Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Creamy and Savory Classic
Craving comfort food that’s quick, easy, and satisfying? This Ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect dish for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, this hearty dish is a guaranteed family favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simpler twist on the classic stroganoff without sacrificing any of the flavor!

Ingredients Overview
For the Stroganoff Sauce:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Lean ground beef works best to minimize grease while still being rich in flavor.
- Egg Noodles (12 oz): Wide egg noodles are the traditional pairing for stroganoff, but any pasta or rice will work.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Fresh mushrooms add an earthy, savory element. Cremini or white mushrooms are great options.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): The liquid base that ties the sauce together with rich, savory flavor.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Creates the creamy texture that’s iconic to stroganoff. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy, slightly sweet umami flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the vegetables and build the sauce.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Egg Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 7–9 minutes).
- Drain the noodles, toss with a small amount of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until softened and golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and paprika, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Add the Beef and Cream
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the sour cream, ensuring it blends smoothly into the sauce without curdling. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Let the dish heat through for 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the stroganoff hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Tips and Tricks
1. Achieve the Perfect Sauce
- To avoid curdling, make sure the heat is low when adding the sour cream, and don’t let the sauce boil after it’s added.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes, or stir in an additional tablespoon of flour.
2. Customize Your Dish
- Add Veggies: Include sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Switch the Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with these sides for an even heartier dinner:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make for delicious sides that complement the stroganoff.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigeration:
Store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
Freezing:
While sour cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze the stroganoff for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds a tangy flavor while being slightly lighter.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the flour with cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons of water).
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, stroganoff reheats well, making it a great dish to prepare ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food—quick, creamy, and loaded with savory flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is easy to customize and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Try it tonight and see why it’s a classic! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media with #GroundBeefStroganoff. Enjoy!
Print
Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Creamy and Savory Classic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender ground beef, a rich mushroom sauce, and hearty egg noodles, this recipe combines classic flavors in an easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
For the Stroganoff Sauce:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 12 oz Egg noodles
- 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the ground beef to the skillet and stir in the Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Reduce heat to low and gently fold in the sour cream, ensuring the sauce doesn’t boil.
- Add the Noodles:
- Toss the cooked egg noodles into the skillet, coating them evenly in the creamy sauce. Let the dish heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Notes
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and replace flour with cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based options for a different twist.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer the sauce a few extra minutes or add an additional tablespoon of flour.