Craving a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal? This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this creamy comfort food is a delicious and budget-friendly way to feed the family. Our recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, bringing a classic dish to your table in under an hour.
What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic beef stroganoff, traditionally made with strips of beef. This version utilizes ground beef, making it more accessible, affordable, and quicker to prepare. It features a creamy, rich sauce made with sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version), mushrooms, onions, and beef broth, all simmered together and served over egg noodles.
The result is a deeply satisfying dish that’s both comforting and packed with savory flavor. Ground Beef Stroganoff is a wonderful option for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a comforting meal for one. Ready to experience this creamy delight? Dive into the recipe and let the warmth of Ground Beef Stroganoff fill your kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff:
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a delicious batch of Ground Beef Stroganoff:
- 1 pound ground beef: Look for 80/20 or 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and leanness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the ground beef and vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a savory base flavor to the dish.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Cremini or button mushrooms work well; clean them gently with a damp paper towel before slicing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent and aromatic element.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used for thickening the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce. Low sodium is recommended to control the salt level.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the sauce. Full-fat or light sour cream can be used, but full-fat will provide a richer flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the beef and sour cream.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Add a pinch of delicious smokiness to the dish.
- 1 pound egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta shape will work.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff:
This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a satisfying, creamy meal in just about 30 minutes. The key is to build the flavor in layers, starting with sautéing the ground beef and vegetables. The result is a rich and delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, combined with perfectly cooked egg noodles, makes it an instant family favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Egg Noodles: While preparing the sauce, begin by cooking the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. It’s important to cook the noodles to al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the sauce.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing the rich beefy flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, and the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture (about 5-7 minutes). This step helps to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
Add Garlic and Flour: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will help thicken the sauce. Make sure to cook the flour properly to avoid a pasty taste.
Deglaze the Pan: Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly (about 5 minutes). Use a whisk to ensure the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Stir in the Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream until it’s well combined. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
Combine and Serve: Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff:
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a winner for so many reasons. The creamy, savory sauce clings perfectly to the egg noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using ground beef instead of more expensive cuts of steak, making it the perfect option for a family-friendly weeknight dish.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of extra sour cream add a touch of freshness and richness that elevate the dish. Unlike a traditional beef stroganoff that might require hours of simmering, this ground beef version is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you need a delicious meal fast. If you enjoyed this creamy and savory dish, you might also like our Creamy Tomato Pasta with Ground Beef, for another quick and easy ground beef recipe. Give this Ground Beef Stroganoff a try tonight and experience the ultimate comfort food classic!
What to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff With:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stroganoff.
- Steamed Green Beans: Offer a healthy and vibrant side dish.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: A slightly more upscale side dish that complements the savory flavors of the stroganoff.
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside to mop up that delicious sauce.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Stroganoff:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the ground beef until it’s just cooked through to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms will add a better flavor to the dish than canned mushrooms.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Don’t Boil the Sour Cream: Adding sour cream at the end and avoiding boiling keeps the sauce creamy and prevents curdling.
- Substitute Ingredients: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative. If you’re out of beef broth, chicken broth will work in a pinch.
5 Facts about Ground Beef Stroganoff:
- Origins: Stroganoff is believed to have originated in Russia in the mid-19th century.
- Evolution: Traditionally made with beef strips, ground beef offers a modern, budget-friendly twist.
- Global Popularity: It’s a beloved comfort food enjoyed worldwide, with variations to suit local tastes.
- Adaptability: Ground Beef Stroganoff easily adapts to dietary needs with gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives.
- Quick Comfort: A perfect choice for busy weeknights, offering a creamy and satisfying meal in under an hour.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the Ground Beef Stroganoff to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the stroganoff in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling it, as the sour cream may curdle. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: While you can freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating due to the sour cream. For best results, consider freezing the ground beef mixture separately from the cooked noodles. This will help maintain the texture and flavor when you’re ready to reheat and combine. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious, and comforting meal any night of the week. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a few smart techniques can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this is a recipe that anyone can master and enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the flavorful and satisfying results.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Ground Beef Stroganoff FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: While this recipe is specifically for ground beef, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. When ready to serve, reheat gently according to the reheating instructions.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the stroganoff for added nutrition and flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It will provide a similar tanginess and creaminess, but with slightly fewer calories and fat.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Simply use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening the sauce. Be sure to check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and mushrooms separately. Then, add to your slow cooker along with all other ingredients except the sour cream and noodles . Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the sour cream during the last 30 minutes or right before serving. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the slow cooker right before serving.