Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

There's something deeply comforting about the creamy, savory flavors of Ground Beef Stroganoff. It's the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Imagine tender beef crumbles coated in a velvety mushroom sauce, served over a bed of egg noodles. It's pure comfort food at its finest.

this Recipe

I first started making this recipe when I was in college, juggling classes and a part-time job. With limited time and a tight budget, I needed something quick, filling, and satisfying. This stroganoff delivered every time, and it's been a staple in my kitchen ever since. Let me show you how to make it just as easily at home.

Why You'll Love This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Get ready to fall in love with this hearty and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. Ground Beef Stroganoff is a family favorite for so many reasons.

First, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. In just about 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Another reason to love this dish is its budget-friendly ingredients. Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts keeps costs down without sacrificing flavor. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

The creamy, savory sauce is the real star of the show. Made with sour cream, beef broth, and mushrooms, it’s rich and satisfying without being overly heavy. It's a sauce that clings beautifully to noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can tweak it to suit your family’s tastes by adding vegetables or swapping out ingredients. Even picky eaters will find something to love about this dish.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Ground Beef Stroganoff lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the rich, hearty flavors.

• Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Leaner options work too, but you may want to add a splash of oil during cooking.
• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms, such as cremini or button, add a deep, earthy flavor. If you’re short on time, canned mushrooms can work as a substitute.
• Sour Cream: This is the secret to the dish’s creamy texture and tangy flavor. If you’re out, Greek yogurt can step in as a lighter alternative.
• Beef Broth: A good-quality broth enhances the sauce, adding depth and richness. Low-sodium broth is ideal if you want to control the salt level.
• Egg Noodles: Classic for stroganoff, these wide, flat noodles soak up the sauce beautifully. You can also use other pasta shapes, rice, or mashed potatoes as a base.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics create the savory foundation for the dish. Be sure to sauté them until they’re golden and fragrant for maximum flavor.

Equipment Needed

You'll need a large skillet for browning the beef and simmering the sauce, plus a pot for boiling the noodles. A wooden spoon or spatula will help you scrape up all those delicious browned bits while cooking.

How To Make This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Creating this cozy dish is a breeze! Here’s how to make Ground Beef Stroganoff step by step.

1. Cook the Noodles
   Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set them aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil (if needed) and sauté the diced onions until soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Mushrooms
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they’re golden and tender. This step enhances their flavor and ensures they’re perfectly cooked.
5. Make the Sauce
   Sprinkle the mushrooms with flour and stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken.
6. Finish with Sour Cream
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mixing everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
7. Combine and Serve
   Add the cooked egg noodles directly to the skillet and toss to combine, or serve the sauce ladled over the noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

This entire process should take about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a true weeknight hero.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, so don’t worry if you have leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: The sauce can be frozen separately from the noodles for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a non-dairy sour cream alternative and olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Experimenting with these variations can make this dish a new experience every time you cook it.

Ready to make this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff part of your weeknight rotation? With its quick prep, rich flavors, and versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

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