If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s quick to make, look no further than ground beef stroganoff. This creamy and comforting dish is a simplified version of the classic Russian stroganoff, replacing strips of beef with ground beef for a budget-friendly and time-saving twist. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender beef, rich mushroom sauce, and a hint of tangy sour cream, all served over egg noodles.
Ingredients
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For Serving:
- 12 oz egg noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
Preparation
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add Mushrooms
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken for 5-7 minutes.
Finish with Sour Cream
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Mix until fully incorporated, and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
- Toss the cooked egg noodles with the beef stroganoff or serve the sauce ladled over the noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Variations
- Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
- Low-Carb: Serve the stroganoff over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Cooking Notes
- Richer Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of red wine during the simmering stage.
- Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer or add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.
- Extra Creaminess: Add ½ cup heavy cream alongside the sour cream for an even creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or buttered rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- For extra indulgence, top the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pre-Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles while the stroganoff is simmering to save time.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?
Yes, you can freeze the stroganoff sauce (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a slightly tangier or richer sauce.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, continue simmering until it thickens, or stir in a cornstarch slurry to speed up the process.
Conclusion
This ground beef stroganoff is a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles make it a family favorite you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.