Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the weeknight dinner that never disappoints: hearty, creamy, and full of deep, savory flavor, yet unbelievably easy to pull together. This classic comfort food transforms simple pantry staples and fresh mushrooms into a rich, crowd-pleasing meal in just over half an hour—perfect for busy families, impromptu guests, or whenever you crave something soul-warming and satisfying.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ground Beef Stroganoff is how it turns humble, everyday ingredients into something utterly crave-worthy. Every component contributes: from the beef’s richness, to the mushrooms’ earthy depth, to that creamy, tangy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter.

• Olive oil: Just enough to help brown the beef and sauté those veggies without sticking—and it adds a little flavor, too!
• Lean ground beef: Opt for leaner beef so your sauce is rich, not greasy, but still deeply satisfying.
• Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and rounds out the savory flavors, forming the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• Mushrooms (sliced): The real flavor secret—mushrooms soak up all the juices and lend the dish classic stroganoff flavor and a meaty, juicy texture.
• Garlic (minced): Just a little garlic transforms the sauce—giving a savory boost that mingles with the mushrooms and beef.
• All-purpose flour: This is the sauce thickener—don’t skip it, or your stroganoff will be runny instead of silky.
• Beef broth: Builds a savory backbone for the sauce, marrying all the flavors.
• Heavy whipping cream: For that lush, spoon-coating texture—be generous!
• Sour cream: The essential tang—this gives stroganoff its signature, craveable creaminess and balances out the richness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and a hint of umami—it’s the flavor “X-factor” you never want to forget.
• Salt & Black pepper: Vital for rounding out all the other flavors—taste and adjust to perfection.

Variations

The beauty of Ground Beef Stroganoff is how endlessly riffable it is—you can swap, tweak, or dress it up based on what you love (or what’s in the fridge!). Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter—but still flavor-packed—twist.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff: Omit the beef and double the mushrooms (try a medley for more flavor). Sub veggie broth and use plant-based sour cream if you’d like.
• Extra Veggie Power: Toss in some baby spinach, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes for extra color and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened coconut cream or plant-based alternatives for both the cream and sour cream to make it dairy-friendly without losing the luscious sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce if you crave a little warmth.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a heavy, deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and take on those delicious, golden edges, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the onion is soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with the best kind of savory aroma.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms directly to the pan and stir well. Cook for about five minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their juices—let that liquid mostly evaporate so you get maximum flavor, not soggy mushrooms. The mixture should be rich and hearty, without excess water.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over everything in the pan. Stir constantly to coat every piece of beef and mushroom, making sure there are no lumps. This step thickens the sauce and helps it become lusciously creamy later on—don’t rush!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the beef broth, heavy whipping cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper into the pan. Stir well and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Let everything bubble away for about five minutes on low—this is when the flavors meld and the sauce becomes silky and perfect.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream

Take the pan off the heat and gently stir in your sour cream. This is where the magic happens—the sauce turns tangy and glossy. Taste and season to your liking, then serve immediately over your favorite base (noodles are classic, but don’t let tradition hold you back!).

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

Top your Ground Beef Stroganoff with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. If you love a little tang, a pinch of extra black pepper or even a few shavings of Parmesan can take this dish right over the top.

Side Dishes

This is the ultimate comfort meal when spooned over buttered egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes. If you want to round things out, serve alongside simple steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff in individual bowls over toasted bread for a cozy twist, or pile it on top of crispy roasted potatoes for a playful, family-style presentation. Stir leftovers into cooked rice and fill bell peppers for a brand-new spin on classic comfort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors seem to deepen as it sits, making lunch or dinner the next day even more delicious!

Freezing

To freeze, let the stroganoff cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers (without the noodles, if you’re including those separately). It will freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a nearly instant homemade meal on hand.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Ground Beef Stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up and revive that silky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about a bubbling skillet of Ground Beef Stroganoff—it invites you in, spoon in hand, and promises comfort with every bite. I truly hope this becomes one of your family favorites, just as it has in my home. Give it a try tonight, and get ready for those “Can I have seconds?” smiles around the table!

Print