Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Looking for a comforting and easy ground beef dinner recipe that tastes amazing? This Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff delivers a rich, savory experience in one skillet, perfect for a satisfying meal any night of the week. You’ll love how quickly this comes together for a hearty family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for best flavor, or lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion works well.
- Mushrooms: Fresh cremini or white button mushrooms. You can omit if you don’t like mushrooms.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium is always a good choice.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the best creamy texture, but light sour cream can be used.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta you have on hand will work.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, large pot for noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the same skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture. This builds a great flavor base for your ground beef dinner recipe.
3. Thicken the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for one minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Noodles
While the sauce simmers, cook your wide egg noodles according to package directions in a separate large pot of salted water. Drain them well once they are al dente.
5. Finish the Stroganoff Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until completely smooth and heated through. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle. Season your creamy ground beef stroganoff with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve
Add the drained egg noodles directly to the skillet with the stroganoff sauce and ground beef. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Variation Ideas:
- Extra Veggies: Add peas, spinach, or green beans for more nutrients.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
- Different Pasta: Use penne, rotini, or even rice instead of egg noodles.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover creamy ground beef stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this ground beef dinner recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the noodles. Cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for a tangier flavor and similar creaminess. Make sure it’s plain and full-fat.
Why did my sour cream curdle?
Sour cream can curdle if added to a sauce that is too hot or boiling. Always reduce the heat to low before stirring it in.
Can I freeze Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the sour cream and noodles may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What kind of mushrooms are best for stroganoff?
Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer a deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms also work perfectly for this ground beef dinner.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour as a thickener and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
