Effortlessly Delicious: The Best Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Busy Weeknights
This super easy ground beef stroganoff recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! It comes together quickly, uses budget-friendly ground beef, and features tender mushrooms in a rich, velvety sauce. Get ready for a comforting meal that the whole family will adore.
There’s something truly special about a classic stroganoff. That luscious, silky sauce, the tender meat, and the earthy mushrooms create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. While traditional beef stroganoff often calls for pricier cuts of beef and more elaborate preparation, this version harnesses the power of ground beef to deliver all that incredible taste in a fraction of the time and cost.
I adore stroganoff in every form! From a lightened-up Creamy Chicken Stroganoff that’s perfect for a lighter meal, to creative twists like this Skillet Beef Stroganoff Ravioli, which uses beef ravioli for a fun and speedy take on the classic. But for sheer weeknight convenience and ultimate comfort, nothing beats this easy ground beef stroganoff. It’s truly a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s designed for busy lives and hungry families. Here’s why it’s destined to become a regular in your meal rotation:
- Speedy Preparation: Using ground beef significantly cuts down cooking time compared to tougher cuts. You can have this meal on the table in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need something satisfying, fast.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an economical choice, allowing you to create a hearty and flavorful meal without breaking the bank. It stretches well, especially when combined with filling egg noodles and savory mushrooms.
- One-Pan Wonder: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, which means less time scrubbing pots and pans, and more time enjoying your delicious dinner.
- Incredible Flavor: Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this stroganoff is packed with deep, savory flavors. The combination of browned ground beef, tender mushrooms, aromatic garlic and onion, and a rich, creamy sour cream sauce creates an unforgettable dish.
- Family Favorite: Stroganoff is a universally loved comfort food. The creamy texture and familiar flavors appeal to both adults and children, making it a meal everyone can agree on.
What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Meal
This recipe calls for common pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. For the best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients, but don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Ground Beef: I typically use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. However, you can use whatever ground beef you prefer. For a lighter twist, ground turkey or even ground chicken can be substituted, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. If using ground turkey, consider adding a beef bouillon cube to the broth for a deeper, beefier taste.
- Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms are essential for that classic stroganoff flavor and texture. Baby bella (cremini) mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier flavor, but white button mushrooms work perfectly too. Feel free to use a combination or whatever variety is on sale!
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the traditional choice for stroganoff, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully. They cook quickly and add a wonderful chewiness to the dish.
- Butter: Used for sautéing the mushrooms and building the roux, butter adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of the dish, providing depth and complexity. Finely dicing the onion ensures it cooks down smoothly into the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a savory, umami punch to the ground beef. Don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickener, creating a silky, creamy sauce that coats the noodles and beef perfectly.
- Beef Broth: The liquid base for our sauce. Low-sodium beef broth is a great choice if you’re mindful of salt content, allowing you to adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Sour Cream: The hallmark of stroganoff! Full-fat sour cream provides that signature tang and luxurious creaminess. Make sure to stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the wonderful flavors. Always taste and adjust as needed!
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, delivering a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can achieve in such a short amount of time!
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet (one that has a lid), melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and have released their moisture. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the cooked mushrooms from the pan and set them aside. They’ll be added back in at the end to maintain their texture.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and finely diced onion to the same skillet. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it’s fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is fully incorporated and no white streaks remain. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Cook the Noodles: Pour in the beef broth, then add the uncooked egg noodles, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create Creaminess: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. This is important! Stir in the reserved cooked mushrooms and the sour cream. Mix gently until the sour cream is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy, and irresistible sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
What Goes Well With Ground Beef Stroganoff?
This one-pot ground beef stroganoff is a hearty and complete meal on its own, especially with the noodles. However, adding a simple side can complement its rich flavors beautifully and add some freshness to your plate.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Crispy, tender, and slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a fantastic contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Lightly cooked asparagus provides a fresh, green crunch and elegant touch.
- Side Salad: A simple tossed green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness of the stroganoff.
- Buttermilk Biscuits or Crusty Bread: Fantastic for soaking up every last drop of that amazing creamy sauce.
- Air Fryer Carrots: Sweet and tender, roasted carrots add a touch of color and natural sweetness.
- Steamed Green Beans: A classic, simple, and healthy addition.
Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Stroganoff Every Time
- Mushroom Choice: While white button mushrooms are perfectly fine, baby bella (cremini) mushrooms truly elevate the flavor profile with their deeper, earthier notes. If you can find them, go for baby bellas. Don’t rush the browning process for the mushrooms – this step concentrates their flavor and improves their texture.
- Preventing Curdled Sour Cream: This is a key tip for a smooth sauce! Always remove your pan from the heat before stirring in the sour cream. If sour cream is added to a boiling or very hot liquid, it can curdle, resulting in a grainy texture. Letting the mixture cool slightly ensures a velvety, luscious sauce.
- Ground Beef Selection: Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) is recommended to prevent your dish from becoming overly greasy. If you use a fattier ground beef, be sure to thoroughly drain any rendered fat before adding the flour. For an extra boost of flavor, don’t forget the Worcestershire sauce – it adds a wonderful umami depth to the beef.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go! The amount of salt and pepper needed can vary depending on your broth and personal preference. Always do a final taste test before serving and adjust as necessary.
- Pasta Alternatives: While egg noodles are traditional, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even linguine. Just ensure they cook properly within the sauce or adjust the broth amount if cooking separately.
- Make Ahead & Storage: Stroganoff is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has become too thick, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is not recommended due to the sour cream, which can separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that these will alter the flavor slightly. If using ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add a teaspoon of beef bouillon powder or a touch more Worcestershire sauce to compensate for the missing “beefy” flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you’ll need to make a few substitutions. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum works best for thickening). Ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free, and choose gluten-free egg noodles or a gluten-free pasta alternative. Always check ingredient labels to be sure!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This stroganoff is quite versatile. You can add finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions to cook down. Towards the end, spinach or frozen peas can be stirred in for extra greens. Just remember that adding more vegetables might increase the overall cooking time slightly and you might need a larger skillet.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
While sour cream is traditional for its distinct tang and richness, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar creamy texture and a slightly tarter flavor. Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt and follow the same rule: stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling. Cream cheese or heavy cream can also be used, but they will result in a richer, less tangy flavor.
Can I cook the noodles separately?
Yes, if you prefer, you can cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to package directions. In this case, you would prepare the beef and sauce in the skillet (you might need slightly less beef broth, about 3 cups, as the noodles won’t absorb as much). Once the sauce is ready, stir in the cooked and drained noodles. This method gives you more control over noodle doneness but does sacrifice the “one-pan” convenience.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved this quick and easy ground beef stroganoff, be sure to explore more of our simple, family-friendly dinner recipes designed for busy cooks:
- Ground Mongolian Beef: A flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish.
- Crock Pot Chili: A classic comfort food, perfect for slow cooking.
- Mexican Pizzas: Fun, customizable, and a hit with all ages.
- Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni: A homemade version of a childhood favorite.
- Taco Frito Pie: Easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna: All the flavors of lasagna in a simple skillet meal.
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Erin Sellin
5 mins
20 mins
25 mins
5
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bella or white button)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 10 oz egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are browned and softened. Remove from pan and set aside.2 Tablespoons butter,
8 oz mushrooms -
Add ground beef and diced onion to the same pan. Break up the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and the onion is tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.1 pound ground beef,
1 onion,
3 cloves garlic -
Stir Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef mixture.1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly until no white streaks remain and it is fully incorporated into the beef mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.3 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
Pour in the beef broth, add the uncooked egg noodles, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.4 cups beef broth,
10 oz egg noodles,
1 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the reserved cooked mushrooms and the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot.3/4 cup sour cream
Nutrition
Calories:
491
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
25
g
|
Protein:
32
g
|
Fat:
29
g
|
Saturated Fat:
13
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
12
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
130
mg
|
Sodium:
1347
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
5
491
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