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The Best 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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 522

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
  • 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

Equipment

  • 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)

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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.