You know that moment when something’s bubbling on the stove and everyone gravitates toward the kitchen? Ground beef stroganoff has that kind of magnetic pull – creamy, savory, and filling in the best possible way. It’s become a weeknight hero for good reason.
This isn’t your traditional beef strips version, but it’s just as satisfying and way more budget-friendly. Ground beef gets cozy with mushrooms and onions, then everything gets silky with sour cream and a touch of paprika. Think comfort food that doesn’t break the bank, ready in about 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
Started tweaking this recipe back in 2014 when I was exploring how different cuts of beef behave in classic dishes. The first time I made it, my neighbor asked if I was hosting a dinner party – the smell was that good. Here’s what I discovered: browning the beef really well before adding anything else creates these little caramelized bits that make all the difference.
PrintGround Beef Stroganoff: Easy and Delicious Recipe
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and tasty meal perfect for Cheap Easy Meals With Hamburger Meat. Enjoy a quick, budget-friendly dish that combines rich flavors and comfort in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles cooked per package directions
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 medium onion diced
- 12 ounce mushrooms baby bella sliced
- 4–5 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth low sodium divided
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook the wide egg noodles in boiling water following the package directions until they are just tender, then drain and transfer to a bowl.
- While the noodles cook, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, then drain any fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid burning.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to lift any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and let the sauce cook for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Take the skillet off the heat, then blend in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to your taste.
- Return the browned ground beef and the cooked noodles to the skillet, mixing everything well so the noodles are coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if you like and serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- Use ground turkey, ground chicken or ground chuck
- Use plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Swap the heavy cream for cream of mushroom soup or a roux of a cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of flour
- You may want to add a beef bouillon or paste for extra flavor if you choose this swap
- Serve over any favorite pasta like penne, fusilli, bowtie or even mashed potatoes or brown or white rice
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth
- Be sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding in the sour cream or it will likely curdle
- It is still edible but will have a slightly different texture
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 821mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g + 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
Why This Ground Beef Stroganoff Will Win Your Heart
There’s something magical about how ground beef transforms in this dishthose little caramelized bits soak up all the creamy, savory flavors like tiny flavor sponges. Unlike traditional stroganoff that uses pricier beef strips, this version delivers the same soul-warming comfort for a fraction of the cost.
The mushrooms and onions create a beautiful base of earthy sweetness, while the sour cream adds that signature tang we all crave. Best part: it’s forgiving enough for busy weeknights but tasty enough that nobody will guess it’s one of those inexpensive meals made with hamburger meat.
Your Simple Ingredient Lineup
What I love about this recipe is how it uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients to create something that feels special. The wide egg noodles are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce, while the baby bella mushrooms add a meaty depth that makes this dish feel more luxurious than it actually is.
The cream of mushroom soup acts as our shortcut to richnessno need for heavy cream or complicated roux-making here. Combined with beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, you get layers of umami that make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.
| Ingredient | Easy Swaps | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or chicken | Creates meaty base with caramelized bits |
| Sour cream | Greek yogurt | Adds tangy creaminess |
| Wide egg noodles | Penne, fusilli, or rice | Holds sauce beautifully |
| Baby bella mushrooms | White button mushrooms | Adds earthy depth |
How This Magic Happens Step by Step
The secret to incredible flavor starts with browning that ground beef properlydon’t rush this part! Those little caramelized bits are pure gold. Once you’ve got your beef beautifully browned and set aside, the same skillet becomes your flavor-building station.
Sautéing the onions and mushrooms in butter creates an amazing foundation, then the garlic and flour work together to thicken everything up. When you gradually add that beef broth, you’re deglazing all those gorgeous brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Critical moment: Remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the sour creamthis prevents any curdling and keeps your sauce silky smooth. Trust me on this one!
Troubleshooting Your Stroganoff
If your sauce feels too thick, just splash in a bit more beef broth until it reaches that perfect consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
- Sauce separated: Don’t panic! Whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to bring it back together.
- Mushrooms watery: Cook them a minute longer to evaporate excess moisture.
- Beef tough: Make sure you’re breaking it into small, fine pieces while browning.
The beauty of this budget beef stroganoff is that it’s incredibly forgivingeven if something goes slightly sideways, it still tastes amazing.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This feeds six generous portions, making it perfect for families or meal prep enthusiasts. I love serving it with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce, but steamed broccoli or a simple green salad works beautifully too.
Leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to five dayssometimes I think it tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle. For reheating, add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce back up.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Store in airtight container, add broth when reheating |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in freezer-safe container, thaw overnight |
| Reheating | Stovetop or microwave | Add 2-3 tablespoons broth to restore creaminess |
Expert Says
Ground beef stroganoff benefits from the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that occurs when browning meat. This enhances the overall flavor and aroma, giving the dish its rich profile. Additionally, using a mixture of sour cream and broth not only adds creaminess but also balances the richness with acidity.
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The Journey to My Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
After several attempts at developing my Ground Beef Stroganoff, I finally found the balance of flavors that felt like home. I still remember the first batch that turned into a creamy catastrophebut every misstep brought me closer to that rich, savory harmony that now fills our kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
FAQs ( Ground Beef Stroganoff )
What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?
This dish is a creamy, savory mix of ground beef, mushrooms, and onions served over egg noodles or rice. It’s a comfort food classic that combines rich flavors with a simple preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I use other meats in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a richer flavor, consider using ground pork. Just ensure that the cooking times remain similar for the best results.
How can I make this meal more budget-friendly?
To save money, consider using frozen vegetables instead of fresh, as they’re often cheaper and just as nutritious. Additionally, you can serve this dish over rice instead of egg noodles to reduce costs while still enjoying a hearty meal.
What side dishes go well with this dish?
A simple side salad or steamed broccoli pairs nicely with this meal, adding freshness to the rich flavors. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great choices to mop up the creamy sauce.
This ground beef stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours. You’ll love how those caramelized beef bits meld with the creamy mushroom sauceit’s pure comfort in a bowl. The aroma alone will have everyone asking “what’s for dinner?” before you even call them to the table.
Here’s a flavor trick I picked up: add a pinch of fresh thyme with the paprika for an earthy depth that’s absolutely divine. Feel free to swap in ground turkey or even lentils for variety. This freezes beautifully toojust add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back that silky texture.
I’d love to see your stroganoff creations! Tag me in your photosthere’s something so satisfying about seeing this recipe come to life in different kitchens. Did your family have a go-to stroganoff growing up? Save this one for your next cozy night init’s the kind of meal that turns any evening into something special.
