Ground Beef Stroganoff

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, hearty twist on the traditional Russian classic. With tender mushrooms, savory beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, this comfort dish comes together in just 35 minutes—making it perfect for weeknights. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients

• Budget-friendly: Uses ground beef instead of steak for a more economical option

• Creamy and rich: Features sour cream, cream, and mushrooms in a luxurious sauce

• Versatile: Pairs well with noodles, rice, grains, or even mashed cauliflower

• Kid-friendly: Mild, savory flavors the whole family will enjoy

• Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully and gets even better the next day

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• olive oil

• lean ground beef

• medium onion, diced

• mushrooms, sliced

• garlic cloves, minced

• all-purpose flour

• beef broth

• heavy whipping cream

• sour cream

• Worcestershire sauce

• salt

• ground black pepper

Directions

1. Brown the Beef
   Heat a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.

2. Add Onion and Garlic
   Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onions are soft and golden.

3. Cook Mushrooms
   Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. If the mushrooms release liquid, continue cooking until it evaporates.

4. Thicken the Base
   Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to fully incorporate, ensuring no lumps remain.

5. Add Liquids and Simmer
   Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.

6. Finish with Sour Cream
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve
   Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or your preferred grain.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and sour cream

• Add herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can brighten the dish

• Go low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower mash

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper for a little heat

• Use different mushrooms: Try cremini, baby bella, or a wild mushroom mix

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not ideal due to the cream, but if you must freeze it, do so before adding the sour cream. Add it fresh after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

White button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work well.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen before adding sour cream. Add sour cream after reheating.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

What’s the best pasta to serve with it?

Egg noodles are traditional, but stroganoff pairs well with any pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Make sure to remove the pan from heat before adding sour cream, and stir it in gently.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

What’s the purpose of the flour?

Flour acts as a thickening agent, helping the sauce reach a creamy, silky consistency.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream and sour cream alternatives, though the flavor may differ slightly.

Does it keep well overnight?

Yes, in fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is the perfect solution for when you want comfort food without the fuss. It’s quick, satisfying, and loaded with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. Whether you serve it over noodles, rice, or a low-carb base, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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