Ground Beef Stroganoff: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Few dishes offer the rich, creamy indulgence of Ground Beef Stroganoff. This classic comfort food, rooted in Russian cuisine, has become a household favorite worldwide. Combining savory ground beef, buttery mushrooms, and a silky sour cream sauce, this dish is both simple to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to impress guests, this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is the perfect choice.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create the best homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff, including ingredient choices, variations, and expert tips to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, we’ll cover serving suggestions, storage tips, and FAQs to answer all your questions about this irresistible dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: A luscious sauce with sour cream, garlic, and mushrooms that coats the beef and noodles perfectly.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, keto, and dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best Ground Beef Stroganoff, you’ll need:

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream (full-fat for the creamiest texture)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but enhances flavor)

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For the Mushrooms and Noodles:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini work best)
• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or pasta of choice
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions to the beef.
2. Sauté for about 3 minutes, then add minced garlic.
3. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

1. Push the beef mixture to one side of the pan and add butter or olive oil.
2. Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Mix everything together and season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

Step 5: Make the Stroganoff Sauce

1. Sprinkle flour (or cornstarch) over the beef mixture and stir well.
2. Gradually add beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard, thyme, and nutmeg.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Add Sour Cream and Final Touches

1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sour cream until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked egg noodles to the sauce and toss gently.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Stroganoff

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
• Mashed Potatoes: A hearty alternative to egg noodles.
• Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh contrast to the creamy dish.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or cornstarch instead of flour.
• Vegetarian: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Use Quality Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20) ensures rich flavor without excess grease.
• Sauté Mushrooms Properly: Browning them well enhances their depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Sour Cream: Add it at the end to prevent curdling.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: This develops the flavors and thickens the sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Stroganoff is best enjoyed fresh and hot!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option, though it has a slightly milder flavor.

2. What’s the best pasta for Stroganoff?

Egg noodles are traditional, but penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well too.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except sour cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, then stir in sour cream before serving.

4. How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?

Use full-fat sour cream and avoid boiling it after adding.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a large skillet to accommodate extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate cozy and flavorful meal that’s both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll love the rich, creamy sauce and savory beef over warm noodles.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes!

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