Ground Beef Stroganoff

Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 8 ounces egg noodles; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Hearty Meals

I absolutely love making Ground Beef Stroganoff, especially on busy weeknights when I'm craving comfort food. This dish is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a family favorite. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, tender ground beef, and a luscious sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles, always hits the spot. It’s easy to whip up and takes less than 30 minutes, allowing me to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Created by

Odette Fairbanks

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:21:34.488Z

When I first tried my hand at Ground Beef Stroganoff, I was amazed at how simple yet indulgent it turned out. I experimented with different seasonings and found that adding a touch of Dijon mustard gave the sauce a depth that is simply irresistible. I also always ensure to cook the mushrooms until they're beautifully caramelized, enhancing their earthy flavor.

Another game-changer for me was using egg noodles because their texture perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Pair it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you have a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, this recipe will impress anyone at your dinner table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and savory flavor that's comforting and satisfying
Quick cooking time, making it perfect for weeknights
Creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles

Cooking with Ground Beef

Ground beef serves as the star ingredient in this Stroganoff, offering a hearty and satisfying base. When selecting your ground beef, aim for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio; this balance will provide enough fat for flavor while preventing the dish from becoming too greasy. During cooking, breaking up the beef into small pieces ensures even browning, which enhances its flavor through the Maillard reaction. Browning the beef just right—until it's golden and caramelized—takes about 5-7 minutes at medium-high heat.

One common pitfall with ground beef is overcooking, which can lead to a tough texture. To avoid this, resist the urge to stir constantly; let it sear for a few moments before breaking it up. If you find that your skillet gets too hot, lower the heat slightly to maintain an even cook. If you prefer a lighter option, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor and richness of the dish.

Flavorful Sauce Techniques

The sauce in this recipe is what brings everything together and transforms the dish into a creamy delight. When adding flour to the meat mixture, ensure it's well combined to avoid clumps; this is critical for achieving a smooth and glossy sauce. Gradually adding the beef broth helps build a rich flavor base. As the sauce simmers, it should thicken to a texture that coats the back of a spoon—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider deglazing the skillet after cooking the beef and vegetables. Just pour a splash of beef broth into the hot pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any fond—those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This technique enhances the depth of flavor in your sauce. If you're looking for a twist, experiment with adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of soy sauce for an umami kick.

Serving Ideas and Variations

While this Stroganoff is delicious served over egg noodles, you can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a different textural experience. If you're ahead of the game, this dish makes for fantastic leftovers and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. This keeps the creamy texture intact for your next meal.

Feel free to customize your Stroganoff to suit your tastes. Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or peas can give it a refreshing twist. For a lighter version, you can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative, adjusting seasonings as needed to maintain the flavor balance. These variations not only keep the dish exciting but also dietary-friendly depending on your needs.

Ingredients

To make a delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
8 ounces egg noodles
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process.

Instructions

Here’s how to cook your Ground Beef Stroganoff step by step:

Cook the Noodles

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and mushrooms have released their moisture, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Slowly pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in Dijon mustard and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Add Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Mix well until creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stirring to coat them well. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or some sautéed spinach for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Stroganoff stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To ensure the flavors remain robust, let it cool completely before sealing it. For a longer storage solution, consider freezing the dish. It can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, although the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on low heat.

When reheating, adding a splash of broth can help restore the creamy consistency that may be lost during storage. Stir the Stroganoff regularly to ensure even heating, and if you prefer, you can microwave it in intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. This method maintains the quality and prevents any components from drying out.

Pairing Suggestions

Ground Beef Stroganoff pairs beautifully with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to balance the creaminess of the dish. The bright flavors and crunch from the salad enhance the overall dining experience, providing a contrast to the rich Stroganoff. A light vinaigrette goes particularly well, cutting through the creamy sauce with acidity.

For beverages, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the savory notes without overpowering the dish. Alternatively, a crisp lager beer offers a refreshing pairing that enhances the meal's comfort factor. Whatever you choose, consider the flavor profile, ensuring it complements rather than competes with your delicious Stroganoff.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! You can use mushrooms or lentils as a base in place of ground beef.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the sour cream before serving.

→ What can I serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff?

This dish pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.