The Dream Team: Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound egg noodles
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started:
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Browning the Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Creating the Creamy Sauce:
- Melt the butter in the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
Bringing It All Together:
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Heat through, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
My Sauce is Too Thin!
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If your sauce isn’t thickening up enough, there are a few simple fixes. You can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a minute or two until thickened. Alternatively, you can continue to simmer the sauce uncovered, allowing it to reduce naturally. Just be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
My Sour Cream Curdled!
Sour cream can be a bit finicky. To prevent curdling, make sure the sauce isn’t too hot when you add it. Reduce the heat to low, or even remove the skillet from the heat entirely, before stirring in the sour cream. You can also temper the sour cream by stirring in a spoonful or two of the hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it to the skillet.
Can I Use Different Noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any type of pasta you like. Bowtie pasta or rotini would work well. Even a batch of Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef could be repurposed into a stroganoff. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Adding Extra Flavor
Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Some people even like to add a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness. It’s also helpful to taste and adjust your seasonings (salt, pepper, and Worcestershire) near the end of cooking.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Mushroom Mania!
Not a fan of plain sliced mushrooms? Experiment with different varieties! Cremini, shiitake, or even a mix of wild mushrooms would all add a unique depth of flavor to your Ground Beef Stroganoff. Sauté them with a little garlic and thyme before adding them to the sauce.
Go Gourmet with Ground Turkey or Chicken
Looking for a lighter version? Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly, as turkey and chicken can be a bit more delicate in flavor.
Add Some Veggies!
Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped spinach, peas, or green beans to the skillet along with the mushrooms. This is a great way to boost the nutritional value of your stroganoff and add some color to the dish.
Making It Ahead & Storage Tips
Can I Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can definitely make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time! In fact, many people find that the flavors meld together even better after it sits for a while. Prepare the stroganoff according to the instructions, but don’t add the sour cream until you’re ready to reheat it. Store the stroganoff and the sour cream separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stroganoff over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s heated through, stir in the sour cream and serve.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also add a splash of milk or broth to the stroganoff while reheating to keep it from drying out.
Can I Freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Freezing Ground Beef Stroganoff is possible, but the texture may change slightly. The sour cream can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed. To minimize this, use a full-fat sour cream and make sure the stroganoff is completely cooled before freezing. Store the stroganoff in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Your Stroganoff
Side Dish Suggestions
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic choice. You could also serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, try serving it with mashed potatoes or Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.
Bread for Sopping
Don’t forget the bread! Crusty bread, garlic bread, or even dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a single drop behind!
Other Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of ground beef recipes, here are a few more that you might enjoy! The Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The Creamy Beef Pasta Amazing is another great comfort food option. And if you’re looking for something a little different, the Cheesy Ground Beef Melt is always a hit! Don’t forget, you can find the original recipe that inspired this dish at Ground Beef Stroganoff.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Meal
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff that’s sure to become a family favorite! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
How can I prevent the sour cream from curdling in my Ground Beef Stroganoff?
To prevent curdling, ensure the sauce isn’t too hot when you add the sour cream. Reduce the heat to low or remove the skillet from the heat before stirring it in. You can also temper the sour cream by mixing a spoonful or two of the hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff in advance?
Yes, you can make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time. Prepare it according to the instructions, but wait to add the sour cream until you’re ready to reheat it. Store the stroganoff and sour cream separately in the refrigerator, then reheat the stroganoff and stir in the sour cream before serving.
What can I do if my Ground Beef Stroganoff sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a minute or two until thickened. Alternatively, you can continue to simmer the sauce uncovered, allowing it to reduce naturally, but stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Can I use a different type of noodle in this recipe?
Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta like bowtie pasta or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Quick Ground Beef Stroganoff
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Large pot
- Colander or strainer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 pound egg noodles
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Melt the butter in the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Heat through, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff!
