Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Family Favorite Comfort

Creamy comfort beckons with this mouthwatering ground beef stroganoff recipe that promises hearty satisfaction in every bite.

Tender beef sizzles and mingles with rich, velvety sauce, creating a delectable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Noodles provide the perfect canvas for this classic comfort dish, absorbing the luxurious flavors with each twirl of the fork.

Home cooks adore how quickly this stroganoff comes together, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

The combination of ground beef, tangy sour cream, and savory mushrooms creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone eagerly gathering around the table.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible stroganoff that brings pure culinary joy to dinnertime.

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff Is So Easy

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff Is So Easy
  • Effortless meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like mushrooms, bell peppers, or different protein options to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Creamy, hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience with guaranteed clean plates and satisfied smiles.
  • Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Stroganoff Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that provides hearty flavor and substance to the stroganoff.
  • Egg Noodles: A traditional pasta that serves as the perfect base for this classic comfort dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a smooth and flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create a velvety texture.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce's liquid foundation.
  • Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the stroganoff sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Provides a tangy finish and signature stroganoff richness.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings combine to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding warmth and depth to the stroganoff.

Quick Instructions for Stroganoff

Quick Instructions for Stroganoff

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Add noodles and cook according to package directions.

Drain and set aside.

Toss noodles with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small pieces.

Let beef sit momentarily to develop a nice crust.

Once completely browned with no pink remaining, drain excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Create Roux Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and continue stirring for two minutes.

This process cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a smooth foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Allow sauce to simmer and slightly thicken.

Gradually add milk while stirring, maintaining a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

Incorporate seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Return browned beef to the skillet and mix with sauce.

Step 6: Blend Noodles and Finish

Gently fold cooked noodles into the beef and sauce mixture.

Stir in sour cream carefully to maintain noodle integrity.

Ensure everything is well combined and heated through.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting stroganoff!

Tips to Nail That Creamy Stroganoff

Tips to Nail That Creamy Stroganoff
  • Remove excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Take time when creating the roux and sauce, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and develop a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Adjust salt, pepper, and spices gradually, tasting as you go to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  • Stir sour cream gently at the end to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent noodle breakage.
  • Toss cooked noodles with a small amount of butter or oil to keep them from clumping together while preparing the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Stroganoff Made Simple

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of beef broth to restore moisture if sauce appears dry.
  • Pour stroganoff into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of beef broth or milk to prevent sticking and restore creamy texture. Stir gently and consistently until heated thoroughly, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Great Sides for Stroganoff

  • Pair Perfectly with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Merlot that complements the rich, creamy beef flavors without overpowering the delicate sauce.
  • Boost with Fresh Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the stroganoff's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or green beans with garlic and olive oil to add nutritional balance and a slight crunch alongside the creamy pasta dish.
  • Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra textural element to the meal.

Stroganoff Twists You’ll Want to Try

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, providing a meaty texture and rich umami flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, creating a lighter, veggie-packed meal that's still satisfyingly creamy.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, replace sour cream with cashew cream, and select plant-based butter to maintain the classic stroganoff taste while accommodating dairy restrictions.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner protein alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this stroganoff in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely when allowed to sit overnight.

  • How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use regular sour cream instead of premium brands, and buy ground beef when it’s on sale. Generic egg noodles are also cheaper and work perfectly in this recipe.

  • What if I don't have beef broth?

Chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube can be used as substitutes. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but the dish will still taste delicious.

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Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef stroganoff brings comfort straight from Russian kitchens to dinner tables, blending rich flavors with classic creamy pasta. Tender beef and silky sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Noodles:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) egg noodles

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve, lightly coating with butter to prevent clumping.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, adding ground beef. Cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles, allowing slight caramelization. Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy sauce.
  3. Reduce skillet heat to medium, melt butter, then incorporate flour. Whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth roux that eliminates raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually introduce beef broth while whisking, preventing lumps. Simmer sauce until it thickens slightly, approximately 3-4 minutes. Slowly integrate milk, continuing to stir until sauce reaches creamy consistency.
  5. Enhance flavor profile by adding garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to personal preference, considering additional pepper for complexity.
  6. Incorporate browned beef and reserved pasta into sauce, gently folding to ensure even coating. Maintain medium-low heat during mixing.
  7. Finish dish by carefully stirring in sour cream, creating a rich, tangy texture. Mix gently to preserve pasta integrity and distribute cream evenly throughout the stroganoff.

Notes

  • Customize noodle choice by swapping egg noodles with whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles for dietary preferences.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasy sauce, using a colander or paper towels to remove excess fat effectively.
  • Create a lighter version by using lean ground beef or ground turkey, which reduces overall calorie and fat content without compromising flavor.
  • Enhance protein content by adding sliced mushrooms during beef browning, providing extra texture and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 781 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 92 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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