The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty ground beef stroganoff brings comfort to your dinner table with its creamy, rich flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish passed down through kitchens.

Tender beef mingles with silky sour cream sauce, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the savory meat perfectly.

Pasta noodles provide the ideal canvas for soaking up every delicious bite of this timeless recipe.

Quickly whipped together in less than thirty minutes, this stroganoff promises to become a weeknight favorite.

You’ll want seconds, trust me on this delightful comfort food classic.

What Makes Ground Beef Stroganoff A Classic

• Savor Quick Comfort: A delightful one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
• Master Simple Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal culinary skills, with straightforward steps that guarantee a delicious outcome every single time.
• Customize Your Meal: Flexible dish allowing easy modifications like adding mushrooms, using different protein options, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kid-approved meal that brings everyone together, offering familiar flavors and creamy texture that pleases both children and adults at the dinner table.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Ingredients Made Simple

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the stroganoff.

• Egg Noodles: A traditional pasta that complements the creamy sauce with its soft and wide texture.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep, savory flavor to the base of the sauce.
• Milk: Provides creaminess and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Sour Cream: Gives a tangy richness and adds a classic stroganoff finish to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile and provide balanced seasoning to the stroganoff.

How To Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff Without Fuss

Step 1: Boil Delicious Noodles

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the egg noodles exactly as the package suggests. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them and set aside, ready to become part of your delectable dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no pink remaining (about 6-8 minutes).

Step 3: Remove Excess Grease

Carefully drain away any extra fat from the skillet. Transfer the browned beef to a clean plate, setting it aside momentarily.

Step 4: Create a Flavorful Roux

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk energetically, cooking for about 2 minutes to develop a smooth, golden base for your sauce.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour beef broth into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Add Creamy Goodness

Gently stream in milk, continuing to whisk. Cook over medium heat until the sauce becomes silky smooth and luxuriously creamy (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 7: Season with Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir these seasonings into the sauce, awakening a burst of delicious flavors.

Step 8: Combine All Elements

Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked noodles and browned beef back into the skillet. Gently mix everything together, ensuring each bite will be perfectly coated.

Step 9: Final Creamy Touch

Fold in sour cream, stirring until it’s completely incorporated and the sauce looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your stroganoff while it’s piping hot. Pair with a crisp side vegetable or golden garlic toast for a meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Best Tips For Ground Beef Stroganoff Lovers

• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove as much excess fat as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Whisk Continuously: Keep whisking the roux and sauce to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the noodles perfectly.
• Low and Slow Finishing: Reduce heat when adding sour cream to prevent curdling, maintaining a silky and rich sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
• Season Gradually: Add spices incrementally and taste as you go, allowing you to balance flavors and adjust seasoning to your personal preference.
• Noodle Texture Matters: Cook egg noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce, ensuring a pleasant bite and mouthfeel.

How To Switch Up Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic stroganoff.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles or replace with cauliflower rice, and swap wheat flour for cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Trade traditional noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the comforting stroganoff essence intact.

What Goes Well With Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to complement the rich, creamy beef stroganoff, balancing its hearty flavors with subtle fruit notes.
• Ideal Vegetable Companion: Roast crisp green beans with garlic and parmesan to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast against the soft, velvety stroganoff texture and add nutritional balance.
• Zesty Bread Side: Prepare garlic toast with crusty French bread, brushed with herb-infused olive oil and lightly toasted, to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and enhance the overall meal experience.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a clean, crisp palate cleanser between bites.

How To Handle Ground Beef Stroganoff Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled stroganoff in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover loosely, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm stroganoff in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth or milk to restore creamy texture.

Your Ground Beef Stroganoff FAQ Section

• Can I use a different type of meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free egg noodles to create a gluten-free version of the stroganoff.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding extra sour cream or a splash of heavy cream can help create an even richer and creamier sauce for your stroganoff.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator, and combine with noodles just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Stroganoff brings classic comfort to midweek dinners with rich, creamy sauce and tender meat. Savory noodles and silky sour cream create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 6 ounces (170 grams) egg noodles
• 1 1/4 cups (296 milliliters) milk

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare egg noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and reserve.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling with a wooden spoon until completely browned, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3. Remove beef from skillet, draining excess grease, and set aside on a clean plate.
4. Melt butter in the same skillet, creating a golden base for the sauce.
5. Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
6. Slowly stream beef broth into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps, allowing sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
7. Incorporate milk into the sauce, stirring consistently over medium heat until mixture becomes velvety and uniform.
8. Season sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, blending thoroughly.
9. Lower heat and fold cooked noodles and browned beef into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution.
10. Gently fold sour cream into the skillet, creating a rich, luxurious texture throughout the dish.
11. Transfer stroganoff to serving plates, accompanied by steamed vegetables or crispy garlic toast.

Notes

• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining protein.
• Enhance flavor depth by sautéing fresh minced garlic and diced onions before adding ground meat for a more robust taste profile.
• Prevent sauce separation by tempering sour cream: slowly add a small amount of hot sauce to sour cream before stirring into the skillet, which helps stabilize the mixture.
• Customize dietary needs by using gluten-free noodles and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative thickening agents for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 502 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 682 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg