Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish packed with tender bits of beef, creamy mushrooms, and noodles all tossed together in a rich and delicious sauce. It’s one of those…
Tip: save now, cook later.Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish packed with tender bits of beef, creamy mushrooms, and noodles all tossed together in a rich and delicious sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and satisfying without too much fuss.
I love making this because it comes together quickly, and the combination of sour cream and beef creates a sauce that’s both tangy and smooth. Whenever I make it, I stir in some fresh parsley on top to add a little brightness, which really lifts the flavors. It’s a simple touch that makes the meal feel special.
My favorite way to serve Ground Beef Stroganoff is with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance out the creaminess. It’s the kind of dish that everyone seems to enjoy, and leftovers even taste better the next day, making it a perfect recipe to have on hand for easy lunches or dinners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives good flavor and moisture. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken but watch for dryness.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work well here. If fresh aren’t available, you can use canned but drain them well.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute but add at the end to avoid curdling.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium to control saltiness. Vegetable broth can work if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce & Dijon Mustard: These bring depth and a subtle kick. If missing, you can skip Dijon but keep Worcestershire for richness.
How Do You Get a Thick, Creamy Stroganoff Sauce Without Lumps?
To get the sauce smooth and creamy, the key is how to mix the flour and liquids.
- After browning the beef, sprinkle flour evenly and stir to coat all bits. Cooking flour briefly removes raw taste.
- Pour beef broth slowly while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer gently to thicken the sauce before adding sour cream.
- Remove from heat before stirring in sour cream to avoid curdling and keep it creamy.
This helps the sauce bind nicely and stay smooth for your noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – Perfect for cooking the beef and mushrooms together, plus it’s easy to stir the sauce.
- Pot for boiling noodles – Big enough so the egg noodles cook evenly without sticking.
- Wooden spoon – Great for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce gently.
- Colander – Makes draining the noodles quick and simple.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get your broth, sour cream, and seasonings just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal that still tastes great.
- Add a splash of white wine with the broth for a bit of extra depth and tang.
- Stir in some chopped fresh thyme or dill when adding sour cream for a fresh twist.
- Mix in peas or spinach near the end for some color and added veggies.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and about 15 minutes on preparing and cooking the stroganoff mixture. It’s a quick and comforting meal to enjoy any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later. This will be the base for your stroganoff.
2. Preparing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
3. Cooking the Beef and Making the Sauce:
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, and continue until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to combine; this will help your sauce thicken nicely. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring to mix everything well. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Finishing the Stroganoff:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. Finally, serve your creamy beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finish.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
How Can I Make This Stroganoff Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based oil and use dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream instead. The flavor might be a bit different but still delicious!
Can I Prepare Ground Beef Stroganoff in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the stroganoff sauce and noodles separately, then store both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring well before serving.