If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It brings together tender ground beef, rich mushrooms, and a creamy, tangy sauce that coats every bite of perfectly cooked egg noodles. This dish is a delightful twist on the classic stroganoff, using simple ingredients to create a spectacularly comforting dinner that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making a weeknight supper or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers big flavor and fantastic texture without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for a rich and satisfying Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Each component plays a key role: from the umami-packed mushrooms to the tangy sour cream that brings it all together with creamy goodness.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that adds protein and savory flavor to the dish.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing and creating a rich foundation for our flavors.
- Medium onion, finely chopped (1): Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Gives a fragrant punch to elevate the savory notes.
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced (8 ounces): Brings earthiness and meaty texture essential for stroganoff.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect silky consistency.
- Beef broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds richness and shapes the luscious sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers umami and a subtle tang that deepens the flavor.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates a creamy, tangy finish that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
- Egg noodles (8 ounces), cooked according to package instructions: The classic comforting noodle that perfectly soaks up the sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat—that velvety fat base is what our flavors will build on. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned all over. Once cooked, be sure to drain any excess fat so your stroganoff stays rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. This sweetness is crucial to balance the savory beef. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms
Add the sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms and sauté them until they release their moisture and soften, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Those earthy mushrooms are essential to give this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe its classic depth.
Step 4: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked mixture and stir well to combine, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens your sauce later.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, then add Worcestershire sauce for that extra umami kick. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld into a luscious base.
Step 6: Incorporate Sour Cream
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be gentle here to prevent curdling and ensure a silky finish. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, tasting as you go until it’s perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Serve
Once your sauce is ready, spoon it generously over hot, cooked egg noodles. This final step turns humble ingredients into a beautifully comforting dish that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off your Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe with freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens up the rich sauce and makes the dish pop visually.
Side Dishes
While the egg noodles can hold their own, you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to add crunch and color contrast to the silky stroganoff.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, try serving your stroganoff inside hollowed-out baked potatoes or atop creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes just as comforting on day two.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff sauce by itself in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to cook fresh noodles when ready to serve, since they don’t always freeze and reheat well.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and avoid separating. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work well, though the flavor might be a bit milder. You might want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or spices to boost the savoriness.
Is sour cream necessary for the sauce?
Sour cream is key for that authentic creamy and tangy profile that defines stroganoff, but you could substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, just add it off-heat to avoid curdling.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch mix to thicken the sauce, and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free as well.
What noodles work best with Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Traditional egg noodles are the classic choice thanks to their wide, flat shape that holds the sauce beautifully, but pappardelle or even fettuccine can be great alternatives.
How can I make the recipe more filling?
Add steamed vegetables like peas or green beans, or stir in some cooked spinach or kale to bulk it up with nutrients and fiber without changing the flavor too much.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a true kitchen hero: simple to make, deeply satisfying, and packed with flavors that hug your taste buds. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether it’s a chilly weeknight or when you want to impress friends with a classic done right. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this timeless recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce served over egg noodles. Perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner, it combines classic flavors with simple steps to create an easy and delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Carbs
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma and flavor.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetables mixture, stir well, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and begin thickening the sauce.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish healthier.
- Make sure to cook the flour adequately to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
- Do not boil the sauce after adding sour cream to prevent it from curdling.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta types like fettuccine or pappardelle if preferred.
- For an extra creamy texture, full-fat sour cream works best.
- You can add other herbs like thyme or dill for a variation in flavor.
