Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff. This classic dish is made with tender ground beef, a luscious sour cream sauce, and hearty egg noodles, creating the ultimate cozy meal. The rich flavors of beef broth, butter, and seasonings come together in perfect harmony, making it a weeknight favorite that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a delicious twist. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to please. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a homemade dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sour cream
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let it thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly add milk, stirring over medium heat until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Reduce heat to low, then add the cooked noodles and beef back to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Gently mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated, making the sauce rich and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff: The Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s something magical about a dish that instantly transports you back to childhood, filling your kitchen with an aroma so warm and inviting that you can’t wait to dig in. Ground Beef Stroganoff is one of those meals a classic comfort food with creamy, savory flavors that make every bite incredibly satisfying.
This dish is a simplified version of the traditional Beef Stroganoff, which originated in Russia in the 19th century. While the classic version uses strips of beef tenderloin, this modern adaptation with ground beef makes it quicker, easier, and more budget-friendly without sacrificing the deep, rich flavors that make Stroganoff so beloved.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a nostalgic, home-cooked meal, this Ground Beef Stroganoff is a must-try.
The History of Stroganoff: From Russia to Your Table
Before diving into what makes this dish special, let’s take a brief look at its origins. Beef Stroganoff is believed to have been named after the Russian Stroganov family, a wealthy and influential family in Imperial Russia. The first known Stroganoff recipe appeared in a Russian cookbook in the mid-19th century, describing a dish made with sautéed beef cubes in a mustard-based sauce, finished with sour cream.
Over time, the dish evolved as it spread across Europe and the United States, adapting to local ingredients and cooking styles. The addition of mushrooms, onions, and Worcestershire sauce became common, and in many Western variations, the dish was served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
The ground beef version is a more recent adaptation, catering to home cooks who need a quick, affordable, and delicious meal. Using ground beef instead of steak reduces the cooking time while still delivering the signature creamy and savory taste that makes Stroganoff so irresistible.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
1. Quick and Easy to Make
Unlike traditional Stroganoff recipes that require slicing and searing beef strips, this ground beef version comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan meal that minimizes prep time and cleanup perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a fast, hearty dinner.
2. Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
Beef tenderloin or sirloin can be pricey, but ground beef is an affordable alternative that still brings rich, meaty flavor to the dish. Combined with pantry staples like beef broth, flour, milk, and sour cream, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without overspending.
3. Rich, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
At the heart of this dish is the creamy, savory sauce. Made with a roux of butter and flour, the sauce gets its depth of flavor from beef broth, milk, and sour cream. A touch of garlic powder and onion powder enhances the richness, while black pepper adds just a bit of warmth. The result is a velvety, well-balanced sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
4. Highly Customizable
One of the best things about this dish is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or serve the Stroganoff over mashed potatoes, rice, or even spiralized zucchini.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of milk and sour cream.
- Protein Swaps: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a leaner option.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair With Ground Beef Stroganoff
1. Egg Noodles
The most classic pairing for Ground Beef Stroganoff is buttery egg noodles. Their soft texture soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying.
2. Rice or Mashed Potatoes
For a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal, serve your Stroganoff over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The starchiness of these sides helps balance out the savory sauce and makes for a comforting meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Adding a side of roasted or steamed vegetables (like green beans, broccoli, or carrots) provides a fresh contrast to the creamy dish. The slight crispness and natural sweetness of roasted veggies complement the Stroganoff’s rich flavors.
4. Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast
A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread or crusty baguette is the perfect side to scoop up every last drop of the delicious Stroganoff sauce.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
1. Use Lean Ground Beef
Opt for 85% or 90% lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful without excess grease. If using fattier beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning to prevent an overly oily sauce.
2. Don’t Skip the Roux
The combination of butter and flour helps thicken the sauce, giving it that smooth, creamy texture. Whisk the flour into the melted butter for about 2 minutes to prevent any raw flour taste.
3. Add Sour Cream at the End
Sour cream gives Stroganoff its signature tangy richness, but if added too early, it can curdle in the heat. Stir it in at the end, off the heat, for the best creamy consistency.
4. Season to Taste
A pinch of extra salt and black pepper can make a big difference in enhancing the flavors. If you like a little extra tang, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard.
5. Let it Rest Before Serving
After combining everything, let the Stroganoff sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To prevent the noodles from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy, you can store the sauce and noodles separately.
Freezing
- Ground Beef Stroganoff freezes well! Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- If freezing, it’s best to leave out the sour cream and add it after reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm the Stroganoff over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to restore its creaminess.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent uneven heating.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food rich, creamy, and packed with nostalgic flavors. With its quick cooking time, budget-friendly ingredients, and versatility, it’s no wonder this dish remains a beloved staple in many households. Whether served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
So next time you’re craving a cozy homemade meal, give this Ground Beef Stroganoff a try. It’s a timeless classic that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!