Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, comforting dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. This simplified take on the classic Russian-inspired recipe features savory ground beef simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles or your favorite pasta. It’s hearty, affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes all the cozy, creamy elements of traditional beef stroganoff and makes it faster and easier using ground beef. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying, with no need for fancy ingredients or long cooking times. The sauce is rich, the beef is flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s also a family favorite that’s easy to scale for meal prep or leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Egg noodles or pasta of choice
• Onion
• Garlic
• Mushrooms (fresh or canned)
• All-purpose flour
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Sour cream
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat the beef and vegetables.
6. Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard if using.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, but do not let it boil.
9. Serve the stroganoff over cooked noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free sour cream or plain yogurt alternatives.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition.
• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, substitute the beef with ground poultry.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat.
• Serve it differently: Instead of noodles, try it over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much in the fridge.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well, making it a great meal prep option. Just store the pasta and sauce separately if possible.

What’s the best type of ground beef to use?

Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less grease.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream.

What kind of mushrooms should I use?

White button or cremini mushrooms work well. You can also use canned mushrooms if fresh aren’t available.

Can I skip the mushrooms?

Yes, you can leave them out if you’re not a fan. The dish will still be delicious.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it a hit with most kids.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough skillet and adjust the pasta quantity to feed more people.

Why did my sauce curdle?

If the sauce boils after adding sour cream, it may curdle. Always reduce heat and stir it in gently at the end.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use penne, rotini, or even rice as a base.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and comforting dinner that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. With its creamy sauce, tender mushrooms, and hearty beef, it delivers classic comfort food vibes in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

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