This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and easy dish that’s sure to satisfy on a busy weeknight. With tender egg noodles, seasoned beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce made from scratch, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The sour cream adds a rich tang that balances perfectly with the savory notes from garlic and onion. Perfect for families or anyone seeking a taste of classic home cooking, this recipe skips the mushrooms, catering to picky eaters while offering a smooth, creamy texture. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an effortless yet satisfying dinner option.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 1/4 cup Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, set them aside.
- While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring even distribution.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring until combined and heated through.
- Gently stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 662 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Classic and Comforting Dish
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a simplified take on the traditional Beef Stroganoff, a dish that originated in Russia in the mid-19th century. Named after the influential Stroganov family, the original recipe called for tender cuts of beef cooked in a creamy sauce, typically served over noodles or rice. Over time, the dish has evolved into many variations around the world, with one of the most popular adaptations being the use of ground beef. This twist makes the meal more affordable, faster to prepare, and just as delicious.
Why Ground Beef Stroganoff is a Family Favorite
What makes Ground Beef Stroganoff so beloved is its combination of flavors and textures that create a warm, satisfying meal. The rich, creamy sauce is balanced by the tender noodles and the savory flavor of the seasoned beef. It’s comfort food at its best — simple, hearty, and nostalgic. With every bite, you get the perfect blend of creaminess from the sour cream and milk, balanced by the savory notes of garlic and onion.
This dish is also incredibly versatile, appealing to both adults and children, making it a staple for family dinners. The absence of mushrooms in this particular version caters to those who may not enjoy them, making it more kid-friendly while still being easy to customize for those who wish to add their favorite vegetables.
How to Elevate Your Ground Beef Stroganoff
While this recipe is flavorful on its own, it can be easily customized and elevated to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to help you make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: If you’re looking to boost the nutritional content or just add more texture and flavor, feel free to add vegetables like fresh mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers. Mushrooms are a classic addition that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, while peas or bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and color.
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can take this dish to the next level. Try adding chopped parsley, dill, or thyme to enhance the flavor and add a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top right before serving not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also gives a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Spice Up the Flavor: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the sauce. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can also provide a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Different Proteins: Although ground beef is traditional in this variation, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, pork, or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. Each protein will lend its own unique flavor, allowing you to enjoy a different take on the classic Stroganoff.
- Cheesy Twist: While not in the original recipe, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a nice depth of flavor and a slightly nutty taste that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Ground Beef Stroganoff is often served over egg noodles, which soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. However, it can also be served over other bases if you’re looking to change things up or accommodate dietary preferences. For a gluten-free option, consider serving it over rice, gluten-free pasta, or even mashed potatoes. For a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice make excellent bases, as they provide a light, healthy contrast to the rich sauce.
Since this dish is quite hearty on its own, you may want to serve it with lighter sides to balance the flavors. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or roasted carrots work wonderfully as side dishes. A wedge salad topped with crumbled bacon and a tangy dressing also pairs well with the creamy flavors of the Stroganoff. And of course, don’t forget some warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up all that delicious sauce!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best parts about this dish is that it makes excellent leftovers, so don’t be afraid to double the recipe. Once cooled, store the Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave in 30-second increments or on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken after being refrigerated.
If you’re planning to freeze the Stroganoff, be sure to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it gently on the stovetop. Freezing may cause the sauce to separate slightly, so adding a touch of milk or sour cream while reheating can help bring the creamy texture back to life.
History and Evolution of Stroganoff
Traditional Stroganoff has a long and varied history, with its origins tracing back to 19th-century Russia. It was traditionally made with sautéed pieces of beef cooked in a mustard and sour cream sauce. The dish eventually gained popularity across Europe and North America, leading to numerous regional adaptations, one of which is this ground beef version.
During the mid-20th century, as packaged foods and convenience items became more popular, quick versions of Stroganoff (like the popular Hamburger Helper version) started to appear. However, as more people sought out healthier, homemade alternatives to boxed meals, the Ground Beef Stroganoff became a popular way to enjoy the same comforting flavors in a fresher, more natural way.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Insights
While this recipe is a comforting indulgence, it can be adjusted to align with your nutritional needs. For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. Using low-fat sour cream and milk can also help reduce the overall calorie and fat content without compromising on flavor. You can further boost the dish’s nutritional value by incorporating vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, which add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.
Conclusion:
When life gets busy, quick and satisfying dinners become essential, and this Ground Beef Stroganoff fits the bill perfectly. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy for a more involved meal. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it budget-friendly and perfect for last-minute dinner plans. All you need are some egg noodles, ground beef, butter, flour, broth, and spices to make a delicious meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
The one-pot preparation means less time spent cleaning up, which is always a plus after a long day. The creamy sauce coats the noodles and beef evenly, making every bite rich and flavorful. And because the sauce comes together quickly with only a few ingredients, this dish allows you to make a comforting homemade sauce without resorting to store-bought alternatives full of preservatives.
