There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy ground beef stroganoff tender noodles coated in a silky sour cream mushroom sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef. It’s cozy, hearty, and ready in less than 30 minutes, making it one of the easiest weeknight dinners you’ll ever cook.
This recipe is a budget-friendly twist on the classic beef stroganoff, traditionally made with steak strips. By swapping in ground beef, you get all the rich flavor without the extra prep, while still keeping it creamy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – One pot, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses ground beef instead of pricier cuts.
- Family Favorite – Mild, creamy flavors kids and adults both love.
- Comforting Classic – A cozy, filling dinner any night of the week.
- Customizable – Use your favorite noodles, mushrooms, or add veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (optional but traditional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
For Serving:
- 12 oz (340g) egg noodles (or pasta of choice), cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2 – Add Aromatics
Stir in onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 3 – Season & Build Flavor
Mix in paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat.
Step 4 – Make the Sauce
Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–6 minutes, until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low, stir in sour cream and cream until smooth and creamy.
Step 5 – Combine with Noodles
Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until fully coated in sauce.
Step 6 – Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Stroganoff
- Don’t boil the sauce after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Add Dijon mustard for a tangy depth of flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If sauce is too thick, loosen with extra broth or pasta water.
- For extra flavor, cook noodles in beef broth instead of water.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Stroganoff – Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- One-Pot Stroganoff – Cook noodles directly in the broth for fewer dishes.
- Mushroom Stroganoff – Make it vegetarian by skipping beef and doubling mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping.
- Side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted green beans or asparagus for extra veggies.
- Pair with a glass of dry red wine for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without noodles for 2 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs About Ground Beef Stroganoff
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt makes it lighter while still creamy.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and cook noodles fresh before serving.
3. What pasta works best?
Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, penne, or fusilli also hold sauce well.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate weeknight comfort food rich, hearty, and ready in no time. With its silky sauce, perfectly seasoned beef, and tender noodles, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for family, or just need a quick dinner after a busy day, this stroganoff is guaranteed to impress.
