Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Make Tonight Special: Tasty Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Creamy and comforting, this ground beef stroganoff weaves magic into weeknight dinners with its rich, hearty flavors.

Tender beef simmers alongside silky mushrooms, creating a sauce that dances with deep, savory notes.

Noodles provide the perfect canvas for this classic comfort dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Traditional stroganoff techniques merge seamlessly with simplified preparation, making this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks.

The combination of ground beef, sour cream, and herbs transforms a basic meal into something truly special.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming stroganoff that promises to become a family favorite.

Everything You Need for Easy Beef Stroganoff

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful protein that gives the dish its hearty base.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, wide pasta that perfectly catches the creamy sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Rich liquid that adds depth to the sauce's flavor.
Dairy Components:
  • Milk, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a luscious, smooth texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Blend of seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
Thickening Agent:
  • Flour: Helps create a smooth, thick sauce base.

Steps to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff Simply

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in egg noodles and cook until they reach a tender texture.

Drain water completely and set noodles aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Add ground beef and break into small pieces while cooking.

Continue cooking until beef turns completely brown with no pink remaining.

Remove excess fat and transfer beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Butter Roux

Return the same skillet to medium heat.

Melt butter until it becomes smooth and liquid.

Sprinkle flour into melted butter and whisk continuously for two minutes, creating a golden roux base.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour beef broth into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Continue stirring until sauce begins to thicken and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Add Dairy Richness

  • Milk
  • Beef broth

Gradually introduce milk into the sauce, stirring consistently.

Allow sauce to simmer and develop a rich, creamy consistency over medium heat.

Step 6: Season Sauce

Add seasonings to enhance flavor profile:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout sauce.

Step 7: Combine All Ingredients

Lower skillet heat.

Reintroduce cooked noodles and browned beef into sauce.

Mix gently to ensure complete coating and even heating.

Step 8: Finish With Sour Cream

Fold sour cream into mixture, blending until sauce becomes smooth and silky.

The sour cream adds a tangy richness to the final dish.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Transfer stroganoff to serving plates while hot.

Consider pairing with steamed green vegetables or crispy garlic bread for a complete meal.

Stroganoff Cooking Tips for Better Results

  • Experiment with different pasta types like whole wheat egg noodles, gluten-free options, or wide ribbons for varied texture and dietary needs.
  • Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute with ground turkey to reduce overall calorie and fat intake without compromising flavor.
  • Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese alongside sour cream for extra richness and smoother sauce consistency.
  • Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers during beef browning to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.
  • Prepare components in advance by browning beef and chopping ingredients earlier, then quickly assemble the dish when ready to serve for faster meal preparation.

Storing and Reheating Beef Stroganoff Made Easy

  • Store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Warm refrigerated stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place stroganoff in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Ideal Side Pairings for Beef Stroganoff

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the beef stroganoff's hearty flavors.
  • Complement with Roasted Green Vegetables: Serve asparagus or Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and olive oil, adding a light, slightly charred element that balances the creamy, meaty dish and provides essential nutrients.
  • Match with Tangy Pickle Side: Add a small dish of dill pickles or quick-pickled cucumbers to introduce a bright, acidic note that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich stroganoff.
  • Enhance with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of warm, rustic sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an extra layer of texture and allowing diners to enjoy every last bit of the creamy goodness.

Simple Ways to Change Up This Stroganoff Recipe

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic stroganoff taste profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, replace sour cream with cashew cream, and select plant-based butter for a lactose-intolerant friendly recipe.

FAQs

  • Why use ground beef instead of traditional beef strips?

Ground beef is more affordable, easier to cook, and provides a quicker weeknight meal option. It breaks down faster and absorbs seasonings more readily, creating a delicious and budget-friendly stroganoff variation.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when creating the roux. Ensure all other ingredients like beef broth are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk continuously when adding liquid to the roux, pouring slowly and stirring consistently. Use a wire whisk and maintain medium heat to help create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.

  • What if my sauce is too thick or thin?

For a thicker sauce, cook longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water. If too thin, continue simmering to reduce liquid or incorporate additional flour gradually while whisking.

What Makes This Ground Beef Stroganoff Easy and Flavorful

  • Quick Comfort Feast: Whip up a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that won't break the bank.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Create a universally loved meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime smooth and enjoyable.
  • One-Skillet Dish: Minimize cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that uses just one pan from start to finish.
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Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this ground beef stroganoff, a hearty classic reimagined for modern kitchens. Creamy, savory sauce coats tender beef over egg noodles, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Ground Beef

Carbohydrates:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) Egg Noodles
  • 1/4 cup (32 grams) Flour

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) Butter
  • 1 1/4 cups (296 milliliters) Milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) Sour Cream
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) Beef Broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a pot of boiling water and cook egg noodles until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
  2. Heat a large skillet and sauté ground beef over medium temperature, methodically breaking meat into small crumbles until completely browned, ensuring no pink remains.
  3. Remove cooked beef from skillet, draining any accumulated fat, and temporarily set aside.
  4. Return skillet to heat and melt butter, creating a silky roux by whisking flour thoroughly for approximately two minutes.
  5. Introduce beef broth gradually while continuously whisking, allowing the liquid to transform into a smooth, thickening sauce.
  6. Pour milk into the developing sauce, stirring consistently to maintain a luxurious, creamy texture.
  7. Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, distributing seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
  8. Reduce skillet temperature to low, reuniting cooked noodles and browned beef with the velvety sauce.
  9. Gently fold sour cream into the mixture, creating a rich, tangy final layer that elevates the dish’s complexity.
  10. Plate the stroganoff immediately, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cracked pepper for enhanced presentation.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein alternative that keeps the dish nutritious and satisfying.
  • Use gluten-free noodles and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop deeper, richer flavors and prevent scorching, which helps achieve that creamy, restaurant-quality consistency home cooks love.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding finely chopped mushrooms during beef browning stage, introducing extra umami and boosting vegetable content without changing core recipe profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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