Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, Ground Beef Stroganoff is one of those magical dishes that manages to feel both nostalgic and exciting, every time you make it. With its savory beef, mushrooms, silky-smooth creamy sauce, and a shower of tender noodles, this is classic comfort food that’s ready in a flash. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a dish to delight your family, Ground Beef Stroganoff truly checks every box. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures is practically a hug on a plate—and that’s just one reason it always ends up in heavy rotation at my house.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Ground Beef Stroganoff is refreshingly simple, yet each item plays a crucial role in building its signature flavor and irresistible creaminess. A handful of pantry staples come together to create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day, even though it comes together in 30 minutes flat.

• Egg Noodles: These wide, tender noodles soak up all the saucy goodness and deliver that classic stroganoff texture.
• Ground Beef: Go for an 80/20 blend for the best flavor without too much excess fat.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that velvety sauce—the secret to the whole dish!
• Flour: Essential for thickening; this forms the base of your creamy roux.
• Beef Broth: Deepens the savory notes and supports the overall body of the sauce.
• Milk: The backbone of the sauce’s creaminess; feel free to use whole milk for extra richness.
• Garlic Powder: A pantry hero that infuses every bite with gentle aromatic depth.
• Onion Powder: Adds a lovely undertone and rounds out all the savory flavors.
• Black Pepper: Just the right amount for warmth and a little kick.
• Salt: Crucial for balancing and lifting all the flavors in the dish.
• Sour Cream: The classic finishing touch; it brings just enough tang to keep the sauce luscious but not heavy.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside—these will soak up that creamy sauce later and get even more delicious as they sit.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the noodles are bubbling away, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Spend about 6-8 minutes letting it brown beautifully, making sure there’s no pink left. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat so your Ground Beef Stroganoff doesn’t get greasy, then set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the now-empty skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those flavorful brown bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes. This forms the thick, dreamy roux that’s going to make your sauce irresistibly smooth. Keep it moving so it doesn’t brown too much.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Gradually add your beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Take your time, pouring a little at a time, and keep whisking until it starts to thicken—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates the backbone of your creamy sauce, deepening the flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Add Milk and Thicken More

Once your sauce base is looking glossy and thick, slowly pour in the milk. Keep stirring over medium heat; in about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice it becoming silky-smooth and creamy. This is when the transformation into classic Ground Beef Stroganoff really happens!

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Now it’s time for those subtle but essential flavors. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring everything is mixed evenly. Taste as you go and adjust for your family’s preferences—this is your moment to make it truly yours.

Step 7: Combine Everything

On low heat, add the cooked noodles and the browned ground beef back into the skillet. Use a large spoon to stir and fold everything together so every noodle gets coated in that dreamy sauce and every bite gets plenty of beef. Let it all heat through for a minute or two.

Step 8: Finish With Sour Cream

Take the skillet off the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. This adds a gorgeous creaminess and a lovely tang, cutting through the richness with just the right amount of brightness. Give it a quick taste and serve up your Ground Beef Stroganoff while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle with a bit of chopped fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper just before serving. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and freshness, brightening up your Ground Beef Stroganoff while making it look just as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Ground Beef Stroganoff with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve with roasted broccoli or green beans for a bit of crunch and color. If you’re in a bread mood (and really, who isn’t?), add a thick slice of garlic toast to soak up every bit of the velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to change things up—or impress at a dinner party—try serving Ground Beef Stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes or even steamed rice. For mini versions, pile scoops into individual ramekins for a comforting appetizer or potluck favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of Ground Beef Stroganoff only deepen as it rests, making next-day lunches extra satisfying.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, transfer completely cooled stroganoff (without the sour cream, if possible) into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to two months. When you’re ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring in fresh sour cream just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your stored Ground Beef Stroganoff to a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through. If the sauce thickens up too much, just add a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff without egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, Ground Beef Stroganoff also pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist.

Is it possible to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken. The final dish will be a bit lighter but still just as flavorful—just be sure to season generously.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Definitely! Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after browning the beef, then set them aside and add them back in with the noodles. Mushrooms add an earthy depth that’s classic in many stroganoff recipes.

How can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend when making your roux. The result is just as creamy and comforting.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. Add a splash of milk or broth if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid and the sauce seems thick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a crowd-pleasing, foolproof comfort dish that suits any busy weeknight, Ground Beef Stroganoff is the answer you’ve been looking for. Every spoonful is pure comfort, and the whole process is just easy and fun. I can’t wait for you to try it—and I promise, it’ll earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation!

Print