Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe: A Comforting Classic Made Easy
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in no time, this ground beef stroganoff recipe will hit the spot. Rich, creamy, and full of savory flavor, this dish combines tender ground beef with mushrooms, onions, and a luscious sour cream sauce — all served over a bed of egg noodles. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a cozy dinner for yourself, this easy ground beef stroganoff delivers old-fashioned comfort with modern convenience.
What Is Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that dates back to the 19th century, traditionally made with sautéed pieces of beef in a creamy sauce flavored with mustard and sour cream. Over time, this recipe evolved — especially in the United States — into the comforting, budget-friendly version we love today: Ground Beef Stroganoff.
Instead of steak strips, this version uses ground beef, making it:
- Quicker to cook
- Easier on the budget
- Perfect for busy weeknights
The sauce still features mushrooms, onions, garlic, and that signature sour cream flavor, all tossed together with tender egg noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
There’s a reason this dish remains a family favorite across generations. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- 🕒 Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- 💰 Affordable: Uses pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients.
- 🍽️ Comfort food classic: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
- 🥘 One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect ground beef stroganoff recipe:
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean, 85/15 or 90/10 works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of warmth)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- 8 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
- Extra sour cream or cheese (optional toppings)
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof ground beef stroganoff recipe that turns out creamy and delicious every time.
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside. Toss with a small drizzle of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary.
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom-onion mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to thicken.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Turn off the heat and stir in sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the creamy beef stroganoff over a bed of warm egg noodles.
Garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of extra sour cream for the perfect finish.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
✅ Don’t skip browning the beef. It builds deep flavor through caramelization.
✅ Use fresh mushrooms. Canned mushrooms will work in a pinch, but fresh ones add a better texture.
✅ Avoid curdling the sour cream. Always remove the pan from heat before adding it.
✅ Thicken the sauce if needed. If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
✅ Go beyond noodles. Try it over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this ground beef stroganoff recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Healthier Option
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Vegetarian Version
- Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Creamier Version
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Spicy Kick
- Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff
This hearty main dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
- 🥗 Green salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy sauce.
- 🥦 Steamed veggies: Broccoli, peas, or green beans are excellent choices.
- 🥖 Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious stroganoff sauce.
- 🍷 Wine pairing: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the rich flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This ground beef stroganoff recipe makes great leftovers — perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
To Store:
- Let the stroganoff cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To Freeze:
- Place cooled stroganoff (without noodles) in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully and makes the dish a bit lighter while keeping the same creamy flavor.
2. Can I make this without mushrooms?
Yes — if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them or replace them with diced bell peppers or zucchini.
3. What kind of noodles work best?
Traditional egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can use any pasta like penne, fettuccine, or even rice for variety.
4. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream and replace the butter with olive oil. Choose a non-dairy broth to make it completely dairy-free.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately from the noodles. Combine and heat when ready to serve for the freshest flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This ground beef stroganoff recipe combines classic flavors with modern simplicity. The browned beef creates a savory base, the mushrooms add umami depth, and the sour cream delivers that creamy tang we all crave. Plus, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes — ideal for those busy weeknights when you still want a homemade meal.
It’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time. Every bite is rich, creamy, and satisfying — pure comfort food perfection.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a ground beef stroganoff recipe that’s easy, delicious, and sure to please, this is it. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and watch it become a regular in your weekly dinner lineup. This is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style — because it’s just that good.
So grab your skillet and make this ground beef stroganoff recipe tonight. You’ll love how simple it is — and how fast it disappears from everyone’s plate.
