Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Let me tell you, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. It’s simple, comforting, and comes together quickly, which is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy mushroom sauce with tender ground beef and egg noodles totally hits the spot every time.

I’ve made this dish on busy weeknights and for casual Sunday dinners alike, and it always feels like a warm hug on a plate. What I especially love about this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how adaptable it is — plus, it uses everyday ingredients you probably have in your fridge or pantry. You really can’t go wrong here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. I recommend picking fresh onions and good-quality sour cream for the best results, but the rest is pretty straightforward pantry staples that are easy to keep on hand.

• Lean ground beef: Go for 90% lean or higher to keep things flavorful but not too greasy.
• Small onion: Finely diced so it melts into the sauce nicely, adding sweetness and texture.
• Garlic powder: Gives a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor in a subtle way—double onion flavor is always good here!
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — just enough to bring out all the flavors.
• Brown gravy mix: This is the secret ingredient for that rich, savory sauce base.
• Cold water: Needed to dissolve the gravy mix and keep the sauce silky.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds richness and mushroom goodness without extra chopping.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for that signature creamy tang and smooth texture.
• Dried parsley: Just a touch for color and mild herbiness.
• Wide egg noodles: They soak up all the sauce beautifully — you can swap for wide pasta if you want, but egg noodles are classic.

Variations

I love tweaking this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe sometimes to keep it fresh and exciting. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun in home cooking, right?

• Mushroom lovers’ version: I add a cup of sliced fresh mushrooms sautéed with the onions for extra earthiness.
• Swap ground turkey or chicken: If you want a lighter option, I’ve done this with ground turkey and it’s still delicious.
• No noodles? Try mashed potatoes: Sometimes I serve the stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles for a cozy twist.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use coconut cream in place of sour cream and a dairy-free mushroom soup to enjoy a similar flavor profile.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your lean ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and toss in that finely diced onion about halfway through cooking so it softens and gets fragrant. You’re aiming for the beef to be nicely browned but not crisped—just deliciously cooked through. Drain excess fat if there’s too much; you want the sauce to be creamy, not greasy.

Step 2: Season and Add Gravy Mix

Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly. Then pour in the brown gravy mix along with the cold water. Stir well until the gravy mix dissolves completely and starts to thicken — this is where the sauce begins to build that perfect rich base.

Step 3: Stir in Soup and Sour Cream

Lower your heat and mix in the cream of mushroom soup. Heat through gently, making sure you don’t boil to keep the sour cream from curdling later. Once everything is hot and smooth, turn off the heat and stir in your sour cream and dried parsley slowly until the sauce is silky and creamy. Trust me, adding the sour cream off heat is a small step that really pays off.

Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles

While your sauce is simmering, cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions — usually about 7-9 minutes until tender. Drain them well, then fold them gently into your stroganoff sauce, or serve the sauce spooned over the noodles on plates. Either way, it’s a winner.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a lovely pop of green and a fresh flavor boost. Sometimes a little extra dollop of sour cream on top is nice too, especially if you like it creamy.

Side Dishes

Since the Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is hearty on its own, I keep sides simple: a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Roasted or steamed green beans are also a favorite in my house — they add just enough crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve the stroganoff in individual shallow bowls garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a touch of color. Sometimes I lay the noodles out in a nest shape and spoon the sauce in the middle — it looks pretty and inviting when guests arrive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go in an airtight container and keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I usually cool the stroganoff fully before refrigerating to avoid soggy noodles. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe before with good results. I recommend freezing the sauce and cooked beef mixture separately from the noodles to maintain the best texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and then add in freshly cooked noodles or reheat the noodles separately and combine. Microwave works too but watch for uneven heating — stirring helps keep it creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe has become a real family favorite in my home because it brings comfort without fuss. I love that it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but cozy enough to feel special, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy making and eating it just as much. Give it a try next time you’re craving something creamy, savory, and downright satisfying—you won’t regret it!

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