If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that somehow feels fancy yet is unbelievably easy to pull together, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce full of tender mushrooms, savory onions, and a hint of smoky paprika, all perfectly spooned over warm, buttery egg noodles. Every bite delivers that nostalgic, soul-warming goodness that makes this dish a total weeknight winner and a beloved classic revisited with simple, accessible ingredients anyone can have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the earthy mushrooms that add texture and depth, to the sour cream that creates the luscious creaminess, these essentials are the secret to its irresistible flavor and comforting feel.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that turns this dish into a satisfying meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfect sear on the beef and to sauté the veggies.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and aroma, softening beautifully when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a lovely, savory punch that uplifts the entire dish.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Provides earthiness and texture, absorbing all those rich flavors.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that signature velvety coating.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth with a meaty base that enriches the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A dash of umami magic enhancing the savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a warm, slightly smoky flavor for extra dimension.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for brightening and balancing the flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream: The creamy star that ties everything together with tang and silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color for the perfect finishing touch.
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions: The classic, tender bed for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your ground beef and cook it until beautifully browned and crumbly, breaking it apart as it cooks. This initial browning is key to locking in flavor. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your sauce doesn’t turn greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, aromatic goodness that’s essential for a rich, layered taste.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Add your sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re golden brown and tender. Mushrooms truly soak up the flavors around them and add a delightful, chewy bite to the stroganoff that balances perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir well. This quick step is what transforms your sauce from thin to luxuriously thick, creating that signature Stroganoff texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let everything come to a gentle simmer so the sauce can thicken up and the flavors meld beautifully—about five minutes is perfect.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Lower the heat and gently stir in your sour cream until it’s incorporated fully, creating a creamy, tangy coating on every mushroom and beef morsel. Just be careful not to let it boil here, to keep that silky smooth texture intact.
Step 7: Add the Final Touch
Remove your skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley, which adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that lifts the entire dish.
Step 8: Serve Over Noodles
Plate up your tender egg noodles, spoon your rich Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe sauce generously over the top, and prepare to dig into something truly comforting and satisfying.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe, bringing a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika can add color and a subtle hint of flavor that makes each serving look and taste like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed green beans and a crusty garlic bread also make fantastic companions, soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a small mound of noodles neatly twirled in the center. Drizzle a little extra sour cream on top in a swirl and finish with fresh parsley. You can also present this dish over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a twist that is equally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great meal to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stroganoff but with a small note of caution: the sour cream-based sauce might separate a little after freezing. To minimize this, freeze before adding the sour cream, then stir it in fresh when reheating. Properly stored in a freezer-safe container, it will last up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help revive the sauce’s creamy consistency if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and gives that classic flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork for a different but delicious twist.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream substitute. Just keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor but still maintain the creamy texture.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If egg noodles aren’t your favorite or you don’t have them on hand, wide pasta like pappardelle or even rice and mashed potatoes work beautifully as a base for soaking up the sauce.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrients. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and less fat.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe scales up easily—just make sure you use a large enough pan or skillet for even cooking and adjust seasoning to taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It’s approachable enough for any weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to bring joy to your table time and time again.
Print
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-American
Description
Classic Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef and sautéed mushrooms in a creamy sour cream sauce, served over tender egg noodles. This easy stovetop recipe combines savory flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Stroganoff
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pasta
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up before adding other ingredients.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they become golden brown and tender, adding depth of flavor.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushroom and beef mixture, stirring well to coat everything. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add beef broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, gradually creating a smooth sauce base.
- Season and simmer: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate sour cream: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully combined, creating a creamy texture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, making sure the sauce doesn’t boil to prevent curdling.
- Finish with parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herby touch.
- Serve: Spoon the stroganoff sauce over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Be sure not to boil the stroganoff after adding sour cream to prevent it from curdling.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the beef broth with dry white wine.
- If preferred, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Make sure to drain the fat from the browned ground beef to avoid greasy sauce.
- Fresh parsley added at the end brightens the dish and adds color.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with mashed potatoes or rice for variety.
