Easy One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff: Quick, Creamy & Budget-Friendly Weeknight Dinner
There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a classic stroganoff, and this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe takes that beloved comfort to a whole new level of simplicity and deliciousness. We’re talking about a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that comes together in a single pan, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Using ground beef not only makes this recipe incredibly fast to prepare but also keeps it wonderfully budget-friendly, proving that incredible taste doesn’t have to break the bank. With tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and silky egg noodles coated in an irresistible creamy sauce, this dish is destined to become a new family favorite.
My love affair with stroganoff knows no bounds! Whether it’s the traditional beef tenderloin version or creative twists, the luscious, silky sauce always captivates me. If you’re a fan of the creamy goodness, you might also adore my Creamy Chicken Stroganoff, a slightly lighter but equally satisfying take. For those who love a clever shortcut, my Skillet Beef Stroganoff Ravioli is a fantastic quick and easy rendition that replaces traditional beef with savory ravioli.
This hamburger stroganoff stands out as an exceptional weeknight dinner because it truly is a one-pan wonder. By utilizing ground beef, we drastically cut down on cooking time and expense without sacrificing any of the classic stroganoff flavors. The generous addition of mushrooms complements the rich beef beautifully, adding an earthy depth that makes this dish truly special. It’s a go-to meal for a reason: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and ultimate comfort.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff
Crafting the perfect ground beef stroganoff requires a balance of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a complex and inviting flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with tips for selection and potential substitutions.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Ground Beef: I typically opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess grease, but any fat percentage will work. If you prefer, ground turkey can be a good substitute for a lighter dish, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Be sure to drain any fat after browning to ensure your stroganoff isn’t greasy.
- Mushrooms: Sliced white button mushrooms or baby bellas (cremini) are excellent choices. Baby bellas tend to have a deeper, more robust flavor. Feel free to use a mix of your favorite mushrooms or whatever is fresh and available at your local grocery store.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the traditional choice for stroganoff, offering a tender texture that perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce. You could experiment with other pasta shapes like fettuccine or even rotini if egg noodles aren’t on hand, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the mushrooms and onions, butter adds a foundational richness to the dish.
- Onion: A finely diced yellow onion provides aromatic depth and sweetness, building the flavor base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for an authentic and vibrant taste. Don’t skimp on this!
- Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient adds a crucial umami punch and tanginess that elevates the beefy flavor. It’s a must-have for classic stroganoff.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent, flour helps create the creamy roux that forms the base of our luscious sauce.
- Beef Broth: Choose a good quality beef broth or stock. Low-sodium varieties are great if you’re watching your salt intake, allowing you to season more precisely to your taste.
- Sour Cream: The cornerstone of the stroganoff’s signature creamy tang. Full-fat sour cream will yield the richest results, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred. Remember to stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Always taste and adjust at the end to achieve perfect balance.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this ground beef stroganoff is surprisingly straightforward, delivering incredible depth of flavor in just minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this hearty meal comes together, making it perfect for even your busiest evenings.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and have released their moisture. This step is crucial for developing their rich, earthy flavor. Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside. They will be added back in later. For an even quicker meal, you can brown the mushrooms in a separate pan simultaneously while you cook the beef.
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the ground beef along with the finely diced onions. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavor Base: Once the beef and aromatics are cooked, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ensuring it’s well combined with the ground beef. Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until all the white flour streaks disappear and it forms a light roux with the beef and pan drippings. This step helps thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the Noodles in One Pan: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked egg noodles directly to the skillet. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the egg noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create the Creamy Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat. This is a vital step! Gently stir in the reserved cooked mushrooms and the sour cream. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth. Taste the stroganoff and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Stroganoff
Achieving a restaurant-quality ground beef stroganoff at home is easier than you think with a few key tips and tricks:
- Mushroom Selection and Cooking: For the most flavor, I highly recommend using baby bella (cremini) mushrooms over plain white button mushrooms, as they offer a deeper, more savory taste. However, any mushroom variety will work, so feel free to use what you have or what’s on sale! Ensure you cook the mushrooms until they are well browned and have released their moisture. This step is crucial for concentrated flavor and prevents them from making the sauce watery. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Achieving a Smooth, Creamy Sauce: The secret to a perfectly smooth and non-curdled stroganoff sauce lies in how you add the sour cream. It is absolutely essential to remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the sour cream. High heat can cause sour cream to curdle, resulting in an unappealing texture. By taking the pan off the burner, you allow the temperature to drop slightly, ensuring the sour cream incorporates beautifully into a velvety, luscious sauce.
- Ground Beef Preparation: While I prefer lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter, any ground beef will work. The most important thing is to thoroughly drain any rendered fat after browning the meat. Excess grease can make your stroganoff oily and unpleasant. If you’re using ground turkey as a substitute, consider adding a beef bouillon cube or a dash of beef base to the broth to enhance the beefy flavor profile, as ground turkey can be milder. The Worcestershire sauce is also key here to boost savory notes.
- Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your seasonings. Start with the recommended amounts of salt and pepper, but always give it a final taste test at the end and add more if needed. A good stroganoff should be well-seasoned and flavorful.
- Noodle Perfection: When cooking the egg noodles directly in the sauce, keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. They should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Overcooked noodles can become mushy and compromise the dish’s texture.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff
This one-pot ground beef stroganoff is incredibly hearty and certainly substantial enough to be considered a complete meal on its own. However, pairing it with a fresh vegetable or a light side can beautifully complement its rich flavors and provide a balanced plate. Here are some fantastic options:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Crispy and tender, these offer a lovely bitterness that cuts through the richness of the stroganoff.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Lightly cooked asparagus brings a fresh, green crunch and elegant touch.
- Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce.
- Air Fryer Carrots: Sweet and caramelized carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is always a winner for scooping up the savory sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple, healthy, and a great way to add more vegetables to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Stroganoff
Can I make ground beef stroganoff ahead of time?
While best served fresh due to the egg noodles, you can prepare the beef and mushroom sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and cook fresh egg noodles to add at the last minute. Stir in a little extra broth or sour cream if the sauce is too thick.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover ground beef stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid high heat to prevent the sour cream from curdling.
Can I substitute other meats for ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are good alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly, so you might want to adjust seasonings or add a beef bouillon cube to boost the “beefy” essence.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few extra minutes (before adding sour cream) to allow it to reduce. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your ground beef stroganoff! Here are a few ideas to customize this already delicious recipe:
- Cheesy Stroganoff: Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan or Gruyere cheese at the end for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like frozen peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
- Different Herbs: While typically simple, a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives at the end can add a lovely fresh note.
- Cream Cheese Swap: For an even richer, tangier sauce, you can replace half of the sour cream with cream cheese, ensuring it’s softened before mixing in.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stroganoff Recipe
This ground beef stroganoff isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary hug on a plate. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly quick, making it perfect for those demanding weeknights when time is short but a hearty, satisfying meal is a must. It’s truly a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup and more time to relax after dinner. The use of ground beef makes it an economical choice, allowing you to feed the whole family without breaking your budget. Most importantly, it’s packed with an irresistible creamy, savory flavor that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. Try this recipe today and bring a smile to your family’s dinner table in no time!
More Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
- Ground Mongolian Beef
- Crock Pot Chili
- Mexican Pizzas
- Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Taco Frito Pie
- Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Erin Sellin
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe – this super easy beef stroganoff recipe uses ground beef to make it quick, easy, and budget friendly. It comes together with mushrooms in a delicious and creamy sauce.
5 mins
20 mins
25 mins
5
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Video
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 and cook mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until they are browned and cooked down. Remove from pan and keep warm.2 Tablespoons butter, 8 oz mushrooms
-
Add ground beef and onions to the pan. Break up ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic
-
Mix Worcestershire sauce in with ground beef.1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
Add flour and mix until all of the white disappears.3 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
Mix in broth, noodles, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes until the noodles are cooked.4 cups beef broth, 10 oz egg noodles, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
Remove from the heat and stir in mushrooms and sour cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste.3/4 cup sour cream
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 25g |
Protein: 32g |
Fat: 29g |
Saturated Fat: 13g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 130mg |
Sodium: 1347mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram