Ground Beef Stroganoff

This hearty Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting classic that combines creamy, savory flavors with simple ingredients. It comes together quickly and makes a budget-friendly meal perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Served over tender egg noodles, this dish is the ultimate cozy comfort food that never goes out of style.

I first made this dish when I was still learning to cook, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now it is often requested at our dinner table because it combines simplicity with rich comfort.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose an 85/15 for good flavor and some fat, or leaner if you want less grease
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth, go for firm onions with no blemishes
• Minced garlic: fresh or jarred both work great, fresh gives you more aroma
• Salted butter: enhances richness, but unsalted can be substituted if preferred
• All-purpose flour: essential for thickening the gravy into a smooth velvety sauce
• Beef broth: low sodium options help control saltiness while adding robust flavor
• Sour cream: the key to creamy tanginess, plain Greek yogurt can substitute if needed
• Cream of mushroom soup: brings mushroom earthiness and extra creaminess, homemade versions make it next level
• Salt and pepper: adjust to taste as this brings everything together
• Egg noodles: soft pillowy noodles provide the perfect base to soak up all that gravy

Instructions

Sauté the Ground Beef and Aromatics:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook one pound of ground beef with half a cup of diced yellow onion and one teaspoon of minced garlic until fully browned and cooked through. Try to leave some chunks of beef slightly larger rather than breaking it all up finely. Drain any excess grease and set beef aside.

Create the Roux:

Put the skillet back on medium heat without adding the beef. Melt three tablespoons of salted butter gently until foamy. Add three tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the flour fully absorbs the butter and the mixture looks smooth and paste-like. This forms the base to thicken your sauce.

Add Beef Broth and Thicken:

Slowly pour in one and a half cups of beef broth while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for two to three minutes as it thickens just slightly into a gravy consistency.

Incorporate Sour Cream and Mushroom Soup:

Reduce heat back to medium. Whisk in one cup of sour cream and a ten and a half ounce can of cream of mushroom soup until fully blended and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and luscious.

Season and Combine:

Add salt and pepper to taste and keep tasting until you hit the flavor you like. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more beef broth to loosen. Return the cooked ground beef to the sauce and stir. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes to marry the flavors.

Serve:

Spoon the stroganoff generously over freshly cooked egg noodles and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.

This recipe was a staple in my childhood kitchen, and one memory I treasure is my mom serving this dish during chilly fall evenings. The aroma of simmering beef and sour cream always felt like a warm hug after a long day. The cream of mushroom soup brings a nostalgic taste, reminding me of simpler times and comfort food at its best.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within three days for best flavor. This dish does not freeze well because the creamy sour cream and mushroom soup can separate upon reheating, resulting in a less smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef if you prefer a lighter option. When doing so, swap beef broth for chicken broth to better complement the meat. If you dislike sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a good alternative, adding creaminess without changing the flavor too much. You can also make your own cream of mushroom or chicken soup for a fresher taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over egg noodles as classic or try it over mashed potatoes or steamed rice for variety. A side of steamed green beans or lightly glazed carrots balances the richness nicely. Adding a crisp salad or warm buttered bread rounds out the meal perfectly.

Spoon the stroganoff over egg noodles and enjoy warm, comforting flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What is the best meat for this dish?

Use ground beef with some fat content like 85/15 for rich flavor. Leaner options like 90/10 can work if you prefer less grease.

→ Can I substitute sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt works as a substitute and still maintains creaminess. The mushroom soup also adds a creamy texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Egg noodles are traditional, and vegetables like maple-glazed carrots or Italian green beans complement it nicely.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended due to separation.

→ Can I use other ground meats?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used, but consider substituting chicken broth for beef broth to match flavors.