Nothing beats the comfort of a creamy, hearty beef stroganoff on a busy weeknight. We’ve transformed this classic Russian dish into an easy ground beef version that delivers all the rich flavors you crave without the hefty price tag or lengthy prep time of traditional recipes using beef strips.
Our ground beef stroganoff brings together tender seasoned beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce that’ll have your family asking for seconds. The best part? This one-pan wonder comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
This budget-friendly twist maintains all the creamy indulgence of the original while using affordable ground beef that’s likely already in your freezer. We’ll show you how to achieve restaurant-quality results with simple pantry staples and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to create the perfect balance of flavors in our ground beef stroganoff. These pantry staples work together to deliver that classic creamy richness you crave.
For the Ground Beef Stroganoff
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Egg Noodles
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Water for boiling
Equipment Needed
Our ground beef stroganoff recipe requires minimal equipment that most home cooks already have in their kitchen. We recommend using a large pot or Dutch oven as the primary cooking vessel since it provides even heat distribution and ample space for sautéing mushrooms and simmering the sauce without overcrowding.
The stovetop serves as our heat source, and we’ll need medium-high heat capability for proper searing and sauce development. A sharp knife and cutting board become essential for slicing fresh mushrooms and mincing garlic cloves to the appropriate size.
We rely on a spatula or wooden spoon for breaking apart the ground beef and stirring ingredients throughout the cooking process. These tools prevent sticking and ensure even cooking distribution.
Standard measuring spoons and cups help us achieve accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results. The measurements matter significantly in this recipe since the flour-to-broth ratio creates the perfect sauce consistency.
| Equipment | Purpose | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|
| Large pot or Dutch oven | Primary cooking vessel | Essential |
| Sharp knife | Slicing mushrooms and garlic | Essential |
| Cutting board | Food preparation surface | Essential |
| Spatula or wooden spoon | Stirring and breaking up meat | Essential |
| Measuring spoons | Accurate seasoning portions | Important |
| Measuring cups | Liquid ingredient accuracy | Important |
This streamlined equipment list keeps our stroganoff preparation simple while ensuring we have everything needed for the 30-minute cooking process. The one-pot approach minimizes cleanup time and maximizes flavor development in our comforting weeknight meal.
Instructions
Our streamlined cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Let’s break down each step to ensure perfect results every time.
Prep the Ingredients
We start by organizing all our ingredients for smooth cooking flow. Dice ½ cup of yellow or white onions into uniform pieces for even cooking. Mince 2-3 garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor. Slice 12 ounces of fresh cremini or white mushrooms into even pieces about ¼ inch thick. Measure out our seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Set aside 1 pound of lean ground beef at room temperature for faster cooking. Gather our remaining ingredients: beef broth, sour cream, and fresh parsley for the final touches.
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil or butter in our large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and break it apart with our spatula as it cooks for approximately 5 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy final dish. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce while stirring to distribute flavors evenly. Sprinkle flour over the seasoned beef and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux base that will thicken our sauce perfectly.
Make the Mushroom Base
Melt butter with a touch of olive oil in the same skillet we used for the beef. Add our sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the hot fat. Sauté the mixture for 5-8 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and it evaporates completely. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the earthy mushroom flavors. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to a bowl and set aside while we build our sauce base.
Create the Stroganoff Sauce
Pour beef broth into the pan with our flour-coated beef mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Return our sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture and stir to incorporate. Add sour cream and half of our chopped fresh parsley to create the signature creamy texture. Cook for just a few more minutes until heated through while avoiding boiling to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil while our stroganoff simmers. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente for the perfect texture. Drain the noodles thoroughly and keep them warm until serving time.
Combine and Finish
Serve our creamy ground beef stroganoff immediately over the warm egg noodles for optimal temperature and texture. Garnish each portion with the remaining fresh chopped parsley to add color and a bright herbal note. The dish can also be served over rice or mashed potatoes as alternative bases. This stroganoff reheats beautifully for meal prep purposes and maintains its rich flavors when stored properly.
Directions for Serving
We serve our ground beef stroganoff immediately while it’s hot to ensure the best texture and flavor experience. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with cooked egg noodles as the traditional base, allowing the rich stroganoff to coat each strand beautifully.
Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture directly over a bed of warm egg noodles in individual bowls or on plates. We recommend using wide egg noodles since their surface area captures more of the creamy sauce with each bite. Rice makes an excellent alternative serving base, particularly jasmine or long-grain white rice that absorbs the stroganoff flavors without competing with them.
Mashed potatoes create another delicious foundation for this dish, especially when we want a heartier meal. The creamy potatoes complement the stroganoff sauce while providing additional comfort food appeal that many families love.
Fresh parsley serves as both garnish and flavor enhancer when sprinkled over each serving. We chop the parsley finely to distribute the bright, fresh taste throughout the dish while adding an appealing pop of green color that makes the presentation more appetizing.
Side dishes elevate the meal from simple weeknight dinner to complete family feast. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the stroganoff beautifully. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots provide essential nutrients while balancing the meal’s overall richness.
We serve this stroganoff family-style by placing the beef mixture in a large serving bowl alongside the chosen starch and sides. This approach allows everyone to customize their portions while keeping the stroganoff warm throughout the meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We love how well this ground beef stroganoff adapts to meal prep schedules and busy weeknight demands. The dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator and reheats without losing its creamy texture or rich flavor profile.
Advance Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the stroganoff completely except for adding the sour cream component
- Allow the cooked mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring to storage containers
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Keep cooked egg noodles separate from the beef mixture to prevent them from becoming mushy
Reheating Process:
We recommend reheating the stroganoff gently over medium heat while stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add the sour cream during the final minutes of reheating to maintain the signature creamy consistency that makes this dish so appealing. This method prevents the dairy from separating or curdling during the warming process.
Serving Make-Ahead Portions:
Fresh egg noodles provide the best texture when serving reheated stroganoff. Cook the noodles just before serving rather than storing them with the beef mixture. This approach ensures each component maintains its ideal texture and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce during storage.
The reheated stroganoff often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have additional time to meld together. We find that adding a splash of beef broth during reheating helps restore the sauce to its original consistency if it has thickened too much during storage.
Storage and Reheating Tips
We recommend storing leftover ground beef stroganoff in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor. For extended storage, we freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months without compromising quality.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Airtight containers |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Airtight containers or freezer bags |
When reheating our stroganoff, we always use gentle heat on the stovetop over low temperature or microwave in short intervals while stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much after cooling. We avoid reheating multiple times to preserve the texture and creamy consistency of our sour cream sauce.
For frozen portions, we thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming throughout. Our stroganoff actually develops deeper flavors after a day in storage, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option. We keep the stroganoff mixture separate from fresh egg noodles during storage to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and maintain the dish’s intended texture when serving.
Recipe Variations
We love how adaptable this ground beef stroganoff recipe is to different dietary needs and preferences. These variations maintain all the comforting flavors while accommodating various lifestyles.
Dairy-Free Option
Our dairy-free version delivers the same creamy texture without traditional dairy products. We substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain that rich consistency. Instead of butter for sautéing, we use olive oil throughout the cooking process. The coconut cream adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef perfectly. Cashew cream provides a more neutral flavor profile if you prefer to keep the taste closer to the original recipe.
Low-Carb Alternative
We transform this dish into a low-carb powerhouse by swapping the egg noodles for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Zucchini noodles add fresh texture and absorb the stroganoff sauce beautifully when lightly sautéed for 2-3 minutes. Shirataki noodles offer an authentic pasta-like experience with virtually zero carbs. We also replace the sour cream with heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk to reduce carbohydrates further while maintaining the dish’s signature creaminess.
Vegetable Additions
We boost both nutrition and flavor by incorporating colorful vegetables into our stroganoff. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch when sautéed alongside the mushrooms. Fresh spinach or kale can be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking for added iron and vitamins. Green peas provide bursts of color and natural sweetness when mixed in just before serving. Diced carrots work well when added with the onions to create a more substantial base layer of vegetables throughout the dish.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you how easy it is to transform a classic dish into a weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. This ground beef stroganoff delivers all the comfort and richness you’re craving in just 30 minutes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or adapting it for dietary restrictions. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner that works for busy families.
We’re confident this will become a regular rotation in your kitchen. The creamy sauce and tender beef create that perfect combination of comfort and convenience that makes weeknight cooking enjoyable rather than stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ground beef stroganoff different from traditional stroganoff?
Ground beef stroganoff uses ground beef instead of beef strips, making it quicker to cook and more budget-friendly. It still features the classic creamy sour cream sauce and mushrooms but can be prepared in just 30 minutes compared to traditional versions that require longer cooking times for tender beef strips.
How long does ground beef stroganoff take to make?
This simplified version takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. The ground beef cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together rapidly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What equipment do I need to make this recipe?
You’ll need basic kitchen equipment that most home cooks already have: a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife, cutting board, spatula or wooden spoon, and measuring cups and spoons. This minimal equipment list keeps preparation simple and cleanup manageable.
Can I make ground beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep. Store the cooked stroganoff mixture separately from egg noodles in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day, and you can reheat gently while adding fresh noodles for the best texture.
What can I serve instead of egg noodles?
You can serve ground beef stroganoff over jasmine rice, long-grain rice, or mashed potatoes. For low-carb options, try spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Wide noodles work best as they capture the creamy sauce effectively.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce thickens. Keep noodles separate during storage to maintain texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use olive oil instead of butter. You can also use full-fat coconut milk for the creamy base while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavor of the original recipe.
What vegetables can I add to ground beef stroganoff?
You can enhance nutrition and flavor by adding bell peppers, spinach, kale, green peas, or carrots. Add heartier vegetables like bell peppers and carrots early in the cooking process, while leafy greens like spinach should be stirred in at the end.
