Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a good Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe, isn’t there? It’s that creamy, savory hug of tender beef mixed with mushrooms and those rich, velvety noodles that feels like the ultimate cozy dinner. I always find this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but without a ton of fuss.

What I love most about this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how approachable it is, especially if you’re short on time or just want a no-fail dinner that tastes like it took hours. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have around, making it super budget-friendly and family-friendly. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to recipe for your weeknight rotations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the classic flavors of Stroganoff—rich, creamy, with just the right seasoning. When shopping, I like to grab lean ground beef to keep things from getting greasy, and good-quality cream of mushroom soup adds that signature smoothness.

• Lean ground beef: Using lean helps prevent excess grease, so your sauce stays nice and creamy.
• Small onion (finely diced): Adds a mild sweetness and great texture — chopping it finely helps it melt into the sauce.
• Garlic powder: A quick way to get garlic flavor without peeling cloves.
• Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor, giving your dish depth.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Brown gravy mix (packet): This mix is your secret weapon for that rich, robust base flavor in the sauce.
• Cold water: To make the gravy perfectly smooth and the right consistency.
• Cream of mushroom soup (10 oz can): Classic ingredient that adds velvety mushroom goodness.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a mild tang, balancing the richness.
• Dried parsley: For a fresh color pop and mild herb flavor.
• Wide egg noodles: The perfect pasta to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste—this recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, I’ve swapped in ground turkey, and it still delivers great flavor with fewer calories.
• Add mushrooms: Sometimes I throw in fresh mushrooms sautéed with the beef for a more authentic feel and an extra layer of texture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: This is a nice twist that adds protein and tang, especially when you want it to be a bit lighter.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out the gravy mix for a gluten-free option and use gluten-free noodles—easy to do without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your lean ground beef along with the finely diced onion. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, stirring frequently until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. One tip: don’t rush to drain all the fat just yet; a little helps deepen the flavor of your sauce.

Step 2: Season and Add Gravy Mix

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Then pour in the packet of brown gravy mix and cold water, stirring to combine everything smoothly. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like comfort food heaven.

Step 3: Stir in Soup and Simmer

Next, add the can of cream of mushroom soup and stir it right in. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens and flavors meld together. Keep the lid off so the sauce reduces slightly — you’ll notice it getting silkier and more luscious.

Step 4: Finish with Sour Cream and Parsley

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream until everything is creamy and well blended. Sprinkle in dried parsley for a fresh touch and give it one last stir. I find that adding sour cream off the heat keeps it from curdling and gives you that perfect velvety sauce texture.

Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles

While the stroganoff simmers, cook your wide egg noodles according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and then either toss them with some butter or serve the stroganoff sauce right on top — either way works great!

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives if I have them on hand—it not only brightens the look but adds a fresh note that cuts through the richness wonderfully. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper on top does the trick too.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often serve this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A crunchy side contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, making each bite interesting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m making this for a special occasion, I like to plate it in a shallow bowl with a sprig of fresh thyme or dill on top and maybe a dusting of paprika for color. It instantly upgrades the presentation and makes the meal feel a bit more festive, without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge and it usually keeps well up to 3-4 days. When you do this, keep the noodles and stroganoff together for best flavor—just stir it before reheating to recombine any sauce that may have settled.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stroganoff a couple of times and it holds up nicely, especially if you freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles to avoid sogginess. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I like to warm the stroganoff gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often. If it looks too thick, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through so the sauce heats evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want a homey meal that feels special but comes together easily. There’s something so satisfying about digging into creamy sauce-coated noodles with tender, flavorful beef. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—don’t forget to make it yours with little tweaks and serve it with your favorite sides. Once you find your perfect version, I bet it’ll become a cherished part of your recipe collection, too.

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