Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Originating from Russia, this dish traditionally features sautéed beef served in a rich, creamy sauce over noodles.

Our version uses ground beef for a quicker, more budget-friendly alternative while still delivering all the delicious flavors you expect from a classic stroganoff. With its savory beef, tender mushrooms, and silky sour cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Essential Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander (for draining pasta)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop and Slice: Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the mushrooms. This prep work will make the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat (if your beef is lean and you need extra fat). Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Sprinkle with Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine with Beef

1. Return the Beef: Add the browned ground beef back to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream

1. Stir in the Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

1. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook your egg noodles or pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well.
2. Plate and Garnish: Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff over the cooked noodles, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides

• Green Beans: Serve alongside steamed or sautéed green beans for a complete meal.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stroganoff.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Wine Pairing

• Red Wine: A light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the savory flavors of the stroganoff without overwhelming the dish.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

• Lean or Regular: You can use lean ground beef for a lighter dish or regular ground beef for a richer flavor. If using regular ground beef, drain any excess fat after browning.

Cooking the Mushrooms

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: To achieve a nice golden brown on the mushrooms, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

Adjusting the Creaminess

• More or Less Creamy: For a creamier sauce, you can add a bit more sour cream. If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the sour cream slightly.

Variations to Try

Turkey Stroganoff

• Use Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner alternative. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Vegetarian Stroganoff

• Mushroom and Tofu: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use a combination of extra mushrooms and tofu crumbles or lentils for added texture.

Gluten-Free Option

• Gluten-Free Noodles and Flour: Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. With its creamy sauce, tender mushrooms, and savory ground beef, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings for something rich and delicious. This recipe is perfect for those who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this Ground Beef Stroganoff is sure to be a hit.

FAQs

Can I Freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Yes, you can freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

How Do I Thicken the Sauce If It’s Too Runny?

If your sauce is too runny, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or even rice for a gluten-free option.

Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?

Yes, Ground Beef Stroganoff is generally kid-friendly due to its creamy sauce and mild flavors. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s taste.

Yield: 4

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Print

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Originating from Russia, this dish traditionally features sautéed beef served in a rich, creamy sauce over noodles. Our version uses ground beef for a quicker, more budget-friendly alternative while still delivering all the delicious flavors you expect from a classic stroganoff. With its savory beef, tender mushrooms, and silky sour cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and the mushrooms are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
   Gradually stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
   
4. Add the Sour Cream:
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Beef Substitute: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

Mushroom Options: Feel free to use any type of mushrooms you like, such as cremini, white button, or even portobello.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of steamed green beans or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes or rice instead of egg noodles.

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.