Quick and Creamy Meatball Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty meatball stroganoff brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table with its rich, creamy sauce and tender meat.

Russian culinary traditions inspire this delightful twist on classic stroganoff.

Tender beef meatballs nestle in a velvety blend of sour cream and herbs.

Pasta provides the perfect canvas for soaking up every delicious bite.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the savory meat perfectly.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together for a satisfying meal.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

FAQs

• Can I use only ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use just ground beef if you prefer, but using a mix of ground beef and pork adds more flavor and moisture to the meatballs.

• Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese in the meatball mixture?

Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the meatballs, but you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a different cheese.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for later use.

Meatball Stroganoff with Rich and Creamy Sauce

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This meatball stroganoff delivers a warm, hearty dish that wraps you in delicious nostalgia with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground meats, add different herbs, or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this satisfying meal in under an hour, using simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques that don't require advanced culinary skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a classic, crowd-pleasing comfort food that's sure to impress.

Ingredients for Classic Meatball Stroganoff

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Provide the main protein base and rich flavor for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Help hold the meatballs together and create a tender texture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Add depth and complexity to the meatball mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Contribute a savory and aromatic foundation to the dish.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth and thick base for the stroganoff sauce.

• Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Provide rich liquid and additional depth of flavor.

• Sour Cream, Dijon Mustard: Add tanginess and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Mushrooms: Offer an earthy and meaty complement to the stroganoff.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Meatball Stroganoff Perfectly

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

Mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

Combine all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 2: Shape Meatball Mixture

Roll the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs using your hands.

Ensure each meatball is compact and similar in size for even cooking.

Step 3: Brown Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place meatballs in the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.

Remove meatballs and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter and add chopped onions and minced garlic.

Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet flavors.

Step 5: Cook Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet.

Sauté until they turn golden brown and release their moisture, creating a rich, earthy base for the sauce.

Step 6: Create Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a roux.

This will help thicken the sauce and add depth to the flavor profile.

Step 7: Build Stroganoff Sauce

Slowly pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir constantly to prevent lumps and help the sauce thicken smoothly.

Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce.

Step 8: Finish Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The sauce should be creamy and rich with a tangy undertone.

Step 9: Reunite Meatballs and Sauce

Gently return the browned meatballs to the skillet.

Coat each meatball completely in the luscious sauce, allowing them to simmer and absorb the flavors.

Step 10: Final Touches

Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for a few minutes to ensure they are heated through and fully cooked.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatball stroganoff immediately while hot.

Serve with your favorite side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Tender Meatballs and Creamy Stroganoff Sauce

• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer, more complex flavor and improved texture in meatballs.
• Keep meatballs small and uniform to ensure even cooking and better sauce coating.
• Lower heat when adding sour cream and stir gently to maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to develop a deeper, nuttier taste in the stroganoff sauce.
• Pat meat mixture dry before shaping and use high-heat oil to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.

Variations to Customize Meatball Stroganoff

• Vegetarian Meatball Stroganoff: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives like lentil, quinoa, or mushroom-based meatballs. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds or almond meal. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free butter alternative and omit Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free meal.

Serving Suggestions for Meatball Stroganoff

• Comfort Plate Companion: Pair this hearty stroganoff with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the rich, velvety sauce.
• Veggie Fresh Boost: Serve alongside roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the dish's richness and add nutritional value.
• Bread Sidekick: Complement the meal with crusty garlic bread, warm dinner rolls, or toasted sourdough slices perfect for mopping up every delicious drop of sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Enhance the dining experience with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white such as Chardonnay that matches the dish's creamy, savory profile.

How to Store Meatball Stroganoff Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer meatball stroganoff to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with sour cream sauce, as it may separate.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until the meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature.

Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Meatball Stroganoff delivers classic Russian comfort on a plate with tender beef morsels nestled in creamy sauce. Rich flavors merge seamlessly, inviting you to savor each comforting bite of this timeless European classic.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 large egg

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons milk

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Create a hearty mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.
2. Carefully shape the meat mixture into uniformly sized small meatballs, ensuring consistent cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), then gently brown meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich golden exterior, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release moisture and turn golden brown, developing deep, savory flavors.
6. Dust the vegetables with flour, stirring to create a smooth, even coating that will help thicken the sauce.
7. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich sauce.
8. Reduce heat to low and incorporate sour cream and Dijon mustard, stirring gently to maintain a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Gently return meatballs to the skillet, carefully coating them with the luxurious sauce and allowing them to simmer for 3-4 minutes to ensure complete cooking.
10. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh garnish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef and pork for a healthier version of the meatballs, reducing overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier sauce with lower fat and higher protein content.
• Experiment with mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini to add deeper, more complex umami flavors to the stroganoff sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 461 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 537 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg