One Pot Beef Stroganoff

If you’re searching for a comforting weeknight meal that’s rich, creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes, this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect recipe. Using ground beef instead of traditional steak makes this dish faster, more affordable, and still packed with delicious classic stroganoff flavor. Tender mushrooms, savory beef, soft egg noodles, and a silky sour-cream sauce come together to create a family-friendly dinner that feels hearty without being complicated. This one-pan recipe is ideal for busy nights, meal prep, or anyone craving homestyle comfort food with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced (baby bella or white button)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 10 oz egg noodles, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

• Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking the meat apart until fully browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the Worcestershire sauce and mix well. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it disappears into the meat mixture.
• Pour in the beef broth, add the egg noodles, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
• Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the cooked mushrooms and sour cream, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Tips

• Serve over classic egg noodles for a traditional stroganoff experience.
• Spoon over mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting option.
• Pair with rice or cauliflower rice if you prefer a lighter or gluten-free base.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the sour cream for the best texture. Add sour cream after reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to prevent dryness.
• Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.

Variations

1. Cream Cheese Stroganoff
   Add 4 oz softened cream cheese along with the sour cream for a richer, thicker sauce.
2. Healthier Greek Yogurt Version
   Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and a lighter finish.
3. Ground Turkey Stroganoff
   Use ground turkey instead of beef. Add an extra splash of Worcestershire to enhance flavor.
4. Chicken Stroganoff
   Replace beef with ground chicken and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
5. Mushroom Lover’s Stroganoff
   Double the mushrooms and use a mix of baby bella, shiitake, and button for deep umami flavor.
6. Veggie Stroganoff
   Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
7. Cheesy Stroganoff
   Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese with the sour cream for a cheesy twist.
8. Spicy Stroganoff
   Add 1–2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste.
9. Garlic Lover’s Version
   Increase garlic to 6 cloves and add roasted garlic for extra depth.
10. Caramelized Onion Stroganoff
    Slow-cook 2 large onions before adding beef to create a sweet, rich flavor base.
11. Bacon Stroganoff
    Cook 4–6 slices of chopped bacon first, remove, and use the drippings to brown the beef. Add bacon back at the end.
12. Wine-Infused Stroganoff
    Replace 1 cup of beef broth with dry white wine or red wine for a restaurant-style richness.
13. Paprika Stroganoff
    Add 1 tablespoon smoked paprika to the beef to give the dish a smoky, savory flavor.
14. Herbed Stroganoff
    Stir in fresh thyme or dill toward the end for a fragrant, elevated flavor.
15. Low-Carb Stroganoff
    Replace noodles with sautéed zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Thicken sauce with extra sour cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes. Reduce broth to 2 cups and simmer only the beef mixture, then fold in cooked noodles.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add the sour cream just before serving for the best texture.

3. What can I use instead of mushrooms?
Try zucchini, spinach, or leave them out entirely.

4. Will this recipe work in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown beef first, then cook everything except noodles and sour cream on low 4–5 hrs. Add noodles and cook 30 mins before adding sour cream.

5. Can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?
Yes, but freeze it without the sour cream for best results.

6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and replace flour with cornstarch.

7. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Don’t boil after adding sour cream; keep heat low.

8. Can I use canned mushrooms?
You can, but fresh sautéed mushrooms offer better flavor and texture.

9. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Peas, carrots, spinach, and green beans work well.

10. Why is my sauce too thin?
Simmer a few extra minutes, add more flour next time, or stir in extra sour cream to thicken.

This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic dish while remaining simple, quick, and budget friendly. With just one pan and basic pantry ingredients, you can have a creamy, satisfying meal on the table in under half an hour. It’s an ideal recipe for families, busy weeknights, or anyone craving a cozy homemade dinner without the stress. Enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl that proves comfort food can also be incredibly easy.

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