Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy and comforting ground beef stroganoff captures the heart of home cooking with its rich, savory flavors.

Tender meat mingles with silky sauce, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Pasta lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will adore this classic recipe.

Hearty ingredients come together in a symphony of deliciousness that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant meal.

Mushrooms and sour cream add depth and complexity to every single bite.

You’ll want to pull up a chair and savor each mouthful of this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff Wins Hearts

  • Speedy Weeknight Champion: Dive into a delicious meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Comfort Food Perfection: Enjoy a classic dish that wraps you in warmth, combining tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles for the ultimate comfort experience.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Craft a restaurant-worthy meal using affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single pan, making cooking and washing up a breeze for home chefs of all skill levels.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this classic comfort dish.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the egg noodles.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cooking base.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that gives stroganoff its signature flavor.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic base for the dish.
  • Mushrooms: Add earthy flavor and meaty texture to the stroganoff.
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Beef Broth: Builds a rich, savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: Add complex, tangy flavor notes to the dish.
Thickening and Seasoning:
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
Noodle Base:
  • Egg Noodles: Serve as the classic pasta foundation for stroganoff.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff Flawlessly

Step 1: Boil Tender Noodles

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Brown Tasty Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Add to the skillet:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced mushrooms

Saute the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and release their delicious flavors.

Step 4: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute to develop a rich, thickening base for the sauce.

Step 5: Build Savory Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Stir the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to blend together.

Step 6: Finish Creamy Stroganoff

Reduce heat to low.

Stir in sour cream and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and luxurious.

Step 7: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the hot beef stroganoff over the prepared egg noodles. Scatter fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips for Ground Beef Stroganoff Success

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for a creamier texture and more robust taste in the stroganoff.
  • Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
  • Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of mushroom powder or a teaspoon of beef base to the broth.
  • Quickly sauté mushrooms at high heat to develop a deeper, more concentrated flavor before adding to the skillet.

Creative Variations for Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter to create a creamy, lactose-free stroganoff.

Pairing Suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty stroganoff as a comforting main dish for the whole family, paired with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings in a large casserole dish, topped with extra fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation that will wow your friends.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunches during the week, storing the noodles and sauce separately to keep everything fresh and prevent soggy noodles.
  • Rustic Plate Presentation: Plate the stroganoff in a wide, shallow bowl with the noodles peeking out from underneath the creamy beef, sprinkled with chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Store Ground Beef Stroganoff Properly

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store ground beef stroganoff in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping noodles and sauce separate for best texture.
  • Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, leaving out noodles to prevent soggy texture.
  • Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • What makes this Ground Beef Stroganoff different from traditional recipes?

This version uses ground beef instead of classic beef strips, making it more budget-friendly and easier to prepare quickly.

  • Can I substitute the type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily replace ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner protein option.

  • How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

Adding a splash of white wine while cooking or using additional herbs like thyme can enhance the overall taste profile of the stroganoff.

  • Is this dish considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef is typically less expensive than steak cuts, and the ingredients are common pantry staples, making this a cost-effective meal for families.

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Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic ground beef stroganoff delights home cooks with rich, creamy flavors from Eastern European cuisine. Hearty pasta and tender meat combine in a comforting dish that satisfies you with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced

Other Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside in a warm location.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and brown ground beef, breaking into crumbly pieces while cooking. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.
  3. Incorporate chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Sauté for approximately 6 minutes until vegetables become translucent and tender.
  4. Dust the meat and vegetable mixture with flour, stirring continuously for about 60 seconds to develop a golden, fragrant base.
  5. Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, followed by Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Gently stir and allow the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken.
  6. Reduce cooking temperature to low and fold in sour cream, creating a creamy, rich sauce. Continue simmering for 4-5 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
  8. Transfer cooked noodles to serving plates, generously ladle stroganoff sauce over top, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, lighter sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when creating the roux.
  • Consider adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Swap traditional beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the dish’s rich, creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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