Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, creamy dinner made with savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, garlic, and a rich sauce. Ready in about 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes delicious served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces until browned.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
4. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender. Allow excess liquid to evaporate.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mushrooms, stirring well to prevent lumps.
6. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve warm over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve over buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta.
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, green beans, peas, or a fresh garden salad.
• Garnish: Add chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. The cream and sour cream sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.
• Make ahead: Prepare the beef and mushroom mixture ahead of time, then reheat gently and stir in the sour cream just before serving.
• Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F (74°C).

Variations

1. Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles

Cook egg noodles according to the package directions and toss them with the creamy stroganoff sauce. The noodles absorb the savory flavors and make this a classic, satisfying family dinner.

2. Ground Beef Stroganoff with Rice

Replace egg noodles with steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the rich mushroom sauce and creates an easy alternative for anyone who prefers rice-based meals.

3. Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mashed Potatoes

Serve the stroganoff over fluffy mashed potatoes. The combination of buttery potatoes and creamy beef sauce makes an especially comforting meal for cold evenings.

4. Cheesy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese after the sauce thickens. Mix until melted and smooth for a richer, cheesy version that pairs well with pasta.

5. Garlic Parmesan Stroganoff

Add 1–2 extra minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. The garlic deepens the savory flavor, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish.

6. Ground Beef Stroganoff with Spinach

Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach during the final few minutes of cooking. Let it wilt into the sauce for extra color and a simple way to add vegetables.

7. Stroganoff with Extra Vegetables

Add diced carrots, peas, or chopped bell peppers along with the mushrooms. Cook until tender before adding the flour and liquids to create a heartier one-pan dinner.

8. Spicy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your preference while keeping the creamy mushroom sauce as the main flavor.

9. Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. Add a little extra olive oil if needed and cook the turkey thoroughly before proceeding with the sauce.

10. Ground Chicken Stroganoff

Use ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter-tasting variation. Season well with garlic, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to build a savory flavor.

FAQs

1. What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a variation of traditional beef stroganoff made with ground beef instead of sliced steak. It features mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce served over noodles, rice, or potatoes.

2. How long does Ground Beef Stroganoff take to make?

This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes.

3. What is the best pasta to serve with stroganoff?

Egg noodles are a classic choice because their soft texture pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Fettuccine, rotini, and other pasta shapes also work well.

4. Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff without mushrooms?

Yes. Simply leave out the mushrooms and increase the onion slightly if desired. You can also add peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers instead.

5. How do I thicken the stroganoff sauce?

The flour in this recipe helps thicken the sauce. If it is still too thin, simmer it gently for a few additional minutes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry.

6. Why did my stroganoff sauce curdle?

The sauce may curdle if it gets too hot after adding sour cream. Remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the sour cream, and avoid bringing the finished sauce to a boil.

7. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk works best as a substitute; you may need a little additional thickener to achieve the desired consistency.

8. Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the beef and mushroom sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently, adding a little broth if needed, and stir in the sour cream toward the end for the best texture.

9. How long does Ground Beef Stroganoff last in the refrigerator?

Store it in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Keep cooked noodles separately when possible to prevent them from absorbing too much sauce.

10. Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Yes. Freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed, so reheat slowly and stir well. Add a splash of broth or cream if necessary.

Ground Beef Stroganoff is an easy, budget-friendly comfort meal packed with tender mushrooms, savory beef, and a creamy sauce. With simple ingredients and just 35 minutes of cooking time, it is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over egg noodles or your favorite side, and customize it with vegetables, cheese, or extra seasonings to make it your own.

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