust umami notes and satisfying consistency.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a splash of white wine to elevate the sauce's complexity, creating a more sophisticated and zesty stroganoff experience.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Edition: Substitute traditional egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces calories while maintaining the dish's classic creamy essence.

FAQs On Ground Beef Stroganoff

• What makes ground beef stroganoff different from traditional beef stroganoff?

Traditional beef stroganoff uses beef strips, while this version uses ground beef, making it more budget-friendly and quicker to prepare.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option, or use ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef stroganoff brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables with creamy noodles and rich, savory flavors. Delightful Russian-inspired dish delivers warmth and satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles, cooked and drained

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Discard any excess fat to maintain a clean, lean base for the dish.
2. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce a touch of olive oil if the surface appears dry. Tumble in finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they transform into a soft, fragrant medley.
3. Infuse the vegetable mixture with minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the ingredients for a brief moment.
4. Dust the vegetables with flour, gently coating each piece and stirring to eliminate any raw flour undertones. This technique creates a robust foundation for the sauce.
5. Gradually cascade beef broth into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent lumpy formations. Enhance the liquid with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a complex flavor profile.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, reducing and thickening into a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the meat and vegetables.
7. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef into the skillet, folding it seamlessly into the developing sauce.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and swirl in sour cream, creating a silky, rich texture that transforms the dish into a creamy delight.
9. Present the stroganoff atop a bed of tender egg noodles, optionally embellishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce grease and create a leaner dish for health-conscious eaters.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt intake and create a more balanced flavor profile.
• Swap traditional egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free and low-carb alternative that keeps the meal light and nutritious.
• Let the sour cream sit at room temperature before adding to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the beef perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg