Ground Beef Stroganoff

Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Egg noodles or rice; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Rustic Food

I absolutely love making Ground Beef Stroganoff for its comforting flavor and creamy texture. The blend of savory beef with a rich, velvety sauce is always a hit in my household. This dish brings back fond memories of family dinners, where everyone would gather around the table to enjoy a hearty meal. In just under 30 minutes, I can whip up this delicious comfort food that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:49:35.573Z

When preparing this Ground Beef Stroganoff, I discovered the secret to achieving that perfect sauce is all in the cooking process. Sautéing the onions until they become translucent before adding in the beef really enhances the depth of flavor. I also find that simmering the beef in broth for just a few minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying dish.

One tip I’ve picked up is to use a good-quality sour cream. It really makes a difference, providing a delicious tang that perfectly balances the richness of the beef. Serving this dish over egg noodles not only adds to its comfort but also makes it a complete meal that everyone loves.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, savory beef flavor enveloped in a creamy sauce
Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes
Perfect over noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of Ground Beef Stroganoff lies in its ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the dish's signature taste. The choice of ground beef is important; I recommend using a lean-to-medium option, around 80/20 fat content, to ensure a rich flavor without excess grease. Ground beef offers a hearty texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken can also be used, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

The addition of mushrooms not only enhances the savory notes but also contributes to the overall texture. Fresh mushrooms work best for this recipe, as they will release moisture while cooking, enriching the sauce. Avoid canned mushrooms, as they tend to be rubbery and can diminish the dish's quality. Remember to sauté them until they have released their liquid and are golden brown; this step deepens their flavor and adds depth to the Stroganoff.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

When sautéing the onions, aim for a gentle heat – about medium. You want them to become soft and translucent without browning, as burnt onions can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Stir frequently, about 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick. This careful attention during the initial steps sets up the flavor base for your Stroganoff, creating a deliciously savory foundation that will enhance all other flavors throughout the cooking process.

Incorporating the flour into the beef mixture is a key step that thickens the sauce. Use a whisk to sprinkle in the flour, ensuring even distribution. This helps prevent lumps and promotes a smoother texture. After adding the beef broth, keep stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. You’ll know it’s done when it has thickened slightly and has a glossy appearance, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This ensures that the sauce wraps around the meat and noodles beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Stroganoff

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

Egg noodles or rice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Stroganoff:

Sauté the Onions and Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent. Then, add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Mushrooms and Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

Create the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Incorporate Sour Cream

Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the sauce mixture.

Customizing Your Stroganoff

One of the great aspects of Ground Beef Stroganoff is its versatility. You can easily add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in along with the mushrooms. For different flavor profiles, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef mixture, which provides a deeper umami kick.

If you're looking for a richer sauce, substitute a portion of the sour cream with cream cheese or heavy cream. This will elevate the creamy texture, making it even more luxurious. Just remember to heat it gently once added to avoid curdling.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Ground Beef Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using a stovetop over medium-low heat to gently warm it, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can overcook the beef and curdle the sour cream, affecting the dish's quality.

If you want to meal prep this dish, you can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and then reheat it on the day you plan to serve it. Just cook your noodles fresh to ensure they have the perfect texture. Alternatively, you can also freeze the Stroganoff for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop as mentioned.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Stroganoff a day ahead and reheat it gently on the stove.

→ What can I serve with Stroganoff?

This dish pairs well with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.