Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe to Try Tonight
If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your new best friend. With tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles, it’s a classic dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re a Stroganoff newbie or a seasoned fan, this recipe combines convenience and rich flavors in a way that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Comfort Food Classic: Rich, creamy, and full of umami flavors that warm you up.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples without sacrificing taste.
- Family Approved: A dish loved by kids and adults alike thanks to its mild yet savory profile.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt with your favorite vegetables and seasonings for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create a luscious and satisfying meal. Each element plays a key role in building the dish’s rich flavor, creamy texture, and appealing color.
- Ground beef: The star protein that adds hearty flavor and a meaty base.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatics that build depth and enhance the savory notes.
- Mushrooms: Earthy addition that complements the beef perfectly.
- Beef broth: Adds moisture and rich taste for the sauce.
- Sour cream: Key to the creamy and tangy character that defines Stroganoff.
- Flour or cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that silky finish.
- Egg noodles or pasta: The classic base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Butter or oil: Used to sauté ingredients and add richness.
- Salt, pepper, and seasoning: Essential to balance and bring out the flavors.
Variations for Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
One of the best parts about this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to suit dietary restrictions or switch up the flavors, here are some tasty ways to personalize the dish.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: A lighter protein swap for a leaner meal.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or peas give extra color and nutrients.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt.
- Swap noodles for rice or cauliflower rice: A great low-carb or gluten-free option.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper adds heat and depth.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion and garlic finely, clean and slice the mushrooms, and measure out your seasonings and broth to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant. Toss in the mushrooms and continue to sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the mixture and stir well to coat. Pour in beef broth slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices to taste.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the sauce simmers, boil egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain well. Combine noodles with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled on top for a restaurant-style experience.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Use fresh mushrooms: For better texture and flavor compared to canned options.
- Don’t boil sour cream: Add it off the heat to keep it from curdling and maintain a smooth sauce.
- Drain excess fat: Ensures your sauce won’t be greasy or heavy.
- Simmer gently: Helps the sauce thicken evenly without breaking.
- Add fresh herbs: Parsley or dill on top can brighten the dish.
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and fresh flavor to balance the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to round out the meal and add texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the Stroganoff over mashed potatoes or stuffing it inside baked potatoes for a fun twist on presentation that’s perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Stroganoff completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef with higher fat content for this recipe?
Yes, but be mindful to drain excess fat to keep the Stroganoff from becoming too greasy.
What’s the best noodle to use for ground beef Stroganoff?
Traditional egg noodles are ideal, but any wide pasta or even rice can work beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute beef with mushrooms or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Add sour cream off the heat and stir gently to preserve the creamy texture without curdling.
Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to add the sour cream right before serving to keep the sauce smooth and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a delightful combination of comforting flavors and quick preparation that makes it a perfect weeknight dinner. Once you try it, you’ll love its creamy texture, savory depth, and the warm feeling it brings to the table. Go ahead and give it a whirl tonight—you won’t regret it!
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Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a comforting, quick, and flavorful dinner featuring tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly classic dish that combines rich, savory flavors and creamy textures with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not gluten free (use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch alternative to make gluten free)
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream
Thickening Agents
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
Base
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
Fat & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and garlic finely, clean and slice the mushrooms, and measure out your seasonings and broth to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are softened and fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken for a couple of minutes.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and any optional spices to taste.
- Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain the noodles well, then either combine them with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled on top of the noodles for a classic presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for better texture and flavor.
- Do not boil sour cream; add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Drain excess fat from cooked beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently to thicken evenly without breaking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: ground beef stroganoff, easy stroganoff, quick dinner, creamy beef pasta, comfort food