Ground Beef Stroganoff

This budget-friendly and comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and hearty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender egg noodles are coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with ground beef, beef broth, and sour cream, making it the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, flour, and milk.
• Rich & Creamy: The combination of beef broth, sour cream, and seasonings creates a luscious sauce.
• Customizable: Easily add mushrooms, extra seasonings, or different noodles to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats well.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot – For boiling the egg noodles.
• Large skillet – To cook the ground beef and make the sauce.
• Whisk – Helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For breaking up the beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

Preparation Tips

• Prepare all ingredients in advance to make the cooking process smoother.
• Use a lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease.
• Whisk the flour into the butter well to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy when mixed into the sauce.
• Add the sour cream last to maintain a creamy texture and prevent curdling.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main Ingredients

• 6 ounces egg noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

• Mushrooms: Add 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms (white button or cremini) for extra depth of flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Substitute: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Pasta Alternatives: Swap egg noodles for penne, rotini, or fettuccine.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook egg noodles according to package directions (about 7-8 minutes).
• Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
• Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
• Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
• Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
• Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth and creamy (5-7 minutes).
• Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

4. Combine Everything

• Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked beef and noodles to the skillet.
• Stir gently until well combined.
• Mix in sour cream, ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the sauce.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Serve hot with your favorite vegetable side or garlic toast.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside this dish:

1. Steamed Broccoli

The slight crunch and mild flavor of steamed broccoli balance the creamy richness of the stroganoff. A simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil makes it a perfect side.

2. Garlic Bread

A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is great for soaking up the delicious stroganoff sauce. Use a baguette or sourdough bread, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts add a slightly nutty and caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy stroganoff. Roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful and nutritious side.

4. Simple Green Salad

A fresh green salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the dish. A lemon or balsamic dressing works best.

5. Mashed Potatoes

For an extra comforting meal, serve stroganoff over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles. The rich sauce blends perfectly with the buttery potatoes.

6. Sautéed Mushrooms

Since classic beef stroganoff often includes mushrooms, adding a side of sautéed mushrooms enhances the dish’s traditional flavors. Cook them in butter with a touch of garlic for extra depth.

7. Buttered Peas

Peas add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the plate. Simply steam them and toss with butter and a pinch of salt for a quick and easy side dish.

8. Carrot and Cucumber Salad

A light and crisp carrot and cucumber salad adds freshness to the meal. Toss thinly sliced carrots and cucumbers with a splash of vinegar and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Using the Wrong Type of Ground Beef

Ground beef with too much fat can make the dish greasy, while extra-lean beef can be too dry. The best choice is 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef, which provides the right balance of flavor and texture.

2. Overcooking the Noodles

Egg noodles should be cooked al dente because they will continue to soften when mixed into the sauce. Overcooked noodles may become mushy and lose their shape.

3. Skipping the Roux

A roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening the sauce. Cooking the flour in butter for at least 2 minutes removes the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth consistency.

4. Adding Sour Cream Too Early

Sour cream should be stirred in at the end on low heat to prevent curdling. Adding it too soon or cooking it over high heat may cause it to separate and affect the texture of the sauce.

5. Not Seasoning Properly

Under-seasoning can make the dish taste bland. Be sure to taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you want extra depth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can enhance the flavor.

6. Using Too Much or Too Little Liquid

Adding too much liquid can make the sauce runny, while too little can make it too thick. The ideal consistency is smooth and creamy without being overly thick or soupy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to adjust the texture.

7. Ignoring Variations and Add-Ins

While the basic recipe is delicious, small variations can make it even better. Adding sautéed mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the overall flavor.

8. Rushing the Cooking Process

Allowing the sauce to simmer properly ensures that all the flavors meld together. If you rush through the steps or cook over high heat, the sauce may not develop the right consistency and depth of flavor.

Recipe Tips, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Use high-quality beef broth for a richer, more flavorful sauce. Homemade broth or a low-sodium store-bought version works best.
• Cook the flour in butter long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste. This also helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Gradually add the liquid while whisking to prevent clumping and achieve a silky consistency.
• Do not overcook the sour cream. Adding it at the end and stirring it gently preserves the creamy texture.
• Let the stroganoff rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and slightly thickens the sauce.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

• Allow the stroganoff to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• While this dish can be frozen, the dairy in the sauce may separate upon thawing.
• To freeze, store stroganoff in an airtight, freezer-safe container without the sour cream.
• When reheating, add fresh sour cream to restore the creamy texture.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

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Reheating Instructions

Stovetop Method (Best Option)

1. Place the stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
3. Stir gently until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Microwave Method

1. Transfer a portion of stroganoff to a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.
3. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Oven Method (For Larger Portions)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place stroganoff in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well, but it has a milder flavor. To enhance taste, add extra seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce.

2. What can I use instead of egg noodles?

Pasta alternatives include fettuccine, rotini, or penne. You can also serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

3. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a small slurry made of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water. Stir in the slurry and cook until thickened.

4. How can I thin out the sauce if it’s too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or beef broth while stirring over low heat until the desired consistency is reached.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use:

• Dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
• Unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
• Dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream in place of regular sour cream.

7. How can I add more flavor to the stroganoff?

For extra depth, try adding:

• A splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory boost.
• Dijon mustard for a subtle tang.
• A pinch of smoked paprika for warmth.
• Fresh parsley or chives for brightness.

8. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the noodles. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix in freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.

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Conclusion

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for busy nights. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender beef, and comforting noodles, it is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or mashed potatoes, this dish is both versatile and delicious.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy leftovers just as much as the first serving. Try different variations, add your favorite vegetables, and adjust the seasoning to make it your own. Enjoy a warm and hearty meal that brings comfort with every bite.