Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comforting Classic for Any Night of the Week

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, creamy bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s one of those timeless comfort foods that instantly transports you to cozy family dinners around the table. This dish, with its rich, velvety sauce and tender beef, has been a staple in many households for generations. Whether you grew up eating the classic version or are just discovering it now, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a fantastic way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of traditional Beef Stroganoff but with a quicker and more budget-friendly approach. Instead of using expensive cuts of beef, this recipe relies on ground beef, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles makes this dish a winner for the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand, so you can always make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients while still delivering incredible flavor.
• One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to clean, which means more time to relax after dinner.
• Comforting & Delicious – Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?
• Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Making this dish is as easy as it gets! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting homemade meal ready in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the paprika over the beef mixture and stir well. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be sure to mix it in gently so it doesn’t curdle.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff!

Helpful Tips

• Use Lean Ground Beef – A leaner beef (such as 90/10) helps prevent excess grease while still keeping the dish flavorful.
• Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce – It adds depth and a slightly tangy, savory flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Adjust the Thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, the cornstarch slurry will help thicken it up.
• Be Gentle with the Sour Cream – Adding it too quickly or at high heat can cause it to curdle. Stir it in slowly over low heat.
• Swap the Mushrooms – If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try adding peas, bell peppers, or spinach for a different twist.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Russian-inspired
• Diet: Meat-based

Notes

• Choosing the Right Ground Beef – Using a leaner ground beef (such as 85/15 or 90/10) helps reduce excess grease, making the dish lighter while still flavorful. If using higher-fat ground beef, be sure to drain the grease before adding the other ingredients.
• Mushroom Options – While white button mushrooms work great, you can also use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a deeper, more robust flavor.
• Dairy Alternatives – If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
• Boosting the Flavor – A dash of smoked paprika can add a little extra depth to the dish, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the creaminess.
• Serving Suggestions – While egg noodles are classic, this dish is also fantastic over mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Make It a One-Pot Meal – If you prefer fewer dishes, cook the noodles directly in the sauce by adding extra beef broth and letting them simmer until tender.
• Don’t Overheat the Sour Cream – Adding sour cream at too high a temperature may cause it to curdle. Always stir it in over low heat for the best creamy consistency.
• Vegetable Add-Ins – Feel free to mix in extra vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and color to the dish.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freeze: This dish can be frozen, but the sour cream may cause the sauce to separate slightly. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a lighter option.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta or serve it over mashed potatoes or rice. Also, check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want something with a little extra protein and a slight tang.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked noodles.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Ground Beef Stroganoff, you might also enjoy these other comforting dishes:

• Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles: A Timeless Comfort Food
• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
• Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comfort Food Classic

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate easy comfort food, perfect for those nights when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. With simple ingredients, a creamy sauce, and tender beef, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for something cozy, this recipe is a must-try.

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