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You know, there are some nights when only pure comfort food will do. And when those cravings hit, my go-to is always a big, steaming bowl of ground beef stroganoff. It just hits differently, doesn’t it? It’s this amazing creamy, dreamy hug in a bowl, packed with savory flavor and that gorgeous, rich mushroom sauce we all love. What I love most about this particular ground beef stroganoff is that it’s not one of those fussy, hours-long affairs. Nope, we’re talking a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in about 30 minutes flat. It’s proof that incredible food doesn’t have to be complicated, just like I learned when I was first figuring out my own kitchen confidence. This recipe is super budget-friendly too, so your wallet will be happy while your taste buds are singing. It’s the perfect example of what we do here: simple, flavorful food that’s made for sharing and just makes you feel good.
- Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
- How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step
- Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Serving and Storing Your Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Nutritional Information for This Quick Stroganoff
- Share Your Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff
Seriously, if you’re looking for a weeknight winner, you’ve found it! This easy stroganoff is:
- Ready in a Flash: We’re talking a delicious, creamy mushroom sauce masterpiece on your table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those super busy evenings!
- Crazy Easy to Make: No fancy techniques here. It’s practically a one-pan dinner, making cleanup a breeze.
- Super Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, common ingredients that won’t break the bank, making it a great option for budget-friendly meals.
- A True Family Favorite: This quick comfort food always gets rave reviews, making it a reliable go-to for pleasing everyone.
- Versatile: Delicious over egg noodles, rice, or even potatoes – the possibilities for this beef and noodles classic are endless!
Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing ground beef stroganoff. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses ingredients you probably already have lurking in your pantry or fridge, making it super budget-friendly. You won’t need anything fancy for this creamy mushroom sauce!
- 1 pound ground beef: This is our star, of course!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just to get things started in the pan.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: It adds that essential savory base.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Cremini or white button mushrooms work great here.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon salt: To taste, you know the drill.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick never hurt anyone.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is our thickening secret for that gorgeous sauce.
- 3 cups beef broth: The backbone of our rich, savory sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Ah, the magic ingredient for that signature creamy tang!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: The classic pairing for beef and noodles, but feel free to get creative!
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this amazing ground beef stroganoff made! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be wondering why you ever bought it from a box. We’re going to build this creamy mushroom sauce layer by layer, and before you know it, dinner is served. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even on a Tuesday night. Ready to dive in? Let’s make some magic happen. You can find more ideas for weeknight dinners right here on the blog!
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, let’s get those noodles going. Grab a pot, fill it with water, add a good pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil if you like (it helps keep them from sticking together!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions. You want them perfectly tender but still with a tiny bit of bite. Once they’re done, just drain ‘em and set them aside. Easy peasy!
Browning the Beef and Sautéing Vegetables
Now, grab a nice big skillet – a Dutch oven or a deep sauté pan works perfectly. Pour in that tablespoon of olive oil and get it warming over medium-high heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned all over. Then, drain off any extra grease; a little bit of grease is fine for flavor, but we don’t want a greasy sauce. Add your chopped onion and sliced mushrooms right into the skillet with the beef. Let them hang out and get nice and soft, maybe about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re building that savory flavor foundation for our creamy mushroom sauce right here.
Building the Flavorful Sauce
Okay, now the fun part, where we turn this into a proper stroganoff! Stir in that minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let that cook for just a minute until you can really smell that amazing garlic fragrance – be careful not to burn it! Next, sprinkle the flour all over the beef and veggie mix. Give it a good stir to coat everything and let it cook for about a minute. This is going to help thicken our sauce beautifully. Now, gradually pour in your beef broth, stirring constantly as you go. Keep stirring until it’s all incorporated and there are no lumpy bits. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up into a gorgeous, rich sauce. This step is key to getting that perfect stroganoff consistency.
Finishing Touches for Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Almost there! Turn the heat down to low. This is super important: we don’t want to boil the stroganoff after this. Gently stir in that half cup of sour cream until everything is beautifully combined and the sauce gets that lovely, creamy texture. It should look so luscious! Finally, stir in your fresh parsley for a little splash of color and freshness. See? You just made an incredible ground beef stroganoff from scratch. Serve this dreamy sauce right over your cooked noodles. Totally worth it!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
Alright, so you’ve made the ground beef stroganoff, and it’s already pretty darn amazing, right? But if you want to take it from great to absolutely unforgettable, here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way. These tips are especially handy if you’re looking for budget-friendly meals that still feel super special, like a true family favorite. We’re aiming for pure comfort here! You can find more ideas for comfort food classics on the blog!
- Mix Up Your Mushrooms: While sliced white button mushrooms are perfect, don’t shy away from a mix! Cremini (baby bellas) add a deeper, earthier flavor, and even a few shiitake mushrooms can add a little something extra special. Just make sure you chop them up so they cook evenly.
- Broth Savvy: No beef broth on hand? No worries! Chicken broth works beautifully here and can even add a slightly lighter touch. If you only have water, just pop in a beef bouillon cube or a teaspoon of beef bouillon granules to get that savory flavor back. Easy swaps that keep this a budget-friendly meal!
- The Sour Cream Secret: Always, always add the sour cream off the heat or on very low heat and don’t let it boil. Boiling can make the sour cream curdle and separate, and nobody wants that in their creamy mushroom sauce! A gentle stir is all it needs to get that lovely, luscious texture.
- Serving Style is Key: While egg noodles are the absolute classic for this beef and noodles dish, don’t be afraid to mix it up! This stroganoff is also incredible spooned over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some buttered ramen noodles if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s all about making it your own quick comfort food!
These little tricks are what make this dish so adaptable and consistently delicious. It’s kind of why I love creating recipes like this too – finding pure joy in those simple, satisfying meals that just make life a little bit sweeter and a lot more delicious.
Serving and Storing Your Ground Beef Stroganoff
Okay, so you’ve got this gorgeous, creamy ground beef stroganoff, and the aroma is just divine! The classic way to serve this is, of course, over a nest of perfectly cooked egg noodles – that beloved “beef and noodles” combo is hard to beat. But honestly, this savory, rich sauce is so versatile. It’s also absolutely delicious spooned over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a baked potato if you’re feeling it! Get creative and serve it however makes your tummy happiest.
Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house, but it happens!), tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about three days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. You might need to add a tiny splash of broth or milk if the sauce seems a little thick after chilling. Enjoy every last bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Stroganoff
Got questions about transforming your weeknights with this easy stroganoff? I’ve got you covered! It’s amazing how versatile this dish is, and I love hearing how you all adapt it. Let’s dive into some of the most common things people ask about this beloved 30-minute dinner. For more yummy meal ideas, check out my soups and salads section!
Can I make this ground beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! This is a great meal for making ahead. Just prepare the stroganoff sauce and cook your noodles separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and toss it with the fresh noodles. You might need a little splash of broth or milk to get it nice and creamy again.
What are good substitutions for sour cream in stroganoff?
No sour cream? No problem! For a dairy-free version, cashew cream or a plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or soy yogurt) works really well to give you that creamy tang. You can also use just a bit more beef broth and a thickening agent like a cornstarch slurry if you want something lighter. The key is that creamy texture!
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce seems a little on the thin side after adding everything, don’t fret! The easiest fix is a simple cornstarch slurry. Just whisk together about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth, then stir it into your simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two until it thickens up beautifully. You can also just let the sauce simmer gently for a few extra minutes, stirring often, to reduce and thicken naturally.
Nutritional Information for This Quick Stroganoff
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info here is an estimate based on the ingredients we used. Things like the exact fat content of your ground beef or the size of your veggies can make it vary a bit! For the full scoop and more details, you can always check out our disclaimer page.
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Share Your Creations!
Alright, you’ve whipped up this amazing ground beef stroganoff, and I bet it tastes absolutely incredible! I just love hearing about how your kitchen adventures turn out. Did this quick comfort food become your new favorite for weeknight dinners? Drop a comment below and let me know what you thought, or even give the recipe a star rating – it really helps other home cooks discover it! You can also share your beautiful creations with me over on Facebook; I love seeing your cooking magic!
PrintQuick Ground Beef Stroganoff
A simple and creamy ground beef stroganoff recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This comfort food classic is ready in 30 minutes and uses budget-friendly ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream until well combined and the sauce is creamy. Do not boil after adding sour cream.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve the stroganoff sauce over the cooked egg noodles.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of mushrooms like cremini and shiitake.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or water with a bouillon cube.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes if you prefer.
- This recipe is a great base for meal planning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
