If you’ve got a pound of ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a craving for something warm and cozy, then honey, you’re halfway to the creamiest Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe this side of Nashville. This is one of those “cheap easy meals with hamburger meat” that feels like a hug in a bowl, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s just say it’s been my weeknight hero more times than I can count.
Why This Stroganoff is a Dinner Table Darling
- Comfort Food Without the Cost .
- Quick Enough for Busy Nights.
- Family-Friendly Flavors.
Here’s What You’ll Need
You won’t need fancy cuts of meat or gourmet ingredients. This recipe leans into smart, everyday pantry picks because that’s how we roll around here.
- Ground beef : The heart of the dish. I use 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Yellow onion : Adds sweet depth when sautéed. You want it soft, almost melting.
- Garlic : Just enough to make the kitchen smell like someone knows what they’re doing.
- White mushrooms : Optional, but oh-so-good for that earthy umami goodness.
- Beef broth : Builds body into the sauce and marries all the flavors.
- Sour cream : The magic ingredient that makes it unmistakably “stroganoff.”
- Dijon mustard : A little zing to brighten up the richness.
- Worcestershire sauce : Adds that hard-to-pin-down depth (you’ll know if it’s missing).
- All-purpose flour : Thickens everything into that creamy, cling-to-your-noodles sauce.
- Egg noodles : They’re wide, wavy, and made to carry this sauce like a Southern gospel choir.
Let’s Make It Together
Now you know I don’t love complicated steps especially not after a long day. So grab a skillet, and let’s make dinner magic:
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as you go, letting it get those crispy edges. Drain the grease if needed.
Add your chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Toss in your garlic and mushrooms next, cooking until fragrant and the mushrooms soften.
Sprinkle the flour over the meat and veggies. Stir well to coat this is what thickens your sauce. Let it cook for about a minute to nix that raw flour taste.
Pour in your beef broth, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer 10–12 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
While that’s bubbling, cook your egg noodles according to the package. Drain and keep warm.
Turn the skillet to low and stir in the sour cream don’t let it boil or it might curdle. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve that luscious sauce over a pile of warm noodles. Or if you’re feeling wild, go mashed potatoes. I won’t stop you.
Avoid These Mistakes
Even a humble stroganoff recipe has its tripwires. Here’s how to dodge them:
- Rushing the flour step : Give the flour a minute to cook before adding liquid. Otherwise, your sauce might taste pasty.
- Skipping the Worcestershire : It’s small, but mighty. Don’t leave it out it’s your umami MVP.
- Boiling the sour cream : High heat can make it separate. Stir it in gently off the heat for best results.
Want Creamier, Dreamier Stroganoff? Try This.
Here’s where I get a little Southern kitchen whispery on you: if you really want to turn this into a budget beef stroganoff masterpiece, use a splash of evaporated milk or cream cheese along with the sour cream. It rounds out the tang and gives it a velvety, rich texture that coats every noodle perfectly. Also, don’t be shy with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh parsley on top it’s a 5-second upgrade with big payoff.
Serve It Like This
This dish begs for simplicity. Serve with:
- A green veggie steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans are great.
- Crusty garlic toast or a slice of buttered bread (I mean, let’s not waste the sauce!).
- Sweet tea.
And if you like recipes that give you dinner without fuss, try this easy honey garlic meatballs next.
Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until tender.
- Sprinkle flour over meat mixture. Stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–12 minutes.
- Cook egg noodles as per package instructions.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream.
- Serve sauce over noodles and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt as a sour cream substitute.
- Add peas or thyme for extra flavor
- Leftovers are great over baked potatoes.
- Use smoked paprika or parsley to garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a lighter option and works well if stirred in gently at the end. Just make sure it’s full-fat for the best texture and richness.
How can I make this stroganoff stretch for more people?
Easy double the noodles, add more broth, and stir in an extra scoop of sour cream. You’ll bulk it up without doubling the meat, which is perfect for $10 dinners budget families.
Can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?
You can, but it’s best without the noodles. Freeze just the meat mixture, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve for better texture.
What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken broth works fine in a pinch, or even a bouillon cube with water. You’ll still get that savory depth that makes a good stroganoff recipe sing.
This Is the Kind of Dinner That Sticks With You
Some recipes are just meals, and some feel like home. This ground beef stroganoff recipe is the kind of dish you tuck into after a long day, with a sigh and a smile. It’s not just food, it’s comfort you can afford. Whether you’re planning budget-friendly weekly meals or hunting for another fast dinner recipe that won’t break the bank, this one has your back.
Now go on and get cozy. Supper’s almost ready.
