The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

When it comes to quick, hearty, and comforting meals, Ground Beef Stroganoff is a timeless winner. With its creamy, savory mushroom sauce and tender ground beef, it delivers rich flavor in under 30 minutes — all while using everyday ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for something satisfying after a long day, this dish checks every box.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Stroganoff, the best way to prepare it with ground beef, variations for different diets, and much more. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this beloved meal.

A Brief History of Stroganoff

The original Beef Stroganoff hails from mid-19th century Russia and was named after the wealthy Stroganov family. Traditionally made with sautéed beef strips in a creamy mustard and sour cream sauce, it quickly gained popularity across Europe and North America.

Over time, home cooks adapted the recipe to include more accessible ingredients like ground beef, making it quicker and more budget-friendly. Today, Ground Beef Stroganoff has earned its place as a staple of weeknight dinners and retro-inspired comfort food menus.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need (Ground Beef Stroganoff)

This is a no-fuss recipe made with familiar, pantry-friendly items. Here’s what you’ll need to serve 4:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend offers a great balance of flavor and texture)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, depending on your beef’s fat content)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup sour cream (use full-fat for best results)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles (or substitute rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• A sprinkle of paprika

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Using ground beef makes this dish quicker to prepare while still capturing the essence of traditional Stroganoff. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned all the way through, about 6–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. If there’s excess grease, drain it, then set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

In the same pan, add oil if needed. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, around 3 minutes. Then add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, and continue cooking until the mushrooms have darkened and released most of their moisture, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Thickening Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring well to coat everything. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate any raw taste and form a thick base for the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the beef broth a little at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. This helps avoid any clumps and ensures even distribution of flavor. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then reduce the heat slightly and let everything simmer for around 5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken to your liking.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sour Cream

Lower the heat to avoid curdling, and gently stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated and warmed through. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve It Up

While the sauce is coming together, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once drained, plate them up and spoon the hot Stroganoff over the top. Finish with chopped parsley and a dash of paprika for extra flair.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to tweak the dish for your dietary preferences? Here are a few easy modifications:

• Lean meats: Ground turkey or chicken make a lighter version of the classic.
• Meatless options: Use plant-based ground, lentils, or a blend of mushrooms for a vegetarian take.
• Dairy-free: Swap in unsweetened coconut cream, cashew cream, or plant-based sour cream.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice.
• Low-carb: Instead of pasta, serve over cauliflower mash, spaghetti squash, or zoodles.

Serving Ideas

There’s more than one great way to enjoy this creamy, savory sauce. Try pairing your Ground Beef Stroganoff with:

• Egg noodles (classic and satisfying)
• Mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting dish
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Buttery rolls or crusty bread — perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce
• Seasonal veggies like roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus
• Crisp green salad to balance out the richness

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasty:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
• Freeze: Place just the sauce (not the noodles) in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Info (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g

To cut calories, try using light sour cream, lean ground meat, or whole wheat noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. It adds similar creaminess and a bit of tang while boosting the protein content.

Can I prep this dish in advance?

Absolutely. Make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the noodles. This prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy.

My sauce turned out runny — how do I fix it?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the sauce and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Can I cook Ground Beef Stroganoff in a slow cooker?

You can. After browning the meat and softening the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Stir in the broth, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Just before serving, mix in the sour cream to finish the sauce.

How can I avoid curdling the sour cream?

Be sure the sauce is not boiling when you add it. Lower the heat and stir slowly for a smooth result.

Final Thoughts (Ground Beef Stroganoff)

Ground Beef Stroganoff combines convenience, affordability, and irresistible comfort in one dish. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can serve up a rich, satisfying dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. Whether you’re going traditional or adding a modern twist, this is a meal that never goes out of style.

Have a favorite twist on Stroganoff? Share it in the comments!

For more creative ideas, check out this Easy Parmesan Garlic Ramen Recipe.