Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening); 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice); 1 tablespoon butter (for pasta)

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like Ground Beef Stroganoff. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this creamy, flavorful dish is always a crowd-pleaser. I’m talking about the kind of meal that makes you want to kick back, relax, and savor every bite.

Now, before you start thinking that Beef Stroganoff is one of those complicated, fancy meals you only make on special occasions, let me stop you right there. This recipe is quick, easy, and downright delicious. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect solution when you need something hearty but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.

Why This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a Game Changer

What makes this version of Stroganoff so special? Well, instead of the traditional beef cuts, we’re using ground beef. Not only does this make the dish much more affordable, but it also cuts down on prep time. You don’t need to worry about tenderizing tougher cuts of beef or slicing it just right—ground beef gets the job done with minimal effort.

But what really puts this recipe over the top is the creamy, tangy sauce made with sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s like a velvety hug for your taste buds, with just the right balance of richness and zest. And when you add in the tender egg noodles, well, you’ve got yourself a winning meal that feels indulgent without being over the top.

A Quick Glimpse at What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s quickly run through the ingredients. You’ll find that most of them are pantry staples, which makes this an even easier dinner option. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef: This will be the main protein in your dish. It’s quick to cook and works perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: For cooking the beef and adding a little extra flavor.
1 medium onion: Finely chopped for that sweet, savory depth of flavor.
Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced to perfection—garlic is a must in almost every dish, and this one is no exception.
Worcestershire sauce & Dijon mustard: These two add just the right amount of tang and umami to balance the richness of the sauce.
Beef broth: This is the base of your sauce, bringing in that savory depth.
Flour (optional): If you like your sauce thicker, a little flour helps with that.
Sour cream: The star of the sauce, giving it that creamy, dreamy texture.
Fresh parsley: For garnish—because everything looks better with a pop of green.
Salt & pepper: Always season to taste. These help bring everything together.
Egg noodles: Classic choice! They soak up that sauce so beautifully.
Butter: A little butter for the noodles adds extra flavor and helps prevent sticking.

The Best Part? You Don’t Need Any Fancy Ingredients

What I love about this recipe is that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. You won’t need any obscure spices or specialty items that will gather dust in your pantry after one use. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. No multiple pots or pans to scrub later.

So, now that you know what’s in store, let’s get started with this easy Ground Beef Stroganoff! Trust me, it’s going to be a new family favorite in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

The first thing we’re going to do is get our egg noodles cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (don’t skip the salt—it really enhances the flavor of the noodles). Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until they’re al dente. Drain them, but make sure to save a little of that pasta water just in case you need it to loosen the sauce later.

To prevent your noodles from sticking together, toss them with 1 tablespoon of butter right after draining. The butter adds a lovely richness and keeps everything nice and separate, so they’re ready to mix into that creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While your noodles are cooking, you can get started on the beef. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your 1 pound of ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If there’s any excess fat in the skillet, be sure to drain it out—no one wants a greasy sauce!

Once the beef is cooked, we’re going to add a few more flavor-packed ingredients to get that Stroganoff base going.

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed

Now that we’ve got the egg noodles cooking and the beef browned and ready to go, let’s move on to the good stuff—the creamy sauce that will make this Ground Beef Stroganoff the star of your dinner table. You’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together, and before you know it, you’ll be spooning that rich, savory sauce over those tender noodles.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

The next step is all about building flavor with a few key ingredients—onions and garlic. In the same skillet where you cooked your beef, add your finely chopped onion. You want to cook the onions for about 3 minutes until they’re softened and translucent. This step is important because the onions release their natural sweetness, which will help balance the richness of the beef.

Once the onions are nice and soft, add in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it around for another 30 seconds or so, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This is where the magic happens—the smell will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven, and it’s only going to get better from here. The garlic adds a warm, aromatic punch that’ll make every bite of this stroganoff irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Stroganoff Sauce

Here comes the fun part: making that luscious, creamy sauce! To start, add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the skillet. These ingredients bring out the umami in the dish, giving it that signature richness. The Worcestershire sauce provides a savory depth, while the Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang that perfectly balances the creaminess we’re about to add.

Now it’s time for the beef broth—about 1 cup of it. Stir everything together to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s all flavor!). If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, now’s the time to add 1 tablespoon of flour. Sprinkle it over the mixture and stir it in. The flour helps thicken the sauce as it simmers. However, if you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to skip the flour—your stroganoff will still turn out creamy and delicious.

Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice that it will start to thicken and become more cohesive. This is the moment where the flavors really meld together, and you’ll start to see the magic happen in that skillet. The broth will reduce slightly, intensifying its savory flavor and creating a perfect base for the creamy sour cream we’re about to add.

Step 5: Add the Sour Cream

This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the addition of sour cream! Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes on low heat. You want the sour cream to melt into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture that coats every noodle in creamy goodness. The sour cream adds a wonderful tang, which perfectly complements the savory flavors of the beef and the Worcestershire sauce.

Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your chance to adjust the flavor, so make sure to give it a taste and add more seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit more tang, you can always add a little extra Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce—this dish is really forgiving, and you can make it just the way you like it!

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Now that the sauce is thick and creamy, it’s time to bring it all together. Add your cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until they’re well coated. The noodles will soak up the sauce and absorb all those wonderful flavors. Let everything heat through for another 2 minutes, ensuring that the noodles are fully coated in that creamy beef mixture.

This step is crucial because it allows the noodles to absorb some of the sauce and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve the perfect consistency. Don’t worry, it’ll still taste amazing.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

At this point, you’re almost there! Garnish your Ground Beef Stroganoff with some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a bit of freshness. This simple touch not only makes the dish look beautiful but also adds a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Serve immediately, and I promise you, your family (or whoever you’re sharing this with) will be thrilled. The combination of the creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles is just too good to resist.

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed

We’ve made it to the final steps of preparing this delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff—and I promise, it’s been worth the journey. The creamy sauce, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked noodles come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. But before you get too cozy with your bowl of Stroganoff, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions to ensure your recipe turns out just right.

FAQ Section: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this Stroganoff?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use ground pork for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that leaner meats, like turkey, may require a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this Stroganoff ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce might thicken slightly when it cools, but you can easily reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to get it back to the perfect creamy consistency. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing just the meat and sauce (without the noodles), as the noodles can become mushy after freezing and reheating.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While egg noodles are the traditional choice for Stroganoff, you can swap them for any pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni would work great, depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions, and be sure to toss it well with the sauce.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you have a few options. You can sprinkle a bit of flour over the beef and onion mixture before adding the broth, as we did in the recipe. If you skipped that, you can also simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally. If you’re in a pinch, you could add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to help thicken the sauce quickly.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! If you’d like to sneak in some extra veggies, you can add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. Mushrooms, in particular, pair wonderfully with the beef and sauce, adding both flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook them down so they don’t release too much moisture into the sauce.

6. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After draining your egg noodles, toss them with a little butter—this will prevent them from sticking and give them a nice, glossy finish. You can also make sure the water is boiling before adding the noodles and stirring occasionally while they cook to keep them from clumping together.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this dish! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour (like rice flour or cornstarch) in place of regular flour for thickening the sauce. Just be sure to check the labels on your Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to ensure they are gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

And there you have it—Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff that’s both comforting and delicious, with minimal effort required. Whether you’re serving it to your family, making it for a casual dinner with friends, or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will always hit the spot. The creamy sauce, flavorful ground beef, and tender noodles create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.

I love how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is actually so quick and simple to prepare—ideal for those nights when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can make it your own with different proteins, pasta types, or even vegetables.

So, grab your skillet and get cooking! I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness that is Ground Beef Stroganoff. And, if you do, be sure to let me know how it turns out or any fun twists you try. Happy cooking!