Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 8 oz mushrooms (sliced); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 0.75 cup sour cream; 8 oz egg noodles (cooked)

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Few dishes deliver comfort quite like Ground Beef Stroganoff. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, this easy skillet dinner brings all the classic flavors of traditional beef stroganoff into a faster, more affordable version that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Instead of pricey steak strips, this recipe uses humble ground beef to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of noodles beautifully.

What makes this version truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete, hearty meal on the table using simple pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for family, roommates, or just yourself, this dish checks all the boxes: budget-friendly, filling, and packed with cozy, nostalgic flavor.

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff Works So Well

Traditional beef stroganoff originated in Russia and was historically made with sautéed beef pieces in a sour cream sauce. Over time, the dish evolved across Europe and North America, adapting to local ingredients and cooking styles. The ground beef version became especially popular in home kitchens because it’s quicker, easier to cook evenly, and much more affordable.

Ground beef absorbs flavors exceptionally well. When simmered with mushrooms, onions, and beef broth, it creates a deeply savory base that pairs perfectly with the tangy richness of sour cream. The result is a sauce that tastes slow-cooked, even though it comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
¾ cup sour cream
8 oz egg noodles, cooked
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
Reduce heat to low and gently stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Creamiest Stroganoff

Lower the heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Full-fat sour cream gives the richest texture and best flavor.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water.
For deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer an extra 2–3 minutes.

Variations to Try

Healthier Version: Use ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Extra Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Stroganoff pairs beautifully with:

Steamed green beans
Roasted broccoli
Simple side salad
Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Nights

This dish uses one pan, minimal prep, and ingredients you likely already have. It’s filling, reheats well, and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.