Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground beef stroganoff is one of those cozy meals that feels comforting without being complicated. It’s a creamy, savory dish made with tender ground beef, soft mushrooms, and a smooth sauce that wraps around every bite. People love it because it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients most kitchens already have. It’s especially helpful on busy evenings, quiet family nights, or cold days when you want something warm and filling. I usually start this recipe when I need dinner to be both easy and satisfying, knowing it will be ready without much effort or stress.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for everyday cooking. The flavor is rich and creamy, yet balanced enough to please everyone at the table. It’s weeknight-friendly, meaning you can make it after a long day without feeling overwhelmed. Ground beef keeps it budget-friendly, while the sauce feels indulgent and comforting. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it freezer-friendly and great for meal prep. Ground beef stroganoff is also flexible, so you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and one of those recipes people ask for again once they’ve tried it.

Ingredients

Tip: Use lean ground beef for a rich flavor without too much grease.

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz egg noodles

a neat arrangement of the exact ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside. Chop the onion, slice the mushrooms, and measure the remaining ingredients so everything is ready to go before cooking.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Stir in the onion and mushrooms, letting them soften and release their aroma as they cook together.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add butter and let it melt, then sprinkle in flour. Stir until everything looks lightly coated. Slowly pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens and looks smooth.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer until creamy and warm. Add the cooked noodles and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe works well when time is short because it cooks in one pan and comes together quickly. You can prep while the noodles cook, saving extra minutes. Leftovers store well, making it easy to plan ahead. It’s comforting without needing long cooking time, which makes it perfect for saving on Pinterest and cooking later when life feels busy.

Tips & Tricks

Brown the ground beef fully before adding other ingredients. This builds flavor and keeps the sauce from tasting flat or watery later on.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding sour cream. High heat can cause it to separate, so keep the simmer gentle and slow.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of beef broth. This helps loosen it without changing the flavor.
Season at the end, not the beginning. This prevents the dish from becoming too salty as the sauce reduces.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked sliced beef or extra ground beef for a heartier dish. This works well for bigger appetites and makes the stroganoff feel even more filling and satisfying.

Vegetarian Option
Skip the beef and use extra mushrooms or lentils instead. Use vegetable broth and follow the same steps for a creamy, comforting meat-free version.

Ingredient Swap
Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter texture. Stir it in gently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add fresh parsley or a pinch of paprika at the end. These small touches add warmth and freshness without overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Bowl – Serve over egg noodles in wide bowls for a cozy, comforting dinner everyone recognizes.
Rice Option – Spoon the stroganoff over warm rice for a simple change that still feels filling and familiar.
With Vegetables – Pair with steamed green beans or peas to add color and balance to the plate.
Family-Style Table – Serve straight from the pan with noodles on the side for an easy, shared meal.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Let the stroganoff cool fully before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a small splash of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.
Freezing
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Cook fresh noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: Not applicable
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving has about 450–550 calories, depending on portion size. Protein ranges from 30–38 grams per serving. The dish also provides calcium and iron. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and serving size.

FAQs

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead.

Cooking the sauce on high heat.

Yes, you can skip them or use zucchini.

Add a little broth to thin it out.

Up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This recipe is all about comfort, ease, and flexibility. You can adjust it to fit your taste, use what you have, and enjoy it more than once thanks to great leftovers. It’s simple enough for busy nights but cozy enough to feel special. Ground beef stroganoff is one of those meals that quietly becomes a favorite, showing up again and again when you need something reliable and warm. Save it, make it your own, and enjoy it whenever you need an easy, comforting dinner.