Ground Beef Stroganoff

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When I need a quick, comforting dinner that hits all the right notes, Ground Beef Stroganoff is one of my go-to dishes. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender ground beef and egg noodles, all wrapped in a savory sauce that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how easy it is to pull together with simple pantry ingredients—nothing fancy, just hearty, honest flavors that deliver every time.

What makes this dish even more special is how family-friendly it is. Whether I’m feeding a hungry crew on a weeknight or just looking for a nostalgic meal that reminds me of home, this recipe never disappoints. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when time is short but I still want something truly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff

This is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It’s fast, flavorful, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. The creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce feels indulgent, but the recipe is simple enough for even beginner cooks. It’s also a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup.

Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or need something new to add to your dinner rotation, Ground Beef Stroganoff fits the bill beautifully. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once—and then crave again and again.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

You can use any kind of ground beef, but I prefer lean ground beef—around 85% lean, 15% fat. It offers enough fat to add flavor without making the sauce greasy. If you use fattier beef, just be sure to drain off the excess grease before adding your sauce ingredients. You could also use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter version.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the great things about Ground Beef Stroganoff is how flexible it is. If you’re out of egg noodles, you can use rotini, penne, or even rice. For the creamy element, sour cream is traditional, but Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be swapped in for a tangy twist.

Mushrooms are a classic addition, but if you’re not a fan, leave them out or try zucchini or spinach for extra veggies. And for an extra flavor boost, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard goes a long way.

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Ingredients for this Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish. It adds richness and a satisfying meaty texture. Choose lean ground beef to avoid too much grease.

Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Their soft, chewy bite pairs beautifully with the beef.

Onion: Diced onion builds a sweet, aromatic base that gives depth to the overall flavor.

Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring warmth and savory balance to the sauce.

Beef broth: Provides the savory liquid that forms the base of the sauce. It enhances the meaty flavor and helps everything simmer together beautifully.

Sour cream: The creamy tang that makes stroganoff what it is. It blends into the sauce for a velvety finish.

Cream of mushroom soup: A convenient way to add creaminess and mushroom flavor. It thickens the sauce effortlessly.

Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the onion and garlic. It adds richness and helps build the base of the sauce.

Salt & black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of every ingredient.

Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herby garnish that adds color and a touch of brightness to the finished dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook them; they’ll soak up some of the sauce later.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat, but leave a little for flavor if using lean beef.

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Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil or butter to the other side and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Stir the beef, onions, and garlic together. Pour in the beef broth and add the cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is well combined and simmer for 5-7 minutes. This thickens the sauce and melds the flavors.

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Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Be careful not to boil the sauce once the sour cream is added, as it can curdle.

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Step 6: Add Noodles and Toss

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 more minutes so the noodles soak up some flavor.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately while it’s creamy and delicious.

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How Long to Prepare the Ground Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time: Preparing this meal is quick and straightforward. Chopping onions and garlic, measuring ingredients, and boiling the noodles will take about 10 minutes in total. This can be even faster if you’re using pre-chopped vegetables or already have your pantry items ready.

Cooking Time: The cooking process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Browning the beef and simmering the sauce doesn’t take long, and once the noodles are added, you only need a few minutes to let everything combine. Overall, you can have dinner on the table in just under 30 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Use lean ground beef to avoid an overly greasy sauce.
• Don’t overcook the noodles—they should be al dente so they don’t turn mushy in the sauce.
• Sauté the onions until soft and translucent for the best flavor base.
• Stir in the sour cream at the end over low heat to prevent curdling.
• Let the noodles sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Boiling after adding sour cream: This can cause it to separate. Always lower the heat.
• Not draining excess fat: If your beef is too fatty and you don’t drain it, the sauce can become oily.
• Skipping the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
• Overcooking the noodles: They continue cooking slightly once added to the sauce.
• Not simmering the sauce: It needs a few minutes to thicken and blend flavors.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Stroganoff?

1. Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a crunchy contrast.

2. Steamed Green Beans

Light, healthy, and adds a pop of color to your plate.

3. Simple Green Salad

Tossed with vinaigrette, it balances the richness of the stroganoff.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slightly bitter, caramelized flavor works great with the creamy sauce.

5. Mashed Potatoes

A hearty alternative if you’re not using noodles—also delicious under the stroganoff.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish, though the noodles may soften slightly upon reheating. Place cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop.

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Estimated Nutrition

Calories: ~450 per serving
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 80mg

(Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Make it a day in advance and reheat gently.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a nice tang. Just make sure to add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a quick roux with butter, flour, and milk or use cream cheese as a creamy base.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and check that your soup and broth are gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Its creamy sauce, tender beef, and satisfying noodles make it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something easy and hearty, this recipe delivers every single time. Try it once and you’ll see why it belongs in your regular dinner rotation.

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