If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and savory dish that comes together quickly, this easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a must-try for your next dinner. Featuring tender ground beef simmered in a luscious mushroom and sour cream sauce, this recipe captures the classic flavors of traditional stroganoff with a simple, weeknight-friendly twist. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something hearty, delicious, and satisfying without a ton of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in less than half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy and flavorful, it hits all the right cozy notes your taste buds crave.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality.
Family Favorite: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.
Flexible Recipe: Easily adjustable with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create the rich, creamy sauce and tender meat that’s the heart of Ground Beef Stroganoff. Each element adds its own layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish truly special.

Ground Beef: The main protein that provides a meaty, hearty base for the dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft and golden.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Mushrooms: Offer earthiness and a tender bite to complement the beef.
Beef Broth: Adds savory richness to the sauce and keeps it moist.
Sour Cream: The secret to the creamy, tangy sauce that makes stroganoff so irresistible.
Flour or Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a perfect velvety texture.
Butter: Used to sauté and add richness to the dish.
Egg Noodles or Pasta: Traditional pairing that soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all flavors to life.

Variations for Ground Beef Stroganoff

One of the best parts about Ground Beef Stroganoff is how easy it is to tweak and customize. Whether you want to swap ingredients, adapt to dietary preferences, or experiment with flavor profiles, there’s always a tasty way to make it your own.

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Spice it Up: Add smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce for a flavor boost.
Serve Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb or gluten-free alternative to noodles.

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Dinner

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the onion, garlic, and slicing the mushrooms. Have your ground beef ready and measure out your broth and sour cream, so all components are easy to access during cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until nicely browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add butter if needed and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Then add the mushrooms, cooking until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sour Cream

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix well. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles and Serve

Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and plate the noodles, then spoon the warm, creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff over them. Garnish as desired and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Stroganoff

Don’t Skip Browning: Properly browning the beef adds rich flavor from caramelization that really elevates the dish.
Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms have the best texture and taste; canned varieties can be watery and less flavorful.
Tempering Sour Cream: Mix a small amount of hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it to the pan to avoid curdling.
Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra fat from the browned beef for a lighter dish without losing savory flavor.
Simmer Gently: Keep sauce at a low simmer once sour cream is added to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair stroganoff with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance, or enjoy alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the stroganoff over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a twist, or stuff it inside baked potatoes for a comforting, no-fuss meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef with higher fat content?

Yes, but be sure to drain the excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy dish while still keeping plenty of flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works well as a tangy, creamy substitute, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt can be used for different dietary needs.

Is Ground Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors often deepen when made ahead. Just reheat gently and add a touch of broth if the sauce thickens.

What type of noodles are best for stroganoff?

Broad egg noodles are traditional and ideal here, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, or even substitute with rice or mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a true winner when you want something quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a dinner that feels special without any stress. Don’t hesitate to try it this week and discover why it’s become such a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere!

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Print Recipe

This easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a comforting, creamy, and savory dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a luscious mushroom and sour cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines classic stroganoff flavors with a simple, weeknight-friendly process that’s perfect for busy evenings and family meals.

Author: Emilly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Russian/American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using cornstarch and gluten-free pasta or rice)

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced

Liquids & Thickeners

1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch

Pasta & Seasoning

8 oz egg noodles or your preferred pasta
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic, and slice the mushrooms. Measure out the beef broth and sour cream so all components are ready for cooking.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary, then transfer beef to a bowl and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add additional butter if needed. Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet until translucent and fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden brown.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, cooking about one minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine Beef and Sour Cream: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix well. Remove pan from heat and stir in sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Cook the Noodles and Serve: Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and place on plates, then spoon the warm stroganoff over the noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired and enjoy.

Notes

Don’t skip properly browning the beef to develop rich flavor from caramelization.
Use fresh mushrooms for best texture and flavor; avoid canned if possible.
Temper sour cream by mixing with a bit of hot sauce or warm sauce before adding to avoid curdling.
Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning for a lighter dish.
Simmer sauce gently after adding sour cream to maintain creaminess.
Variations include substituting ground beef with turkey or chicken, making it dairy-free by using coconut cream, adding veggies like spinach or peas, and serving over rice or mashed potatoes.
Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently adding broth to loosen sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Ground Beef Stroganoff, quick dinner, creamy beef, mushroom sauce, comfort food, weeknight meal