Ground Beef Stroganoff: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff: a weeknight dinner champion that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. This creamy, savory dish delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stroganoff, but with a budget-friendly and time-saving twist. Are you ready to experience a culinary hug in a bowl?

While traditional Beef Stroganoff boasts a rich history rooted in 19th-century Russia, often featuring tender strips of beef tenderloin, our version embraces the humble yet versatile ground beef. This adaptation makes it accessible to everyone, without sacrificing the soul of the dish. It’s a testament to how beloved recipes evolve and adapt to suit modern lifestyles and available ingredients.

People adore Ground Beef Stroganoff for its incredible flavor profile. The combination of savory beef, tangy sour cream, and earthy mushrooms creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. The creamy sauce coats every strand of egg noodles, making each bite utterly irresistible. Plus, its quick preparation and minimal cleanup make it a lifesaver on busy evenings. It’s the perfect comfort food that doesn’t compromise on convenience or taste. I know my family asks for it at least once a week!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Ground Beef and Vegetables

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure to really crumble the beef well; you don’t want any large chunks. A good crumble ensures even cooking and a better texture in the final dish.
2. Sauté the Onion and Mushrooms: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about 7-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Allowing the mushrooms to properly brown and release their moisture is key to developing a rich, savory flavor. If the pan seems dry, you can add a splash more olive oil or beef broth.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I like to be generous with the pepper! The spices really bloom when they’re heated in the oil, so this step is important for infusing the whole dish with flavor.

Creating the Stroganoff Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth and dry sherry (if using). Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. This process is called deglazing, and it’s a simple technique that makes a big difference.
2. Add Worcestershire and Mustard: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. These ingredients add a tangy, savory complexity to the sauce. The Worcestershire sauce provides umami, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle bite.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce, creating a richer, more concentrated taste. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the sauce to be thick enough to coat the noodles nicely.

Cooking the Egg Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously – this is your only chance to season the noodles themselves. I usually cook them al dente, which means they’re slightly firm to the bite. They’ll continue to cook a bit when you add them to the sauce.
2. Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well. Don’t rinse them unless you’re worried about them sticking together. A little bit of the starchy water can actually help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Combining and Serving

1. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet with the ground beef stroganoff sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly. Make sure every noodle is lovingly coated in that delicious sauce!
2. Stir in Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the sour cream to curdle. Adding the sour cream off the heat helps prevent curdling as well. The sour cream adds a creamy tang that is characteristic of stroganoff.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately. I like to serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A crusty piece of bread is also great for soaking up any extra sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Different Types of Mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or a blend of wild mushrooms. Each type will add its own unique flavor and texture.
• Add a Splash of Cream: For an even richer and creamier stroganoff, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the sour cream.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and mushrooms as directed. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except the sour cream and parsley). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the sour cream just before serving.
• Freezing Instructions: Ground Beef Stroganoff can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve over egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or even toast. It’s also great as a filling for baked potatoes.

Troubleshooting:

• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a longer period of time, allowing it to reduce. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
• Sour Cream Curdled: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding it. You can also temper the sour cream by stirring in a spoonful of the hot sauce before adding it to the skillet.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that it becomes a family favorite.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Stroganoff isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a creamy, comforting hug in a bowl that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. The rich, savory sauce, perfectly cooked ground beef, and tender noodles create a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Seriously, I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit, even with the pickiest eaters!

What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s incredibly easy to make, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Forget complicated techniques and hours spent in the kitchen; this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. But beyond the convenience and affordability, it’s the taste that truly sets this Ground Beef Stroganoff apart. The combination of the browned ground beef, the tangy sour cream, and the earthy mushrooms creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Looking for serving suggestions or variations? The possibilities are endless! For a classic presentation, serve it over egg noodles, but feel free to experiment with other types of pasta, like fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. If you’re looking to add some extra vegetables, consider stirring in some sautéed spinach, peas, or bell peppers. For a richer flavor, you can substitute the beef broth with red wine. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor. A dollop of fresh dill or parsley adds a bright, fresh finish.

For a complete meal, serve this Ground Beef Stroganoff with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. A crusty loaf of bread is also a great addition, perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And don’t forget the dessert! A simple fruit crumble or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be the perfect ending to this satisfying meal.

I truly believe that this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a winner. It’s easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious. But don’t just take my word for it – try it yourself! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of this recipe. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below! Let’s create a community of Ground Beef Stroganoff lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking!