When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes deliver the same creamy, hearty satisfaction as Ground Beef Stroganoff. This easy, budget-friendly recipe transforms simple ingredients — like ground beef, onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce — into a cozy, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with the warm, savory aroma of home cooking, making everyone eager to grab a plate.
Whether you serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, this stroganoff is pure comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍲 Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- 💰 Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: Comfort food everyone loves — even picky eaters.
- 🧄 Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, onions, garlic, and creamy sauce creates irresistible depth.
- 🔁 Versatile: Serve it over noodles, rice, or even toast — it’s delicious every way.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk (for the roux)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pot (for boiling egg noodles)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1–2 cloves)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth (low-sodium optional)
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain, toss with a small pat of butter to prevent sticking, and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks, but leave some chunks for texture. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the onions are soft. - Drain Excess Grease
Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan, leaving behind about a tablespoon for flavor. Return the pan to the stove over medium heat — but don’t add the beef back just yet. - Make the Roux
Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This creates a smooth base for the gravy and removes the raw flour taste. - Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Turn the heat up slightly to medium-high and whisk until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 2–3 minutes. - Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, stirring until everything is fully combined into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. - Combine with the Beef
Add the cooked ground beef mixture back into the sauce. Stir to coat all the beef evenly, then let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the rich, creamy beef mixture over a bed of egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Healthier Version: Use ground turkey or chicken and swap beef broth for chicken broth.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for more depth.
- Homemade Twist: Substitute canned soup with homemade cream of mushroom or chicken soup.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sliced mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with ground beef stroganoff?
Egg noodles are the classic choice, but it’s also great over rice, mashed potatoes, or even toast for a cozy meal.
Can I skip the sour cream?
Sour cream gives the sauce its signature tang and creaminess, but you can replace it with plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Which ground beef works best?
Use 85/15 for a balance of flavor and richness. If you prefer leaner meat, go with 90/10, but you may want to add a touch more butter for flavor.
How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t recommended since dairy-based sauces can separate when thawed and reheated.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can make extraordinary meals.
Creamy, savory, and deeply comforting, it’s a guaranteed family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you serve it for a cozy dinner or a quick weekday meal, this dish always satisfies.
Category: Dinner • Comfort Food • Main Course
The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Egg Noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain, toss with a small pat of butter to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks, but leave some chunks for texture. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the onions are soft.
- Drain Excess Grease. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan, leaving behind about a tablespoon for flavor. Return the pan to the stove over medium heat — but don’t add the beef back just yet.
- Make the Roux. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This creates a smooth base for the gravy and removes the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Turn the heat up slightly to medium-high and whisk until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 2–3 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, stirring until everything is fully combined into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine with the Beef. Add the cooked ground beef mixture back into the sauce. Stir to coat all the beef evenly, then let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy. Spoon the rich, creamy beef mixture over a bed of egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.