Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Looking for a comforting, creamy, and easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a delicious twist on the classic dish, using ground beef instead of steak, making it budget-friendly and quicker to prepare. Tender ground beef is cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions, then served over egg noodles or rice. This meal comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations!

this Recipe

---

What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish inspired by traditional Russian beef stroganoff, which typically uses thinly sliced beef. This version swaps out the steak for ground beef, making it quicker and more economical. The dish features ground beef cooked in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, onions, beef broth, and sour cream, resulting in a rich, hearty meal. Served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, this stroganoff is a satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.

---

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, delicious ground beef stroganoff:

• Ground Beef (80% lean) – 1 pound, for the hearty base.
• Onion – 1 small, diced for flavor.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for added depth.
• Mushrooms (white or cremini) – 1 cup, sliced for extra flavor (optional but recommended).
• Butter – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• Flour – 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
• Beef Broth – 2 cups, for a rich and savory sauce base.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon, for a tangy depth of flavor.
• Sour Cream – ½ cup, for a creamy finish.
• Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon, for a hint of tang (optional).
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for mild spice and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
• Egg Noodles – 8 oz, cooked according to package instructions (or use rice or mashed potatoes).

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Fresh dill

---

Substitutions and Variations

This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add extra mushrooms or plant-based ground meat substitutes.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and sour cream alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Whole Wheat Pasta or Rice: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat noodles or serve the stroganoff over brown rice or quinoa.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.

These variations allow you to adjust the recipe based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Ground Beef Stroganoff step by step:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms:
   • In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually add the beef broth while stirring, ensuring the sauce is smooth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer and Thicken:
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the Sour Cream:
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
6. Combine with Beef and Serve:
   • Add the cooked ground beef back into the sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
   • Serve the ground beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh dill for a pop of color and flavor.

---

How to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the main steps to make Ground Beef Stroganoff:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter until softened.
3. Make the sauce by adding flour, beef broth, and seasonings.
4. Simmer until thickened and stir in sour cream for a creamy finish.
5. Combine with cooked beef and serve over noodles or rice.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Beef: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
• Overcooking the Sauce: Once the sour cream is added, avoid bringing the sauce to a full boil, as it can cause the sour cream to curdle. Keep the heat low to maintain a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Skipping the Flour Step: The flour helps thicken the sauce, so don’t skip this step. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can use less flour or skip it, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
• Using Low-Fat Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the stroganoff a rich, creamy texture. Using low-fat sour cream can result in a thinner sauce, so stick with full-fat if possible.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground beef stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish, but with a little effort, you can make it look just as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff:

• Family-Style: Serve the stroganoff in a large serving dish or directly from the skillet with a side of buttered noodles or mashed potatoes.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle the stroganoff over noodles or rice in individual bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh dill adds color and freshness to the dish.
• Add a Side of Bread: Serve the stroganoff with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Serve with a Salad: A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables makes a great side dish to balance out the richness of the stroganoff.

---

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Ground beef stroganoff can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stroganoff, but the sour cream may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can simply leave them out or substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy creaminess.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.

---

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that delivers all the rich, creamy flavors of traditional stroganoff in a more affordable and quicker version. With tender ground beef, a flavorful creamy sauce, and hearty noodles or rice, this dish is perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a bowl of comforting, delicious stroganoff that’s ready in no time!

Print