Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe: A Family Favorite

This classic comfort dish brings restaurant flavor to your weeknight dinner table in just 30 minutes! Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tender ground beef and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce served over perfectly cooked egg noodles – it’s a timeless favorite for good reason.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of rich, creamy beef stroganoff. While traditional stroganoff recipes often call for expensive cuts of beef, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe version delivers all the flavor at a fraction of the cost – and in much less time! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and comforting without hours in the kitchen.

I’ve been making this recipe for over a decade, tweaking it along the way to create what my family now considers the “perfect” stroganoff. The combination of tangy sour cream, savory beef, and earthy mushrooms creates layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop, not minutes. And unlike some quick recipes that sacrifice quality for convenience, this dish maintains all the richness and depth of the classic version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a reliable weeknight dinner that still feels special, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe hits all the right notes. The sauce achieves that perfect balance – creamy without being too heavy, tangy without overwhelming the other flavors. The mustard powder adds a subtle depth that many stroganoff recipes miss, while the combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a silky texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.

Best of all, this recipe uses ingredients most of us already have in our pantries and refrigerators. No special shopping trip required! It’s also incredibly versatile – easy to double for larger gatherings or customize based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

For this delicious ground beef stroganoff, you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef (I recommend 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor)
• ½ cup chopped onion (about half a medium onion)
• 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained (or 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ cup sour cream (full-fat provides the best texture)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 (8 ounce) package wide egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet
• Medium pot for cooking noodles
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef Mixture

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. No need to add oil – the fat from the beef will provide enough.
2. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. When the beef is about halfway cooked (still some pink showing), add the chopped onion, drained canned mushrooms (or fresh sliced mushrooms), garlic powder, and mustard powder.

1. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink, and the onions have softened and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes total.
2. Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet, being sure to keep all the flavorful bits and seasonings in the pan.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and beef broth. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated.

1. Reduce heat to low under the skillet with the beef mixture.
2. Pour the creamy sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the beef and vegetables.
3. Allow the sauce to cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow, gentle cooking gives the flavors time to meld together without separating the sauce.
4. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Cooking the Noodles

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes.

1. Drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the pot they were cooked in.

Serving the Stroganoff

1. You can either serve the stroganoff sauce over individual portions of noodles, or gently fold the noodles into the sauce, depending on your preference.
2. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
3. Serve immediately while hot, with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cook’s Tips and Variations

Fresh vs. Canned Mushrooms: While the recipe calls for canned mushrooms for convenience, fresh mushrooms will provide a more robust flavor and better texture. If using fresh, add them earlier in the cooking process and allow them to brown slightly before adding the other ingredients.

Make It Richer: For an even more luxurious sauce, add 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream mixture.

Wine Addition: A splash of dry white wine (about ¼ cup) added to the beef mixture just before the cream sauce can add wonderful depth of flavor. Allow it to cook off for 1-2 minutes before adding the sauce.

Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or a small amount of rosemary adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish. Add a few sprigs to the sauce as it simmers, then remove before serving.

Vegetable Boosters: Feel free to add more vegetables if desired. Finely diced carrots or bell peppers work well when added with the onions.

Storage and Reheating: This stroganoff will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Perfect Pairings

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe pairs beautifully with:

• A simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots with a touch of honey
• Fresh bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for the adults

Nutrition Information

Per serving (approximately 1 cup of stroganoff with 1 cup cooked noodles):

• Calories: 696
• Fat: 44g (56% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 13g (65% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 139mg (46% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 482mg (21% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 46g (17% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 29g (59% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 77mg (6% Daily Value)
• Iron: 5mg (26% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 508mg (11% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this quick Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe success lies in the careful balance of tangy and savory elements. The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise provides the characteristic tang of traditional stroganoff while adding richness, and the mustard powder brings a subtle warmth that complements the beef perfectly.

Unlike some other quick versions, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe doesn’t rely on canned cream soups, allowing the flavors of the beef and mushrooms to shine through. The brief simmering time gives the sauce a chance to develop depth without requiring hours of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version, though you may want to add a bit more beef broth or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the meaty flavor.

How can I make this stroganoff dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream with a splash of lemon juice for tanginess.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While you can freeze this Ground Beef Stroganoff , cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the beef mixture separately from the noodles and recombine after thawing.

What can I substitute for egg noodles?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles all make excellent alternatives to traditional egg noodles.

This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe has become a beloved staple in many households for good reason. It offers that rare combination of quick preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and truly satisfying flavor that the whole family will love. Give it a try tonight, and I suspect it may become a regular request in your home too!