Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a classic that comes together quickly and satisfies deeply—our Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly that kind of dish. This rich, creamy, and flavorful meal combines tender ground beef with a velvety sour cream sauce and perfectly cooked egg noodles, making it a beloved favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare yet incredibly delicious, this recipe brings a warm, hearty vibe to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the fragrant garlic and sautéed onions enhancing the aroma to the creamy sour cream balancing the savory beef, every item is essential.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, flavorful base that makes the dish truly satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle kick that brightens the savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, creamy consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Infuses rich, meaty flavor throughout the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami boost that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a mild piquancy that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup sour cream: The creamy, tangy heart of the sauce that melts everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warming spice for depth.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing and enriching the overall taste.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: The classic, tender pasta that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet until it’s melted and bubbling gently. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them for about four minutes or until they turn soft and translucent. This step unlocks their natural sweetness, which forms the flavor base of your stroganoff. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly to keep the garlic from browning too quickly and becoming bitter.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to add the star protein: one pound of ground beef goes straight into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Using a wooden spoon, break up the meat into small crumbles. Cook it thoroughly for six to eight minutes until all the beef is browned and no pink remains. This browning step is crucial as it develops that deep, rich flavor foundational to a good stroganoff.
Step 3: Add Flour and Build the Sauce
Sprinkle two tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the meat mixture and stir it well so each bit of beef is coated. Let the flour cook for about one minute, stirring frequently to cook out its raw taste—this step helps achieve the silky thickness we all crave in our stroganoff sauce.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Slowly pour in a cup of beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Follow up by stirring in one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, which add layers of savory complexity and gentle tang. Then season with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, mixing everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens just right.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add eight ounces of egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around seven to nine minutes, until they’re al dente—firm to the bite, which is perfect for stroganoff’s creamy sauce. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Combine
Reduce the heat to very low and stir one cup of sour cream into the beef mixture until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your palate. Finally, gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, stirring carefully so every noodle is coated in the luxurious sauce. Let everything warm through for two to three minutes before removing from heat.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top brightens the rich sauce with a pop of refreshing color and a mild herbaceous note. It’s such a simple touch but adds a lovely visual and flavor contrast that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
If you’d like to round out your meal, consider serving your Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe with simple steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which provide a crisp texture and vibrant balance. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great way to add brightness and crunch alongside the creamy main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist on tradition, try serving the stroganoff over mashed potatoes or roasted cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also stuff it inside bell peppers and bake until bubbly for a fun presentation that’s perfect for impressing guests or adding excitement to your weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a great recipe to prepare in advance or enjoy as a quick reheat lunch with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze this stroganoff, but keep the sour cream in mind—while it generally freezes okay, sometimes it can separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the beef and sauce without the noodles, and add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. If the sauce looks too thick, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving on high to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for a lighter version, though the flavor will be milder. You might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of soy sauce to maintain that savory depth.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or a cashew cream for a creamy texture. Just be mindful that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor but still provide a luscious sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free varieties. Also, swap traditional egg noodles for gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a safe and delicious gluten-free version.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
To avoid curdling, ensure the beef mixture is on low heat before adding the sour cream and stir it in gradually. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream; just warm gently until combined.
Can I prepare Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time separately, then combine and reheat just before serving for a quick dinner. Just store them separately to keep the noodles from absorbing too much sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is pure comfort food magic—easy enough for any night of the week but delightful enough to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and warm, satisfying vibes make it impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try soon, and I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites quickly.
Print
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender ground beef and egg noodles in a savory sauce with sour cream, onions, and mushrooms. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines classic flavors and simple ingredients to deliver a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Beef Stroganoff Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Butter: In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbly.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about four minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles.
- Cook Beef: Cook the ground beef for six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle two tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir well to evenly coat the meat.
- Cook Flour: Allow the flour to cook for about one minute, stirring frequently, to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Pour Broth: Pour one cup of beef broth into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Add Worcestershire and Mustard: Add one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
- Season: Season the mixture with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Cook Noodles: While the beef mixture simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Boil Egg Noodles: Add eight ounces of egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about seven to nine minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain Noodles: Drain the cooked noodles in a colander and set aside.
- Mix Sour Cream: Once the beef mixture has thickened, stir in one cup of sour cream until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce, stirring gently to combine and coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
- Heat Through: Let the stroganoff cook on low for another two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the ground beef stroganoff to serving plates.
- Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced mushrooms with the onions.
- If sour cream curdles, remove the skillet from heat and stir it in slowly.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles.
