Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

The Creamiest Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Ever Made

Hearty ground beef stroganoff brings comfort right to your dinner table with creamy, rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish through simple, delectable techniques.

Tender meat mingles with silky sauce, creating a meal that whispers of warmth and nostalgia.

Mushrooms and sour cream weave magic into every single bite, promising satisfaction beyond imagination.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure culinary joy.

Pasta or rice serve as perfect companions to this robust, soul-warming creation.

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets that make this stroganoff an instant family favorite.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Overview

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this hearty dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying meal.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Rich, creamy ground beef stroganoff delivers ultimate comfort with its warm, saucy goodness that hugs your taste buds.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
  • One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that streamlines cooking and makes mealtime prep a breeze for home cooks.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic comfort dish.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and rich flavor to the ground beef mixture.
  • Mushrooms: Provide an earthy and meaty texture to complement the ground beef.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory liquid to develop the sauce's depth.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy and complex flavor to the dish.
  • Mustard: Contributes a subtle sharp and zesty note to the sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious finish to the stroganoff.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Pasta Base:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that serves as the perfect foundation for the stroganoff.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Cooking Steps for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Cooking Steps for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Cook egg noodles following package directions.

Drain and set to the side.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until completely browned.

Remove excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add to the skillet:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Mushrooms

Toss sliced mushrooms into the skillet.

Sauté until they release their moisture and become tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Create Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetable mixture.

Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Build Liquid Components

Pour into the skillet:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Lower the heat.

Gently stir sour cream into the sauce until completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.

Ladle the stroganoff over the prepared egg noodles.

Step 9: Garnish

Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.

Tips for Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Select ground beef with lower fat content (80/20 or 85/15) to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner-tasting dish.
  • Brown mushrooms in a separate pan first to develop deeper, richer flavor before adding to the main skillet.
  • Add beef broth gradually and let it simmer to achieve the perfect sauce thickness, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Remove skillet from heat before stirring in sour cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
  • Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to elevate the overall taste profile of the stroganoff.

Variations on Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles or serve over cauliflower rice, and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream for coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain the creamy texture while eliminating dairy.
  • Lean Protein Variation: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that still delivers rich flavor.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Cozy Family Dinner: Serve this hearty stroganoff as a comforting main dish that brings everyone around the table, perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and balance the rich, creamy beef sauce.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in an airtight container for next-day lunch, reheating gently to maintain the sauce's creamy texture and beef's tenderness.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a light cabernet sauvignon to enhance the meal's savory flavors.

Storage Instructions for Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fresh for 3-4 days, ensuring proper food safety.
  • Transfer stroganoff to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Place stroganoff in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef stroganoff hard to make?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and can be prepared in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sliced steak for variety.

  • How can I make this dish more creamy?

The sour cream already adds great creaminess, but you can enhance it by using full-fat sour cream or adding a splash of heavy cream when you stir in the sour cream.

  • What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

No worries! You can substitute it with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and vinegar to achieve a similar depth of flavor in the sauce.

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Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef stroganoff brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table, blending rich, creamy sauce with tender beef over perfectly cooked noodles. Homemade goodness awaits as you savor each delicious, satisfying bite of this classic American dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 8 ounces (8 oz) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Optional Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (8 oz) egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, keeping them warm.
  2. In a large skillet heated to medium, thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete cooking while eliminating excess fat.
  3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release moisture and become tender, around 5-6 minutes.
  5. Evenly dust the beef and vegetable mixture with flour, gently stirring to create a uniform coating.
  6. Gradually introduce beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a rich, thickened consistency for 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low and gently fold in sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and fully integrated.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavors.
  9. Transfer the creamy beef mixture over the prepared egg noodles, ensuring even distribution.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added color and fresh herbaceous notes.

Notes

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for a creamier, more luxurious texture that coats the noodles perfectly.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles.
  • Elevate the dish by using fresh mushrooms instead of canned, which adds deeper, more complex earthy notes to the stroganoff.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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