Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of hearty flavors that satisfy every bite. It’s a budget-friendly meal that delivers gourmet-level taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook seeking a quick, delicious dinner, this recipe is your go-to solution.

Originating from 19th-century Russia, stroganoff has evolved into a global favorite, particularly loved for its versatility and warmth. While the classic version typically features tender beef slices in a creamy sauce, this modern twist utilizes ground beef for convenience and affordability. The result is a dish that marries traditional flavors with everyday practicality.

With just one skillet and a handful of common pantry staples, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a dish that’s equally perfect for weeknight family dinners or a casual gathering with friends. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this ground beef stroganoff recipe will become a staple in your home:

Quick and Easy: The entire dish comes together in under half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and savory flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile: Customize it to suit dietary needs or personal preferences—swap beef for turkey, mushrooms for zucchini, or sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of tender noodles, hearty beef, and a velvety sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe delivers on flavor, simplicity, and joy.

Ingredients Breakdown

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef is the star of this recipe. Its rich, meaty flavor forms the foundation of the dish, while its budget-friendly nature makes it accessible for all. Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef to strike the perfect balance between flavor and minimal grease.

Onion & Garlic

These aromatics are the backbone of any good stroganoff. Diced onions provide sweetness and depth, while minced garlic adds a punch of savory flavor. Cook them together to create a fragrant base that elevates the dish.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a classic addition to stroganoff. Button mushrooms are commonly used, but cremini or portobello mushrooms can add a deeper, earthier flavor. Slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

All-Purpose Flour

This pantry staple is essential for thickening the sauce. Sprinkling flour over the cooked vegetables creates a roux, ensuring the beef broth blends smoothly without lumps.

Beef Broth

A rich, flavorful beef broth is the liquid gold of this dish. It enhances the sauce, giving it a savory backbone that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements. Opt for low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

Sour Cream & Dijon Mustard

The creamy tang of sour cream is what transforms stroganoff into its signature comfort dish. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle zing, cutting through the richness and adding a layer of complexity to the sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce

A dash of Worcestershire sauce provides an umami punch that deepens the overall flavor. It’s a small but mighty addition that ties the dish together beautifully.

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are the perfect vessel for soaking up the creamy stroganoff sauce. Their soft, chewy texture complements the hearty beef and rich sauce. Substitute with wide pasta or gluten-free noodles if needed.

Parsley

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and a hint of freshness. While optional, it’s the perfect finishing touch for presentation and flavor.

Cooking Instructions, Tips, and Variations

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cooking the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and set aside, tossing them lightly with a small drizzle of olive oil to keep them from clumping together.

2. Browning the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to coat the pan. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can trap steam and prevent proper browning. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

3. Sautéing Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms are browned, about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should release their moisture and become tender.
Pro Tip: If the pan feels dry, add a splash of beef broth or a little more butter to prevent sticking.

4. Making the Roux and Thickening the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Adding the Creamy Elements

Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sour cream is fully incorporated. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Pro Tip: Avoid boiling at this stage, as high heat can cause the sour cream to curdle.

6. Combining Everything

Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss until they are evenly coated in the sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce over a bed of noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff

Avoid Curdling: Keep the heat low when adding sour cream to prevent it from separating. Stir continuously for a smooth consistency.
Prevent Sticky Noodles: Toss cooked noodles with a little olive oil to keep them from clumping while you prepare the sauce.
Enhance the Flavor: Add a dash of paprika for warmth, a pinch of nutmeg for subtle depth, or fresh thyme for an herby twist.
Balance the Texture: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of beef broth. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Customizing the Recipe

Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative like textured vegetable protein or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Dairy Substitutes: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a healthier or vegan-friendly variation.
Gluten-Free Adaptations: Use gluten-free noodles and thicken the sauce with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Boost the Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy ground beef stroganoff with simple sides to round out the meal:

Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed asparagus complement the dish perfectly.
Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Salad: A crisp side salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stroganoff.

For a casual gathering, serve the dish in a large skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Sprinkle additional parsley on top for an inviting and polished finish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers: Transfer the stroganoff to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the beef and sauce (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To prevent the sauce from breaking, reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop. Stir in a splash of beef broth or milk to revive the creamy texture. Avoid overheating, especially in the microwave, to maintain the dish’s flavor and consistency.

FAQs About Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

1. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives to beef. They provide a lighter flavor while keeping the dish just as hearty. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ground lamb for a bolder taste or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly option.

2. How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make the dish lighter, use lean ground beef (90/10 or higher) or swap it with ground turkey. Opt for low-fat sour cream or substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories. You can also incorporate extra vegetables, like spinach, zucchini, or carrots, to boost nutrients and fiber without compromising flavor.

3. What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute—it offers the same tangy creaminess with fewer calories. Cream cheese (softened and thinned with a splash of milk) or heavy cream can also work well, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

4. How do I keep the sauce from splitting?

To prevent the sauce from curdling, maintain low to medium heat when adding sour cream or yogurt. Avoid boiling the sauce and stir continuously to keep it smooth. If reheating, add a splash of broth or milk and warm it gently over low heat.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the noodles fresh when ready to serve for the best texture. Reheat the sauce gently and combine with the noodles just before serving. For freezing, store the sauce (without noodles) for up to 3 months.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Author: BENARDI
Total Time: 40 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and delicious spin on the classic dish. Made with tender ground beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, and served over egg noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Brown the beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil or butter. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are browned, about 5-7 minutes.

4️⃣ Make the sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

5️⃣ Add the creaminess:
Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

6️⃣ Combine and serve:
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Alternatively, serve the beef stroganoff over the noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with beef stock or add a splash of red wine.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4