Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and budget-friendly dinner option that delivers on flavor and comfort. This one-pot dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The recipe features seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce made with garlic, onion, and sour cream, offering a rich and satisfying meal without the need for mushrooms.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – Can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Egg Noodles – Traditional to stroganoff, but other pasta shapes work too.
- Butter – Adds flavor to the roux.
- Flour – Thickens the sauce.
- Beef Broth – A rich base for the sauce; add beef base for more flavor.
- Milk – Creamy component for the sauce.
- Sour Cream – Adds tanginess; can be substituted with Greek yogurt.
- Spices – Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Directions
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Do not rinse.
- Cook Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet until cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually add beef broth to the roux, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens, then add milk and simmer until creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat and add the cooked beef and noodles to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 662 kcal per serving
Tips & Variations
- Use Lean Beef: This helps keep the sauce creamy without excess grease.
- Pasta Substitution: While egg noodles are traditional, any pasta will work. Do not use more than 6 ounces to ensure proper coating.
- Add Mushrooms: If desired, add up to 1/2 cup of fresh mushrooms, such as white button or cremini.
- Double the Recipe: This dish rewarms well, and a double batch is perfect for leftovers.
- Worcestershire Sauce Addition: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon to the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Use a microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat on the stovetop until warm. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Stroganoff: Use mushrooms or tofu as a meat substitute.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken Stroganoff: Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a Twist: Stir in Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Serve the stroganoff with a side salad (like a wedge salad), glazed carrots, garlic toast, broccoli salad, or a creamy coleslaw for a complete and balanced meal.
A Brief Background
Stroganoff Origins
The dish traces its origins to Russia, with the original version being strips of beef cooked in a sour cream-based sauce. Traditionally, this dish used higher-quality beef cuts like tenderloin. However, this ground beef adaptation makes it easier on the budget while still providing the rich, comforting flavors associated with stroganoff.
The American Twist
Over time, stroganoff has become a beloved dish in the United States, with many versions incorporating cream of mushroom soup or ground beef to simplify the recipe. The ground beef version is an evolution that keeps the dish quick to prepare and affordable without sacrificing flavor.
Key Features of This Recipe
Comfort in a Bowl
Ground Beef Stroganoff is all about warmth and coziness. The creamy, savory sauce hugs every noodle, and the rich flavors blend perfectly to create a satisfying, homestyle meal. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving some nostalgic comfort food.
Easy, One-Pot Cooking
This recipe is made in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and keeping things efficient. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen, yet still want to prepare something delicious and homemade.
Customizable to Your Preferences
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, add extra veggies, or swap in another protein like ground turkey or chicken, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste and dietary needs.
More Serving Suggestions
Add Fresh Herbs or Vegetables
To give the dish an extra flavor boost, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. For added texture and nutrition, try incorporating vegetables like sautéed spinach, peas, green beans, or bell peppers.
Accompanying Sides
While the Ground Beef Stroganoff can stand alone as a complete meal, it pairs beautifully with side dishes that add freshness or a different texture:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add a touch of sweetness and a crisp texture.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with a side of warm bread to soak up the creamy sauce, adding another comforting element to the meal.
- Salads for Crunch and Freshness: A light salad, like a wedge salad with a simple vinaigrette or a broccoli salad with bacon and cheese, can balance the richness of the stroganoff.
Tips for the Best Stroganoff
- Balance the Creaminess: Using sour cream brings a tangy depth to the sauce, but for a different texture, you can blend sour cream with Greek yogurt. This keeps the sauce creamy while adding a bit of extra protein.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since the noodles will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce, undercook them by 1-2 minutes. This way, they absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen it up. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer to reduce.
- Flavor Boosters: Adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor. These ingredients offer a slight tanginess and umami boost that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Creative Recipe Variations
For a Healthier Version
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or even gluten-free noodles for a healthier option.
- Lean Protein: Using ground turkey or chicken significantly reduces the fat content without losing flavor.
- Vegetable-Packed Stroganoff: Boost the nutrient content by adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the sauce. You can sauté them alongside the ground beef or mix them in at the end.
For a Kid-Friendly Twist
- If you’re making this for picky eaters, you can blend the sauce until smooth before adding the noodles and ground beef back in. This hides the spices and onions for a smoother, creamier texture that kids may prefer.
Gourmet Touches for Adults
- Wine-Infused Sauce: For a richer flavor, add a splash of red or white wine to the skillet before adding the beef broth. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly, which will enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon can provide an herbaceous flavor to the sauce, making the dish more sophisticated and aromatic.
Leftovers and Meal Prep
Ground Beef Stroganoff is great for meal prep and makes for delicious leftovers. When reheating, the sauce may thicken slightly, so you can add a splash of milk or beef broth to bring it back to its creamy consistency. This dish also freezes well—just store it in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta or egg noodles and replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- How do I prevent curdling when adding the sour cream? Sour cream can sometimes curdle when added to a hot sauce. To prevent this, make sure to remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the sour cream. Alternatively, temper the sour cream by adding a spoonful of the warm sauce to it first before incorporating it into the dish.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil, the milk with a dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk), and use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Stroganoff combines the savory, umami flavors of beef and beef broth with the creaminess of a sour cream-based sauce. The garlic and onion powders add depth to the dish, while black pepper gives a mild spice. It’s a blend of earthy, creamy, and rich flavors that provide comfort and satisfaction.
Whether you make this dish as a quick dinner for a busy weeknight or serve it as part of a comforting weekend meal, Ground Beef Stroganoff delivers a satisfying balance of taste, texture, and aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy experimenting with variations and serving it up to friends and family—you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to recipe in your household!