Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about a steaming plate of Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, savory flavors with tender noodles for a meal that’s both hearty and quick to prepare.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Life gets hectic, and this recipe is your secret weapon. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for nights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast. - Creamy and Rich Without Being Heavy
The sauce is luxuriously creamy thanks to sour cream, but balanced with broth and seasonings so it doesn’t feel overly heavy. - Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the remaining ingredients are pantry staples, making this a wallet-friendly meal for families or anyone cooking on a budget. - Family-Friendly Comfort Food Classic
Kids and adults alike love the savory, comforting flavors of beef, mushrooms, and noodles in a silky sauce.
Ingredients for Creamy, Quick, and Delicious Stroganoff
One of the best things about Ground Beef Stroganoff is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that transform into a gourmet-tasting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef (80/20 or Lean)
Use either regular ground beef for rich flavor or leaner beef for a lighter dish. Make sure to drain excess fat for the best sauce texture. - Fresh Mushrooms or Canned Alternatives
Mushrooms add earthy depth and texture. Fresh button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but canned mushrooms work in a pinch. - Onions, Garlic, and Aromatics
These build the savory base of your sauce, bringing sweetness and complexity. - Sour Cream, Beef Broth, and Worcestershire Sauce
Sour cream creates the creamy consistency, while beef broth and Worcestershire add rich umami flavors. - Egg Noodles (or Rice, Mashed Potatoes Alternatives)
The traditional pairing is egg noodles, but this dish is equally delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Stroganoff
Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe simple and nearly foolproof. Follow these steps:
- Brown the Ground Beef and Drain Excess Fat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces until fully browned. Drain any excess grease for a lighter sauce. - Sauté Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic for Depth of Flavor
In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Sauté until the mushrooms release their juices and the onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. - Add Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, and Seasonings
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of paprika for a bit of warmth. Simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. - Stir in Sour Cream and Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding sour cream to prevent curdling. - Toss with Cooked Noodles and Garnish with Parsley
Toss the sauce with cooked egg noodles. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Tips, Variations, and Storage Suggestions
Ground Beef Stroganoff is versatile and easy to adjust to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some handy tips:
- How to Make It Lighter
Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and whole-wheat noodles for a healthier version. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat. - Gluten-Free or Keto Adaptations
Swap regular noodles for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For keto diets, serve the stroganoff over cauliflower rice instead of pasta. - Fun Variations: Spicy, Cheesy, or With Different Proteins
- Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in shredded cheddar for an extra-cheesy version.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef.
- Storing Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Sour cream sauces can thicken upon standing, so gentle reheating preserves the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and store separately from the noodles. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve. - What’s the Best Pasta for Stroganoff?
Egg noodles are traditional because they hold up well under creamy sauces. However, any short pasta shape works fine. - How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Curdling?
Always lower the heat before adding sour cream, and avoid boiling the sauce afterward. Gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. - Can I Freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Yes, but note that sour cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. For best results, freeze the beef mixture without sour cream, then stir it in fresh after reheating.

Ground Beef Stroganoff: Creamy, Quick, and Delicious
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, savory, and quick dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef and mushrooms are simmered in a rich sour cream sauce and served over egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450g ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional if beef is lean
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 8 ounces 225g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 240ml beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup 240g sour cream
- 8 ounces 225g egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer beef to a plate.
Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil (if using). Add onions and mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and mushrooms release their moisture. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Beef and Sour Cream:
- Return cooked beef to the skillet. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream until smooth and heated through. Do not boil once sour cream is added.
Serve:
- Toss sauce with cooked egg noodles or serve stroganoff over noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles for variety.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
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