Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce. It’s a classic meal where simple ingredients come together to create something that feels special and satisfying. The soft noodles soak up all the delicious flavors, making every bite warm and filling.
I love how easy this dish is to pull together, especially on busy weeknights. It feels like a fancy meal without the fuss, and it’s one of those recipes that almost everyone enjoys. When I make it, I like to use fresh mushrooms and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to give it just the right kick of flavor. It’s a straightforward recipe, but that’s what makes it so reliably good.
My favorite way to eat Ground Beef Stroganoff is with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to balance the creaminess. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little extra parsley on top to brighten it up. This dish always reminds me of cozy dinners with family, where the food warms you up from the inside out and leaves you feeling happy and full.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I find 80/20 beef works best. It has enough fat to keep the dish juicy and flavorful. If you want a leaner option, go for 90/10, but the dish may be less rich.
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are common, but cremini or baby bellas add a deeper flavor. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can skip them or add diced bell peppers for texture.
Sour cream: This gives the dish its creamy tang. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy option, but avoid using cream cheese or heavy cream as it changes the texture.
Beef broth: Use a good-quality broth for richer taste. If you don’t have broth, water with a beef bouillon cube works in a pinch.
Egg noodles: These are traditional. You can swap for fettuccine, pappardelle, or even rice for a gluten-free version.
How Do I Get a Creamy Sauce Without It Splitting?
The key is adding the sour cream off the heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling. Here’s how I do it:
- After the sauce thickens, turn the stove to low heat.
- Stir in the sour cream slowly and mix gently until smooth.
- Avoid boiling once sour cream is added, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a little flour with cold water before adding broth to help it set.
Following these tips keeps your sauce silky and smooth, with no grainy bits. It’s an easy step that makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I like this because it’s wide enough to cook everything evenly and makes cleanup easy.
- Pot for boiling noodles – a medium-sized pot works well and keeps the noodles from sticking together.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring and breaking up the beef as it cooks.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and to keep things simple.
- Colander – helps drain the noodles easily without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use sour cream mixed with a bit of cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce with tang.
- Add frozen peas or chopped spinach to include some veggies and a splash of color.
- Switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Stir in a dash of paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky, extra-layered flavor.
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to cook, making it ready in around 35-40 minutes total. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender but firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions, Mushrooms, and Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they start to brown and soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it until no longer pink and nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mushroom mixture, stirring well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to keep the sauce smooth. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Finish the Stroganoff:
Lower the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix gently until the sauce is creamy and heated through, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
6. Serve:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the sauce. Or serve the sauce spooned over noodles on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Enjoy your warm, creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture when browning.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, use gluten-free egg noodles or serve the stroganoff over rice or mashed potatoes instead of traditional noodles.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.
Can I Prepare Ground Beef Stroganoff Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the beef mixture a day in advance. Store it in the fridge separately from the noodles and reheat gently. Add freshly cooked noodles or reheat the noodles before serving.