There’s something magical about ground beef stroganoff. It’s cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor. The kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out, especially on a busy or chilly day. What makes this dish so special is how it combines rich, creamy sauce with tender egg noodles and savory ground beef—all coming together in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is a game-changer. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I vividly remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those weeknights when I didn’t have much in the fridge, and I was tired of takeout. What started as a “let’s-see-what-I-can-throw-together” experiment turned into a family favorite that now graces our dinner table often.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff

If you’ve never made ground beef stroganoff before, let me tell you why you should. Here are just a few reasons this dish is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or spend hours in the kitchen. With just 30 minutes and simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is affordable and versatile, making this recipe as easy on your wallet as it is on your schedule.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a dish everyone will enjoy. The creamy sauce and tender noodles appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables, spice it up with chili flakes, or swap noodles for rice—it’s incredibly flexible.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of beef broth, sour cream, and seasonings creates a luscious sauce that’s the star of the dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

Before diving into the recipe, here’s what to expect:

• Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 hearty portions
• Nutritional Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 662
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fat: 34g

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need some pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 6 ounces egg noodles: The traditional base for stroganoff, perfectly chewy and hearty.
• 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
• 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 cup beef broth: Creates depth of flavor.
• 1 1/4 cups milk: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a bit of spice.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors.

Final Touch

• 1/4 cup sour cream: The key to making the sauce tangy and creamy.
• Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process into easy, clear steps so you can cook this dish with confidence.

1. Cook the Egg Noodles

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook them for about two minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures they’re slightly underdone and ready to absorb the sauce later. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Pro Tip:

Don’t rinse the noodles after draining. Keeping them starchy helps the sauce cling to them better.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Cooking Tip:

If you want extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt on the beef while it cooks.

3. Make the Roux

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. This step forms a roux, which will thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture.

4. Prepare the Sauce

Gradually add the beef broth to the roux while whisking to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes. Then, slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is creamy and velvety.

5. Add Seasonings

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

6. Combine Beef and Noodles

Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked ground beef and egg noodles to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the noodles to absorb some of the flavors.

7. Finish with Sour Cream

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. The sauce will become even creamier and tangier—pure perfection!

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The dish is best enjoyed warm.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to serve ground beef stroganoff, depending on your preferences:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich sauce.
• Over Rice: For a gluten-free alternative, serve the stroganoff over fluffy white rice.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus pair well with the dish.
• With Garlic Bread: Use bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Additional Tips for Perfect Stroganoff

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and quality beef broth make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles will hold their texture better once mixed with the sauce.
3. Avoid Overheating Sour Cream: Adding sour cream to a very hot skillet can cause it to curdle. Remove the skillet from heat first.
4. Toast the Flour: Whisk the flour thoroughly in butter to remove its raw taste.
5. Make it Ahead: The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and reheated with fresh noodles for an even quicker meal.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a meatless version.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
• Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour alternative.
• Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate peas, spinach, or sliced bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Let the stroganoff cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: A spacious skillet ensures even cooking and makes mixing easier.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth sauce without lumps.
• Colander: For draining noodles efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the noodles fresh before serving and combine them with the reheated sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat stroganoff?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the noodles.

Can I freeze uncooked noodles with the sauce?
It’s better to cook the noodles fresh. Freezing uncooked noodles with sauce can affect their texture.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! Both make excellent substitutes for ground beef, though the flavor will be slightly milder.

Can I use store-bought sour cream?
Yes, just make sure it’s fresh and full-fat for the creamiest sauce.

Conclusion

Ground beef stroganoff is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—creamy, hearty, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or just craving something cozy, this recipe will never disappoint. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your version! I’d love to see your creations—snap a picture and tag me. Happy cooking!

Print