Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect comfort food that combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is an easy twist on the classic beef stroganoff, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. Served over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out. Let’s dive into how to make this rich, creamy dish!

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff is So Irresistible

What makes Ground Beef Stroganoff so irresistible is the combination of flavors and textures. The lean ground beef is perfectly browned and combined with sautéed mushrooms and onions, giving it a savory, earthy depth. The creamy sauce, made with sour cream and beef broth, coats everything in richness. The Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add a subtle tang, and the entire dish is a symphony of flavors that are comforting and full of character. It’s the ultimate cozy meal.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Stroganoff

Here’s how to make this creamy, savory dish:

1. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their water and it cooks off, allowing them to get a nice sear. Remove the mushrooms and onions from the pan and set them aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
   Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook it for about 8 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. Once the beef starts cooking, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. If there’s a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out once the meat is browned.
3. Add Flour and Cook
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir it in. Let it cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, to ensure the flour is evenly incorporated and cooked through.
4. Make the Sauce
   Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the flour and mustard dissolve and the mixture is heated through. Don’t forget to scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan!
5. Combine the Mushrooms and Onions
   Add the sautéed mushrooms and onions back into the skillet and stir them into the sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for a minute or two.
6. Finish with Sour Cream
   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the ground beef stroganoff immediately over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff

For the best Ground Beef Stroganoff, these ingredients are essential:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides the right texture for the sauce and is a quick-cooking, flavorful choice for this dish.
• Mushrooms and Onions: Sautéed mushrooms and onions add richness, depth, and earthiness to the sauce, making it the perfect complement to the beef.
• Worcestershire Sauce and Dijon Mustard: These ingredients bring a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
• Sour Cream: The creamy base of the sauce that gives it its rich and velvety texture.
• Beef Broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce, infusing the dish with flavor as it simmers.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.

Exploring Variations for Your Ground Beef Stroganoff

While Ground Beef Stroganoff is perfect as is, feel free to customize it to your taste. You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for a bit of freshness and color. For a bit of extra creaminess, stir in some cream cheese along with the sour cream. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff Every Time

• Brown the beef properly: Make sure the ground beef is fully browned before adding the garlic and other ingredients. This ensures that the beef has a nice texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the sauce: After adding the sour cream, don’t cook the sauce on high heat for too long, as the cream can break down. Stir it in and let the sauce heat gently.
• Use quality beef broth: The flavor of the beef broth will have a big impact on the overall taste of the dish, so choose a good quality broth for the best results.

The Magic of One-Pan Cooking

One of the best parts of making Ground Beef Stroganoff is how easy it is to prepare. It all comes together in one pan, meaning there’s minimal cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor. The creamy sauce envelops the beef and mushrooms, and the dish pairs perfectly with a simple side like buttered noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of Ground Beef Stroganoff (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Sugar: 6g

To make the dish lighter, you can swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt or use a low-fat version. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a bit of added fiber.

Storing and Freezing Your Ground Beef Stroganoff

To Store: Let the dish cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Let the dish cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to balance out the richness. The creamy sauce is perfect for dipping, so a side of garlic bread or a warm baguette will complement it beautifully.

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan for the rice or noodles
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and simply heat it up when ready to serve. Make the pasta fresh when you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the dish.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Key Takeaways

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a simple, comforting dish that’s quick to make and full of rich, creamy flavor. Whether served over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, it’s sure to be a hit with your family!

Print