This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and delicious twist on the classic beef stroganoff, made with savory ground beef and a creamy mushroom sauce. The dish is quick and easy, perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Stroganoff
This version of Ground Beef Stroganoff is a budget-friendly take on the traditional recipe, but just as rich and comforting. The creamy, savory sauce pairs beautifully with the ground beef, creating a satisfying meal that is ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz egg noodles, cooked (or your preferred pasta)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Mushrooms: If you don’t like mushrooms, you can omit them and still have a flavorful sauce. You could also substitute with sautéed onions or spinach for added veggies.
Sour Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, substitute the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Add the mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat the ingredients. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add the beef broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the sour cream: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme.
Season to taste: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Serve
Toss with pasta: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Mix-ins and Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Vegetables: Add a handful of spinach or peas to the sauce for added nutrition and color.
Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like your stroganoff spicy.
Recipe Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
Use lean ground beef: For a healthier version, use lean ground beef (90% or higher). If using a fattier ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning.
Don’t overcook the sauce: Once you add the sour cream, avoid boiling the sauce, as it can cause the cream to curdle.
Pasta choice: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Rotini, penne, or fettuccine would all work great!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While not ideal for the creamy sauce, you can freeze the beef mixture without the pasta. Allow it to cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan with a little extra beef broth, then add cooked pasta.
Reheat: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of beef broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and onions for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Chicken Stroganoff: Swap the ground beef for cooked, shredded chicken for a different protein.
Spicy Ground Beef Stroganoff: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Crockpot Version: Brown the ground beef and onions, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except sour cream). Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in the sour cream just before serving.
FAQs – Ground Beef Stroganoff
Q: Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently and stir in the sour cream before serving.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or penne.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will provide a lighter version of this dish. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to match the flavor of turkey.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is an easy, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something rich and satisfying. With its creamy texture and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s always a hit!
Ground Beef Stroganoff - Cooking Up Memories
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pot for noodles
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles cooked according to package instructions
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for cooking
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once browned, add mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and mustard, reduce heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use a mix of sour cream and heavy cream.
- You can substitute mushrooms with zucchini or omit them for picky eaters.
- This reheats beautifully and is freezer-friendly without the noodles.
