Savory Meatball Stroganoff Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a comforting meatball stroganoff brings warmth to any dinner table.

Hearty flavors dance through tender beef spheres nestled in creamy sauce.

Pasta serves as the perfect canvas for this delightful dish.

Generations have cherished similar recipes in kitchens across Eastern Europe.

Rich sour cream and herbs blend seamlessly with savory meat.

Each bite promises a delectable journey of traditional and modern culinary comfort.

Must-Have Ingredients for Meatball Stroganoff

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and protein for the meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Milk: Softens the bread and adds tenderness to the meatballs.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, tangy finish to the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms.

• Bread: Helps create a tender texture in the meatballs.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides a smooth consistency.

• Parsley, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide classic seasoning and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic note to the sauce.

• Condensed Soup: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to the sauce.

• Water: Helps thin and blend the sauce ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing mushrooms.

• Mushrooms: Adds earthy flavor and texture to the dish.

• Egg Noodles, Mashed Potatoes: Traditional accompaniments that complement the meatball stroganoff.

How to Create Creamy Meatball Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Combine bread soaked in milk with ground beef, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Gently mix the ingredients until well blended, being careful not to overmix.

Shape the mixture into round, evenly sized meatballs.

Step 2: Bake Meatballs

Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Slide the sheet into a preheated oven at 400F (200C).

Bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add mushrooms and cook until they turn a rich, deep brown color, releasing their savory aroma and developing a deep flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and cook for a brief moment.

Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and garlic, stirring to create a smooth, fragrant roux that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in condensed soup and water, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Add Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.

Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thick, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Finish the Stroganoff

Fold in sour cream, creating a luscious, creamy texture.

Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce, allowing them to simmer and absorb the rich flavors for 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the meatball stroganoff over a bed of hot egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while warm.

Tips for Meatball Stroganoff Bliss

• Use day-old bread for better meatball texture and richer flavor absorption.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Don't overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
• Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, smoother stroganoff sauce.
• Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version.

Meatball Stroganoff Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Meatless Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using similar seasonings for rich flavor and protein-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for meatballs, and select gluten-free condensed soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme into meatball mixture, replace Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for Mediterranean flair.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use ground pork or turkey instead of beef, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.

Plating Up Meatball Stroganoff

• Cozy Family Plating: Arrange meatballs and rich sauce over steaming egg noodles, creating a hearty centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and bright herbal flavor that elevates the classic dish.
• Comfort Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creamy, rich stroganoff and add nutritional variety.
• Wine Weekend Upgrade: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay to complement the savory meat and creamy sauce perfectly.

Saving Meatball Stroganoff for Later

• Store leftover meatball stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Pour stroganoff into skillet over low-medium heat. Add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs baked or fried?

The meatballs are baked in the oven at 400F for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through, which makes them healthier and easier to prepare compared to frying.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef and will work perfectly in this recipe, providing a leaner protein option while maintaining similar flavor and texture.

• What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal for stroganoff, offering a classic flavor and good texture that complements the rich sauce perfectly.

• Is Dijon mustard necessary for the sauce?

While Dijon mustard adds depth and tanginess to the sauce, you can substitute with whole grain mustard or skip it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Meatballs Meet Stroganoff – A Cozy Dinner Twist

• Boost Comfort: A hearty, creamy dish that wraps you in warmth with rich flavors and tender meatballs perfect for satisfying hunger.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe super simple to prepare, ideal for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic ingredients like ground beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, giving you flexibility to match your family's preferences or pantry ingredients.

Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty meatball stroganoff delivers a comforting embrace of Russian-inspired flavors, blending tender beef and creamy sauce. Savory meatballs nestled in rich, velvety gravy will transport you to a warm kitchen filled with delightful aromas.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 egg

Meatball Binders and Seasonings:

• 2 slices white bread, crust removed
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 8 ounces (227 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons (19 grams) all-purpose flour
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed French onion soup or condensed beef broth
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) for preparing the protein-packed meatballs.
2. Create a moisture-rich mixture by blending bread soaked in milk with ground beef, incorporating egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Craft uniform meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
4. Roast meatballs for 15-20 minutes until they reach a perfect golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
5. Meanwhile, establish a flavor base in a large skillet by melting olive oil and butter over medium heat.
6. Caramelize mushrooms until they develop rich, deep brown edges and release their earthy aroma.
7. Introduce minced garlic and toast briefly to enhance its aromatic qualities.
8. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without burning.
9. Slowly incorporate condensed soup and water, whisking consistently to prevent lumps.
10. Enhance the sauce with a touch of Dijon mustard for complexity and depth.
11. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious consistency.
12. Fold in sour cream, creating a velvety, creamy texture.
13. Gently nestle the roasted meatballs into the sauce, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors for 5-10 minutes.
14. Serve piping hot atop tender egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Use fresh, soft bread crumbs soaked in milk to ensure tender, juicy meatballs that won’t turn dry or crumbly.
• Baking meatballs instead of frying creates a healthier dish with less oil and provides even, consistent cooking.
• Choose cremini or button mushrooms for a classic flavor, or experiment with wild mushrooms for a more robust taste profile.
• Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free bread crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg