Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that brings together tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a luscious mushroom sauce. This recipe is a quick and easy twist on the classic Russian Stroganoff, perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave a soul-warming meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a must-try because it combines rich flavors with convenience. Unlike traditional recipes that call for beef strips, using ground beef makes this dish more affordable and faster to cook without sacrificing taste. The creamy mushroom sauce, infused with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sour cream, perfectly coats the tender egg noodles for a satisfying, comforting meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite herbs and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big on flavor and ease.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste, if needed
• Parsley, finely chopped for garnish

How To Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Ground Beef

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sour Cream

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet or serve the stroganoff over the noodles on individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Expert Tips

• Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture. Cremini or white button mushrooms work well.
• Don’t skip browning the ground beef properly; it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Stir the flour into the butter and mushroom mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding sour cream.
• Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can also use dill or chives for a different herbaceous note.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetable Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle heat.
• Beef Alternatives: Swap ground beef with ground lamb or turkey for a different protein option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and great at soaking up the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even rice noodles if you prefer.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream. Just be mindful that this will slightly change the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Just store the components separately to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a little balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy umami flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With its creamy mushroom sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and tender egg noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy every bite of this timeless dish!