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Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe The Ultimate Guide

Ground beef stroganoff is a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish that has been a staple in home kitchens for decades. Unlike traditional beef stroganoff, which uses strips of steak, this budget-friendly version incorporates ground beef, making it quick, easy, and affordable while still delivering all the classic flavors. The dish is made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, all enveloped in a savory, creamy sauce, and served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

If you love comfort food that’s ready in 30 minutes, this ground beef stroganoff recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

What is Stroganoff?

Beef stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that dates back to the 19th century. The original version featured sautéed beef strips in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream, mustard, and onions. Over time, the dish evolved, with different variations emerging worldwide. Today, ground beef stroganoff is a popular, quicker alternative that maintains the comforting, velvety texture of the traditional recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Budget-Friendly Uses ground beef instead of expensive steak cuts.
One-Pan Meal Fewer dishes, more convenience.
Rich and Creamy The savory, velvety sauce is the highlight.
Family-Friendly Kids and adults alike love this dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep Store leftovers and enjoy later.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Main Ingredients

Ground Beef Lean ground beef works best to prevent excessive grease.
Onion Adds depth and a slight sweetness.
Garlic A must-have for an aromatic base.
Mushrooms Traditional in stroganoff; use white button or cremini mushrooms.

For the Sauce

Beef Broth Forms the rich, savory base of the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami and a subtle tang.
Dijon Mustard Enhances the flavor with a slight spice.
Flour or Cornstarch Helps thicken the sauce.
Sour Cream The key ingredient for a creamy, smooth sauce.

For Serving

Egg Noodles The classic choice.
Rice A hearty, gluten-free alternative.
Mashed Potatoes Perfect for soaking up the sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Stroganoff Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir well.
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Sour Cream

Turn off the heat and gently stir in sour cream.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for the Best Stroganoff

Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
Stir in sour cream at the end to keep the sauce smooth.
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer.
Add more beef broth if you want a thinner consistency.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Variations and Substitutions

Make It Lighter

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use cornstarch instead of flour.
Serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.

Add More Vegetables

Stir in peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients.

Make It Dairy-Free

Use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream substitute.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff

Egg noodles The classic base for stroganoff.
Rice Brown or white rice makes a great alternative.
Mashed potatoes Ultra-creamy and delicious.
Roasted vegetables Green beans, asparagus, or carrots.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative that still provides creaminess.

What’s the Best Pasta for Stroganoff?

Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta works penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker (except sour cream). Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, then stir in sour cream before serving.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Yes! Add bell peppers, peas, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition.

How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until thickened.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef stroganoff is one of the easiest and most comforting meals you can make in under 30 minutes. This budget-friendly version keeps all the classic flavors while using ground beef instead of steak, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a meal the whole family will love.