Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce served over egg noodles. This quick and easy one-pan meal brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious.
This classic dish has been a family favorite for generations, combining simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or just craving something warm and satisfying, this stroganoff recipe delivers every time. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
-
2 tbsp butter
-
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ cups beef broth
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
12 oz egg noodles, cooked
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
-
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft.
-
Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
-
Push everything to one side of the pan, add butter, and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
-
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
-
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Mix until fully incorporated, making sure not to let it boil.
-
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Classic Comfort Food
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a dish that has stood the test of time, bringing warmth and comfort to dinner tables across the world. Its creamy, savory sauce combined with tender ground beef and mushrooms creates a dish that is both rich in flavor and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight meal or looking for a hearty recipe to serve to guests, this dish never disappoints.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Beef Stroganoff, why the ground beef version is a popular adaptation, variations to try, cooking tips for perfecting the dish, and what to serve alongside it.
The History of Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff has a rich and fascinating history, tracing its roots back to Russia in the 19th century. It is believed that the dish was named after the Stroganov family, a wealthy and influential Russian noble family. The original recipe, which consisted of sautéed beef chunks cooked in a creamy sauce with mustard and sour cream, was a luxurious meal enjoyed by aristocrats.
As the dish spread beyond Russia, it underwent several adaptations. In France, chefs refined it with the addition of white wine and cream. In the United States, during the mid-20th century, Beef Stroganoff became a household favorite, often served over egg noodles or rice. Over time, home cooks began replacing the traditional beef strips with ground beef, creating a quicker and more budget-friendly version that still retained the creamy, delicious essence of the original dish.
Why Ground Beef Stroganoff is So Popular
Ground Beef Stroganoff is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Here’s why so many people love making this dish:
-
Affordable Ingredients – Using ground beef instead of steak makes this recipe more economical without sacrificing taste. You get the same rich, beefy flavor at a fraction of the cost.
-
Quick and Easy – Traditional Beef Stroganoff requires slicing steak, which can take extra time. Using ground beef speeds up the cooking process, making it possible to have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
-
Family-Friendly – The creamy sauce and tender noodles make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal family meal.
-
One-Pan Meal – Since everything is cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend extra time washing dishes.
Variations of Ground Beef Stroganoff
One of the great things about Ground Beef Stroganoff is how versatile it is. You can customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:
1. Healthier Versions
If you’re looking for a lighter version of the dish, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative.
2. Vegetarian Stroganoff
For a meatless option, swap out the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or even plant based ground meat alternatives. The sauce and seasoning will still provide a rich, satisfying flavor.
3. Dairy-Free Stroganoff
If you need to make the dish dairy-free, you can replace the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream. Many dairy-free butter substitutes work just as well for sautéing the ingredients.
4. Spicy Stroganoff
For those who love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
5. Slow Cooker Version
If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make Ground Beef Stroganoff in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef, onions, and mushrooms before transferring them to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the sour cream at the end.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stroganoff
Although Ground Beef Stroganoff is an easy dish to make, a few simple tips can elevate the flavors and texture to perfection.
1. Use High-Quality Ground Beef
Since ground beef is the star of the dish, choosing a good-quality blend will make a big difference. An 80/20 mix (80% lean, 20% fat) provides the best balance of flavor and texture without being too greasy.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic Properly
Taking the time to cook the onions until they are soft and slightly caramelized will add a natural sweetness to the dish. Garlic should be added just before the mushrooms to prevent burning.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Mushrooms
Mushrooms release moisture as they cook, so if you overcrowd the pan, they will steam instead of getting a nice, golden-brown sear. Cooking them in batches ensures better flavor and texture.
4. Use Full-Fat Sour Cream
Full-fat sour cream creates the creamiest, richest sauce. Low-fat versions tend to be thinner and can sometimes curdle when added to the hot sauce.
5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in for extra thickening power.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
1. Classic Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the traditional choice, providing a soft, slightly chewy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
2. Mashed Potatoes
For an ultra-comforting meal, serve Stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of the rich sauce and fluffy potatoes is irresistible.
3. Rice or Quinoa
For a gluten free option, try serving it over rice or quinoa. These grains absorb the sauce well while adding a bit of texture.
4. Crusty Bread
A slice of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce and makes a great addition to the meal.
5. Steamed Vegetables or Salad
Since Stroganoff is rich and creamy, a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad adds balance to the meal.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a timeless comfort food that brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. With its budget friendly nature and quick cooking time, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and pair it with a fresh vegetable side for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you haven’t tried making Ground Beef Stroganoff yet, now is the perfect time to add this delicious recipe to your weekly meal rotation. It’s a dish that never goes out of style and is sure to become a favorite in your household.