EASY GROUND BEEF STROGANOFF

Craving a hearty, creamy, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is your answer, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish the whole family will devour. Imagine tender ground beef enveloped in a luscious sour cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles – it’s comfort food at its finest, and I promise it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stroganoff Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For Serving

• 1 pound egg noodles

Let’s Talk About the Beef

I know, I know, sometimes ground beef gets a bad rap for being bland. But trust me, with the right seasonings and cooking method, it can be the star of the show! For this Ground Beef Stroganoff, I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15) to avoid excess grease. However, you can use whatever you prefer. Just make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning. Also, don’t be shy with the thyme, salt, and pepper – they really bring out the beef’s natural flavors. For a different twist, you could easily adapt this recipe for Turkey Stroganoff Recipe, too!

Mushroom Mania (or Not!)

Mushrooms are a classic ingredient in stroganoff, adding a lovely earthy flavor. But if you’re not a mushroom fan, don’t worry! You can easily omit them or substitute them with another vegetable, like zucchini or bell peppers. If you *are* using mushrooms, I prefer sliced baby bella or cremini mushrooms for their rich taste. Just make sure to cook them until they’re nicely browned and softened before adding the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to Stroganoff Success

1. Cook the Egg Noodles:

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the Mushrooms:

   Stir in the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Make the Roux:

   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This is your roux, and it helps thicken the sauce.

6. Create the Stroganoff Sauce:

   Gradually whisk in the beef broth into the roux, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add the red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. Combine Everything:

   Pour the stroganoff sauce over the ground beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8. Stir in the Sour Cream:

   Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it can curdle. If you want an even creamier sauce, you might also love my recipe for Creamy Beef Stroganoff Perfection.

9. Serve and Garnish:

   Serve the ground beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Stroganoff Superstardom

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and then let it simmer in the sauce to stay tender.
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, pour in a splash of beef broth or red wine to deglaze the pan. This will scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom and add extra depth to your stroganoff.
• Sour Cream Savvy: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before stirring it in. You can also temper the sour cream by whisking a spoonful of the hot sauce into it before adding it to the skillet.
• Spice It Up: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stroganoff sauce.
• Make it Ahead: Ground Beef Stroganoff can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits. Just add the sour cream right before serving. Speaking of easy make-ahead meals, have you ever tried my recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper? It’s another family favorite!

Variations to Make It Your Own

This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in other vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use Different Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use other types of pasta like fettuccine or penne. For a fun twist, try making Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for a richer, cheesier sauce. You might also enjoy a Cheesy Ground Beef Melt for another cheesy beef dish.
• Cream Cheese: For extra creaminess, stir in 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the sour cream.
• Spice it up! A little bit of paprika goes a long way. I recommend using smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and creamy stroganoff.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy sides.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food, you might enjoy my recipe for Ground Beef And Dumplings, too!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the stroganoff in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Enjoy!

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and comforting flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will love. So go ahead, give it a try – I know you’ll make it again and again!