Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comforting Weeknight Classic
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s quick to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff is exactly what you need. This classic comfort food takes the rich, creamy essence of traditional beef stroganoff and simplifies it using ground beef, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The tender bits of beef combined with mushrooms, onions, and a luscious sour cream sauce over a bed of noodles make this a guaranteed family favorite.
Ground beef offers a more budget-friendly and faster alternative to the usual strips of sirloin, without compromising on flavor or texture. What makes this recipe stand out is its ease and speed, allowing you to enjoy an authentic-tasting stroganoff in under 30 minutes. Plus, the creamy sauce with a hint of tang balances beautifully with the hearty beef, creating a soul-warming dish that’s perfect anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces (340g) egg noodles or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5-6 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce later.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, mixing well to combine everything into a smooth sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, and gently fold in the sour cream. Heat the mixture, but do not boil; simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve the creamy ground beef stroganoff hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.
- Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature sour cream to prevent curdling when adding to the hot sauce.
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when cooking mushrooms.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a little broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a perfect dish when you want something filling, flavorful, and fast. Its rich, creamy sauce combined with tender ground beef and tender noodles makes it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Give this recipe a try on your next busy night—you’ll be amazed at how simple yet delicious it is.
Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists in the comments below—we love hearing from our readers!
