Okay, let’s talk about ground beef stroganoff for a minute because this dish is about to become your new weeknight dinner MVP. I’m talking about that creamy, comforting, soul-warming meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s basically a warm hug in a bowl, and honestly, who doesn’t need more of those in their life?
Why This Ground Beef Stroganoff is Pure Weeknight Magic
Here’s what makes this incredible ground beef stroganoff so darn perfect – it’s got all the rich, creamy comfort of traditional beef stroganoff but without the fancy (and expensive) cuts of beef or the complicated cooking techniques. We’re talking tender egg noodles smothered in a luscious, savory sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
The genius of this amazing ground beef stroganoff? It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen to create something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Plus, at just 30 minutes total cooking time, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
The breakdown: 30 minutes total time, serves 4 people at about 662 calories per serving. Super approachable difficulty level – if you can brown ground beef and make a simple sauce, you’ve got this!
What makes this fantastic ground beef stroganoff better than those boxed versions? Real ingredients, better flavor, and you control exactly what goes into it. No weird preservatives or artificial flavors here!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Everything You Need for This Amazing Ground Beef Stroganoff
The Foundation:
- 6 ounces egg noodles – The classic choice that holds onto that gorgeous sauce perfectly
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and texture
- ¼ cup butter – For that rich, restaurant-quality sauce base
- ¼ cup flour – This is what makes the sauce thick and creamy
The Sauce Magic:
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds incredible depth and savory flavor
- 1¼ cups milk – Creates that signature creamy texture
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – For that subtle savory depth
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds the perfect amount of heat
- 1 teaspoon salt – Brings all the flavors together
The Secret Weapon:
- ¼ cup sour cream – This is what makes ground beef stroganoff taste so rich and tangy!
Let’s Make This Incredible Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Step 1: Get Those Noodles Going
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to boil and cook your egg noodles according to the package directions. These are going to be the perfect vehicle for all that creamy sauce, so don’t skimp on this step!
Once they’re done, drain them and set aside. They’ll be ready and waiting when your ground beef stroganoff sauce is perfect.
Step 2: Brown That Beef Like a Pro
While your noodles are cooking, heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Add that ground beef and break it up with a spoon, cooking until all the pink is gone and it’s beautifully browned – about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat (nobody wants greasy ground beef stroganoff) and transfer the beef to a plate. Set it aside – it’ll be back in the spotlight soon!
Step 3: Create the Roux Magic
Here’s where your ground beef stroganoff really starts coming together! In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all those browned bits add flavor), melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. This is the foundation of that gorgeous creamy sauce!
Step 4: Build That Incredible Sauce
Now for the fun part! Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly – you don’t want any lumps in your ground beef stroganoff sauce. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens again – about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for smooth and creamy perfection here!
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure those seasonings are evenly distributed throughout your sauce – this is what takes your ground beef stroganoff from good to absolutely incredible!
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Reduce the heat to low and add those cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef back to the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and heated through. Your kitchen should be smelling absolutely amazing right about now!
Step 7: The Secret Ingredient Moment
Here’s the magic moment that makes this ground beef stroganoff special – gently stir in that sour cream! This adds the rich, tangy flavor that makes people ask “what’s your secret?” The sour cream should be fully incorporated into the sauce, creating that signature stroganoff taste.
What Makes Ground Beef Stroganoff So Special?
The secret ingredient? That sour cream at the end! It’s what gives ground beef stroganoff its distinctive tangy richness that sets it apart from other creamy pasta dishes.
What’s the sauce made of? It’s a simple but brilliant combination of butter, flour, beef broth, and milk that creates a roux-based cream sauce. The magic happens when you add the sour cream at the end!
Can you use hamburger? Absolutely! Ground beef (hamburger) is actually perfect for stroganoff – it’s more budget-friendly than traditional beef strips and cooks way faster.
How to make it taste even better? Don’t skip the browning step for the beef, use real butter (not margarine), and add the sour cream at the very end to prevent curdling.
PrintGround Beef Stroganoff: The Comfort Food Hero That’ll Save Your Weeknight Dinners
A comforting and creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff made with tender egg noodles, rich beef gravy, and a hint of sour cream. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- ¼ cup Butter
- ¼ cup Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 ¼ cup Milk
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a plate. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cooked egg noodles and ground beef to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Gently stir in sour cream until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot, optionally with vegetables or garlic toast.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
- For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 662
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Serving Your Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
Serve this beauty hot, straight from the skillet! It’s amazing on its own, but if you want to go all out, pair it with some steamed broccoli, green beans, or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Storage and Leftover Magic
Leftovers: Store your ground beef stroganoff in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as all those flavors meld together!
Reheating: Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. Don’t microwave it on high heat or the sour cream might separate.
Make-ahead tip: You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but this ground beef stroganoff is so quick to make that it’s almost easier to just make it fresh when you want it.
Want to Jazz Up Your Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Mushroom lovers: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the ground beef for extra umami flavor.
Veggie boost: Add some frozen peas or green beans in the last few minutes of cooking.
Cheese please: Stir in some shredded cheese along with the sour cream for extra richness.
Herb garden: Fresh dill or parsley stirred in at the end adds a bright, fresh note.
More Weeknight Dinner Winners You’ll Absolutely Love!
If this ground beef stroganoff has got you excited about quick, comforting weeknight meals (and honestly, who doesn’t love a good 30-minute dinner?), you’re going to go crazy for these other amazing recipes that’ll keep your dinner rotation fresh and delicious.
First up, this chicken and sweet potato rice bowl is another 30-minute wonder that’s healthy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s like the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition in one gorgeous bowl.
Then there’s this incredible one-pot chicken orzo that’s pure creamy, hearty bliss in every bite. It’s got that same comforting vibe as our stroganoff but with a totally different flavor profile that’ll keep things interesting.
And if you’re loving the ground beef vibes, this creamy ground beef orzo is a cozy, flavorful hug in every spoonful. It’s like the perfect companion recipe to our stroganoff for when you want something similar but different.
Want tons more weeknight dinner inspiration and cooking tips? I’ve got my Pinterest loaded with quick, delicious recipes that’ll make your weeknight cooking game absolutely unstoppable!
Why This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a Weeknight Winner
Look, I’ve tried a lot of weeknight dinner recipes, but this ground beef stroganoff consistently delivers on every level. It’s comfort food at its finest – creamy, satisfying, and rich enough to feel like a treat but simple enough to make on a Tuesday night when you’re tired and just want something good.
The beauty of this delicious ground beef stroganoff is how it takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something that feels special. Ground beef becomes the star, egg noodles become the perfect base, and that simple cream sauce becomes restaurant-quality deliciousness.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something that’ll make you feel better about life, this comforting ground beef stroganoff delivers every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular rotation staple because it’s just that reliable and satisfying.
So go ahead, make this fantastic ground beef stroganoff and prepare to have a new favorite weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you taste how good homemade stroganoff can be, you’ll never go back to those boxed versions again!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret ingredient in beef stroganoff?
The secret ingredient in beef stroganoff is sour cream, which provides the characteristic tangy richness that defines authentic stroganoff. The sour cream must be added at the end, off heat, to prevent curdling. Some cooks also consider a good roux (butter and flour mixture) and quality beef broth as secret elements that create the perfect creamy base.
What is the sauce in beef stroganoff made of?
Beef stroganoff sauce is made from a roux of butter and flour, combined with beef broth and milk to create a creamy base. The sauce is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then finished with sour cream for the signature tangy flavor. This combination creates the rich, velvety texture that coats noodles perfectly.
Can I use hamburger for beef stroganoff?
Yes, ground beef (hamburger) works excellently for beef stroganoff and is often preferred for its affordability and quick cooking time. Choose 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture. Brown the meat thoroughly, drain excess fat, and follow the same sauce-making process for delicious results that rival traditional stroganoff made with more expensive cuts.
What to put in beef stroganoff to make it taste better?
To enhance beef stroganoff flavor, add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, use quality beef broth instead of water, incorporate fresh garlic along with garlic powder, add a splash of white wine to the sauce, season generously with black pepper, and finish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A touch of Worcestershire sauce can also deepen the savory notes.