Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort dish that’s creamy, hearty, and full of rich flavors. It features tender ground beef cooked with mushrooms and onions, all smothered in a smooth sour cream sauce that makes every bite feel so satisfying. The soft egg noodles are perfect for soaking up all that tasty sauce.
I always love making this dish on a chilly evening when I want something warm and filling without too much fuss. Using ground beef instead of chunks makes it quicker to cook but still just as delicious. Plus, the creamy sauce has just a bit of tang from the sour cream that keeps things interesting and balanced.
My favorite way to serve Ground Beef Stroganoff is with a simple side of steamed green beans or a fresh green salad to add a little crunch and color. It’s the kind of meal that everyone at the table will reach for seconds, and I find it’s great for sharing with family or friends who appreciate comfort food done right.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef is great for flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner dish, try ground turkey or chicken, but you may need to add a bit more oil to keep it juicy.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms work well here. Cremini have a deeper flavor, but any fresh mushroom you like will do. Avoid canned mushrooms—they can get soggy.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. If you’re avoiding dairy, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute, just add it off heat to prevent curdling.
Worcestershire Sauce: It gives a nice depth and umami. If you don’t have it, a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar works as a quick fix.
How Do You Make a Smooth and Creamy Stroganoff Sauce?
The key to a silky sauce is building layers and managing heat carefully. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook onions and mushrooms slowly to release flavors and moisture.
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well to cook out the raw taste—this thickens the sauce.
- Pour beef broth gradually while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens nicely, but don’t rush—this step builds richness.
- When stirring in sour cream, lower the heat and do not boil after adding to keep the texture smooth.
These simple steps help you get that classic creamy texture without lumps or separating sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and cooking the sauce all in one pan.
- Medium pot – you’ll cook the egg noodles here, so it needs to be big enough for boiling water.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the beef and sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Colander – handy for draining the cooked noodles quickly and easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the broth, flour, and seasonings just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still tastes great.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Stir in shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese with the sour cream for a cheesier sauce.
- Include a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to add a little extra kick.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so plan for roughly 30 minutes total. It’s a quick and satisfying meal you can easily fit into a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling the egg noodles according to the package directions until they are just tender (al dente). Once cooked, drain them and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix it well with the sauce. Turn the heat down to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy. Be careful not to let it boil after adding the sour cream to avoid curdling. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
Spoon the delicious beef stroganoff sauce over the cooked egg noodles. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a nice, fresh touch. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture, which helps with better browning.
Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Something Else?
Definitely! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a similar tangy creaminess. Add it off the heat to prevent curdling, just like with sour cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir in fresh sour cream or yogurt if needed to refresh the sauce.