Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff — A Cozy, Weeknight Classic
Introduction (H2)
There is something about the steam that rises from a pan of Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The silky mushroom sauce clinging to forkfuls of tender beef and egg noodles, the soft tang of sour cream brightening every bite — it pulls you back to family kitchens, shared laughter, and the simple joy of a home-cooked meal. This easy recipe lands in my weeknight rotation because it’s quick, comforting food that everyone asks for seconds of. If you like quick dinners that feel indulgent without the fuss, you might also enjoy my take on easy Mongolian ground beef noodles, another family favorite for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe (H2)
- Comforting and familiar: tastes like a recipe passed down, with minimal effort.
- Quick dinner idea: ready in about 30 minutes — faster than takeout and fresher.
- Family favorite: picky eaters tend to love the creamy, savory sauce.
- Versatile and forgiving: swap mushrooms, use ground turkey, or make it gluten-free.
- Crowd-pleaser: works as a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive meal for casual gatherings.
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Ingredients (H2)
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15) — browned for deep flavor; leaner beef for a lighter option.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped — adds sweetness and base flavor.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced — cremini or white, or omit for a mushroom-free version.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic backbone.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour — thickens the sauce; use cornstarch for gluten-free.
- 2 cups beef broth — or low-sodium broth to control salt.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce — savory depth (soy sauce works as a swap).
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — brightens the creaminess; optional but recommended.
- 1 cup sour cream — for silky, tangy richness; plain Greek yogurt makes a healthier option.
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package — swap for rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste — season as you go.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish — adds color and a clean finish.
Substitutions: For a healthier option, use ground turkey or a blend of beef and turkey, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. To make it dairy-free, stir in a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
Timing (H2)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
This dish is a quick dinner idea that pays off big emotionally and flavor-wise — faster than ordering in, and more comforting than most takeout options.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff (H2)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it up with a spatula so it’s in bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms release their juices — your kitchen will smell amazing at this point. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables and stir to coat; cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps, then add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the sauce is silky and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or some pasta water.
- Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations (H2)
- Make it lighter: swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use lean ground turkey.
- Mushroom-free: substitute roasted bell peppers or spinach for a veggie pop.
- Gluten-free: use cornstarch instead of flour and serve over gluten-free pasta.
- Festive twist: fold in a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a party-ready version.
- Make it smoky: add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for depth.
Personalize the dish — this recipe is a base for memories; change it to fit your family’s tastes.
Serving Suggestions (H2)
Serve Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff steaming over buttery egg noodles, or spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for a rustic twist. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus for texture contrast. For a cozy weeknight, pour a glass of medium-bodied red wine or a simple iced tea, and let the soft music and warm plates bring everyone close. If you’re planning a make-ahead dinner party, this also pairs nicely with crusty bread and a light dessert like baked apples or an indulgent dessert to finish.
During holiday seasons, transform this into a festive meal by serving it in a large, family-style dish so everyone can help themselves — perfect for cozy gatherings and comfort-seeking guests. If you want a make-ahead comfort casserole, check out this hearty baked variation that’s great for potlucks: ground beef stroganoff casserole.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips (H2)
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to revive the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. To freeze, cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If planning ahead, keep the noodles separate and mix them in when reheating to preserve texture.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen (H2)
- Brown the beef well: good browning equals deep, meaty flavor.
- Use pasta water: a little starchy pasta water smooths and helps the sauce cling.
- Temper the sour cream: stir a few spoonfuls of hot sauce into sour cream before adding to avoid curdling.
- Taste as you go: balance salt, acid, and richness with a touch more Dijon or Worcestershire if needed.
- Finish with fresh herbs: parsley or chives add brightness right before serving.
FAQs (H2)
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and serve over gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes for a naturally gluten-free meal.
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are great healthy options; you may want to add a touch more seasoning to boost flavor.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from curdling when I add sour cream?
A: Temper the sour cream by stirring a few tablespoons of the hot sauce into it before adding, then cook over low heat without boiling.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes, double everything and use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan so the meat browns evenly and the sauce reduces properly.
Conclusion (H2)
This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hug-in-a-bowl — a quick dinner idea that becomes a family favorite and a comforting food memory. Easy to customize, simple to store, and quick to reheat, it proves that the best meals are often the ones that bring people together without demanding all night in the kitchen. For more classic inspiration and variations that might spark a new twist on this dish, I like to peek at reliable recipes like The Country Cook’s beef stroganoff and Natasha’s Kitchen ground beef stroganoff for ideas. Try this tonight, share it tomorrow, and make it part of your family’s cozy traditions — I promise it will become a go-to comfort food before you know it.
Contents
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Meat and base
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15) Browned for deep flavor; leaner beef for a lighter option.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and base flavor.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced Cremini or white, or omit for a mushroom-free version.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic backbone.
Sauce ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce; use cornstarch for gluten-free.
- 2 cups beef broth Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Savory depth (soy sauce works as a swap).
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Brightens the creaminess; optional but recommended.
- 1 cup sour cream For silky, tangy richness; plain Greek yogurt makes a healthier option.
Pasta and seasoning
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package Swap for rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Season as you go.
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped Adds color and a clean finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it up with a spatula so it’s in bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms release their juices.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables and stir to coat; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the sauce is silky and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest