Classic Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef Recipe

The Best Classic Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef Recipe

Beef stroganoff has revolutionized comfort food with its hearty, creamy goodness.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that comes together quickly.

Hearty flavors mingle in this classic dish that feels like a warm hug.

Rich sour cream sauce coats tender meat and mushrooms, creating a satisfying meal.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with simple ingredients and quick preparation.

Home cooks can easily master this delicious recipe that impresses everyone at the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable comfort classic.

Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef Is Fast, Filling, and So Good

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this classic beef stroganoff in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Sensation: Ground beef creates a budget-friendly version that kids and adults will love, with creamy sauce and tender noodles that satisfy every palate.
  • Versatile Comfort Food Champion: Easily adaptable for different preferences by swapping noodles, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables for a personalized touch that keeps dinner exciting and nutritious.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Using simple ingredients and one-skillet cooking method means less cleanup and more time enjoying a restaurant-quality meal right at home without complicated techniques.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Ingredients

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, lean meat that provides the hearty base of the dish, best with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Adds deep meaty flavor and helps create a smooth, rich sauce.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Mushrooms, Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor-building trio that adds depth and earthy notes, choose fresh white or cremini mushrooms for best texture.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Sour Cream: Creamy element that creates a tangy, silky sauce texture, full-fat version recommended.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides complex umami and depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharp note and helps emulsify the sauce.
Pasta Base:
  • Egg Noodles: Traditional stroganoff companion with soft, wide shape that catches sauce perfectly, choose wide or medium width.

Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef Cooking Tips

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook until it turns a rich brown color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Vegetable Base

Toss into the same skillet:
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance, creating a mouth-watering foundation for the stroganoff.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Beef broth
  • Sour cream
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently.

The sauce will thicken and develop deep, complex flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Prepare Noodle Base

Boil egg noodles according to the package directions.

Cook until they reach a perfect al dente texture that will beautifully cradle the rich beef sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spread the cooked noodles on plates, then generously ladle the hot beef stroganoff over the top.

The creamy sauce will cascade down, creating an irresistible meal that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Helpful Tips for Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Opt for 85% or 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat without compromising flavor.
  • Sauté mushrooms until golden brown to develop a rich, caramelized flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
  • Lower the heat when adding sour cream and stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
  • Swap egg noodles with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives for dietary preferences or nutrition needs.
  • Add a pinch of salt and black pepper during cooking to build layers of taste throughout the stroganoff.

Beef Stroganoff Leftovers Plan

  • Store leftover beef stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately; they become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through heating for even temperature.
  • If sauce separates during reheating, whisk briefly to restore creamy texture. Serve immediately after warming to maintain best flavor and consistency.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Pairings

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes that complement the creamy beef stroganoff sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the dish's savory flavors.
  • Match with Hearty Red Pinot Noir: Choose a lighter red wine with soft tannins that won't overpower the delicate mushroom and beef elements, providing a smooth drinking experience alongside the stroganoff.
  • Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing side dish with sliced cucumbers, dill, and a light vinaigrette that offers a crisp, cool contrast to the warm, creamy pasta and beef mixture.
  • Complete with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a side of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious stroganoff sauce, adding textural variety and extra flavor to the meal.

Beef Stroganoff Served With Easy Changes

  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped portobello mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Add extra mushrooms for depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free beef broth and ensure all ingredients meet dairy-free requirements.

FAQs

  • What makes ground beef a good choice for stroganoff?

Ground beef is budget-friendly, cooks quickly, and provides rich flavor. It’s easier to brown evenly compared to traditional beef strips and absorbs seasonings well.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • How can I add more nutrition to this dish?

Include extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process. You can also use low-sodium beef broth and lean ground beef to make the recipe healthier.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors of beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce make it appealing to children. The soft texture of noodles and ground beef is easy for kids to eat.

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Classic Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef Recipe

Classic Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Russian classic beef stroganoff brings hearty home-style flavors to dinner tables worldwide. Creamy mushroom sauce mingles with tender ground beef over egg noodles, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 8 ounces (8 oz) fresh button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Dijon mustard

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (8 oz) egg noodles

Instructions

  1. Sizzle the ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, ensuring to eliminate any surplus grease.
  2. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
  3. Pour in the rich beef broth, velvety sour cream, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and zesty Dijon mustard, blending ingredients seamlessly.
  4. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While sauce develops, prepare egg noodles in a separate pot according to package guidelines, cooking until perfectly al dente.
  6. Once noodles are cooked and sauce reaches desired consistency, plate the steaming noodles and generously ladle the savory beef stroganoff directly over the top.
  7. Garnish with optional fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for an enhanced presentation and added flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Trim excess fat from ground beef for a leaner dish without compromising flavor.
  • Consider using low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Swap traditional egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Add fresh chopped parsley or chives as a vibrant garnish to enhance visual appeal and bring a fresh herbal note to the rich stroganoff.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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