Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces Egg Noodles; 1 pound Ground Beef; 1/4 cup Butter; 1/4 cup Flour; 1 cup Beef Broth; 1 1/4 cups Milk; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 cup Sour Cream

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a delicious, budget-friendly take on the classic comfort food. With tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Paired with a side of vegetables or garlic toast, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a rich, creamy dish that comes together quickly without compromising on flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an easy weeknight dinner. The tender ground beef and smooth sauce over egg noodles create a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies every time. Plus, the whole dish can be made in one skillet, saving you time on cleanup!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 ounces Egg Noodles
1 pound Ground Beef
¼ cup Butter
¼ cup Flour
1 cup Beef Broth
1 ¼ cups Milk
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Salt
¼ cup Sour Cream

Directions

Bring a pot of water to boil and cook noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, set aside for later.
While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour the beef broth into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
Gently stir in the sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated into the sauce. The sour cream adds a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
Serve the dish hot, paired with your favorite vegetable or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu or lentils, for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little extra heat in the sauce.
Cheesy version: Stir in some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a cheesy twist on the classic.
Mushroom stroganoff: Add sliced mushrooms to the ground beef while it cooks for an earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer: While this dish can be frozen, the sour cream may cause the sauce to separate. To freeze, cool the stroganoff completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or beef broth to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stroganoff ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While egg noodles are traditionally used, you can substitute with other types of pasta, like fettuccine or even penne, depending on your preference.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains flour and egg noodles, which are not gluten-free. You can use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pasta as alternatives to make the dish gluten-free.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or add a little more flour to the roux at the beginning.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but note that the sour cream might separate a bit. It’s best to reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

7. Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or heavy cream instead of sour cream if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

8. What vegetables can I serve with this?

Green beans, peas, or a side salad would pair nicely with Ground Beef Stroganoff. Garlic toast is also a great side to round out the meal.

9. How do I make the sauce smoother?

Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly as you add the liquids to avoid any lumps. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or milk.

10. How do I know when the noodles are done?

Follow the package instructions for cooking times. The noodles should be tender but still firm to the bite, not mushy.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect weeknight dinner: quick, easy, and full of flavor. It’s a great way to satisfy your family with minimal effort, and the creamy, savory sauce over noodles makes for a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or doubling the recipe for leftovers, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.