Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Ground Beef Stroganoff! Creamy, savory, and packed with mushrooms, this dish brings all the cozy vibes of traditional stroganoff, but with a quick, weeknight-friendly twist using ground beef. It’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible served over a tangle of egg noodles or fluffy rice.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Ground Beef Stroganoff is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a luxuriously satisfying dish. Every component is deliciously purposeful—from the savory meat to the creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms—which means you don’t need anything fancy to achieve big, bold flavor.

• Olive oil: Provides a silky start for sautéing the meat and veggies, enriching the sauce’s backbone.
• Lean ground beef: The star protein—go for lean for a lighter sauce, but any type works in a pinch.
• Onion (1/2 medium, diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth that meld beautifully into the sauce.
• Mushrooms (1 lb, sliced): Their earthiness is classic stroganoff magic; baby bella or white button are both fantastic.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A foundation of aromatic flavor—don’t be shy!
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, making it velvety and rich without weighing it down.
• Beef broth: Delivers savory undertones while helping create a glossy sauce.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds unbeatable creaminess; feel free to use half-and-half for a lighter twist.
• Sour cream: Sharp, tangy, and classic—it brings essential stroganoff brightness and body.
• Worcestershire sauce: The umami “secret weapon” bringing irresistible depth to the finished dish.
• Salt & ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to fit your tastebuds.

Variations

One of the true joys of Ground Beef Stroganoff is how endlessly adaptable it is! Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you’ve got on hand, or tweak things to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs—the possibilities are as comforting as the dish itself.

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin, or swap in plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian take.
• Go Mushroom-Heavy: Double up the mushrooms and reduce the meat for a more veggie-forward stroganoff with deep umami notes.
• Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a fresher, tangier sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch in place of flour, and be sure your Worcestershire is certified gluten-free.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small, craggy bits. Once the meat is starting to brown, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, then sauté everything together until the onions are soft, translucent, and turning golden. This step sets the flavor foundation for your stroganoff—so give it a few extra minutes for extra depth.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Add all those gorgeous, sliced mushrooms to the pan. Don’t be alarmed by the volume—they’ll shrink like magic! Let the mushrooms sauté for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If they release a lot of liquid, just keep cooking until most of it evaporates; this concentrates the flavor and prevents a watery sauce.

Step 3: Add Flour & Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and mushrooms. Stir everything together so the flour coats all the delicious bits—this is what will thicken your stroganoff to that signature creamy consistency. Make sure you work out any little lumps before moving on to the liquids.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth, Cream & Flavor

Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir, then bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let everything bubble together for about 5 minutes—this is when the magic happens and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream & Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your gloriously creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff is ready to serve! Scoop it generously over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy every dreamy bite.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle your Ground Beef Stroganoff with chopped fresh parsley for vibrant color and freshness. A few cracks of black pepper or even a tiny dusting of smoked paprika will amp up the aroma and add a pop of visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, stroganoff shines over buttery egg noodles, but rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crispy roasted potatoes make lovely companions. Round out the meal with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli for a fresh, colorful balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Ground Beef Stroganoff in individual bowls with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of herbs, or bake it as a cozy stroganoff casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Hosting? Try serving it in mini ramekins or pastry shells for an elegant appetizer that channels serious comfort-food charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Ground Beef Stroganoff stores beautifully! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days—easy lunches, here you come!

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can sometimes separate a little after freezing, it’s still totally possible! Portion the cooled stroganoff into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, and don’t forget to give it a good stir after reheating to bring everything back together.

Reheating

To reheat Ground Beef Stroganoff, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce. For an even easier option, microwave it in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is the kind of dinner you’ll turn to again and again—absolutely comforting, super easy, and always a hit around the table. If you’ve been searching for a cozy classic with a quick and modern twist, give this recipe a go. I can’t wait for you to taste just how crave-worthy and creamy stroganoff can be!

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