Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner. This dish is a creamy, savory delight, featuring tender ground beef, rich mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce all served over buttery egg noodles. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and delivers big on flavor. Keep reading to learn how to make the best Ground Beef Stroganoff, complete with ingredient lists, cooking tips, and delicious variations!

this Recipe

What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a simplified version of the classic Russian Beef Stroganoff, which typically uses strips of beef. By swapping in ground beef, this recipe becomes quicker and more affordable without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavors of the original. Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and mushrooms, then simmered in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and beef broth. It’s typically served over egg noodles, but you can easily switch it up with rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Before diving into the recipe, let's go over what you'll need to make this tasty dish. Here’s a simple breakdown of the ingredients:

• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. Use 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and richness. You can also use leaner beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. Yellow or white onions work best for this recipe, as they add a nice sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Mushrooms: 8 ounces (225g) of sliced mushrooms. White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but feel free to use whatever variety you prefer.
• Beef broth: 1 ½ cups (360ml) of beef broth. The broth forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, savory flavor. You can use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level.
• Sour cream: ½ cup (120g) of sour cream. This adds the signature creaminess to the stroganoff sauce. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier alternative.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the sauce.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter, for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon of paprika. This adds a slight warmth and enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon for an umami boost that adds complexity to the sauce.
• Egg noodles: 12 ounces (340g) of egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions. You can substitute this with rice, mashed potatoes, or another type of pasta.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Be sure to season each layer of your dish for maximum flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish (optional). It adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef Stroganoff is highly adaptable, making it easy to tweak the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Ground Meat Options: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for plant-based ground "beef" or use extra mushrooms.
• Sour Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down on fat or calories, Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream if you need the dish to be lactose-free.
• Add More Veggies: Bulk up the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. These can be stirred in toward the end of cooking.
• Gluten-Free: If you're gluten-sensitive, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, and swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice.
• Spice it Up: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to give the stroganoff a little kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's get started on cooking! Follow these easy steps to make a delicious and comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 7-9 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss with a bit of butter to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the ground beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

• Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and become golden-brown. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, onions, and garlic, and stir to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.
• Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream

• Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. Be sure to mix it well so the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth to loosen it up.

Step 7: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.

How to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook egg noodles and set them aside.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until golden-brown.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir in beef broth to make a sauce.
6. Stir in sour cream and combine with cooked ground beef.
7. Serve hot over noodles and garnish with parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Ground Beef Stroganoff turns out perfectly every time, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Sour Cream: Sour cream can curdle if cooked at too high a temperature. Be sure to lower the heat before adding it and stir it in gently.
• Skipping the Flour: The flour is key to thickening the sauce. If you skip this step, the sauce may end up too runny.
• Not Sautéing the Mushrooms Properly: For the best flavor, make sure to cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn golden-brown. This deepens the flavor of the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Ground Beef Stroganoff is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few tips to enhance the presentation and overall experience:

• Serve Over Egg Noodles: Spoon the stroganoff mixture generously over a bed of egg noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Side Dishes: Pair the dish with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a complete meal.
• Bread for Sopping: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is most traditionally served over egg noodles, but here are a few other serving ideas:

• Over Rice: For a gluten-free option or a change of pace, serve the stroganoff over fluffy white or brown rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting meal.
• With Zoodles: For a low-carb version, serve the stroganoff over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff

To elevate the presentation of this classic dish, consider these ideas:

• Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley or dill not only adds color but also brightens up the flavors.
• Serve in a Skillet: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, serve the stroganoff directly from a cast-iron skillet at the table.
• Add a Creamy Drizzle: Finish with an extra dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of heavy cream on top for a decadent touch.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips

Here are a few final tips to ensure your Ground Beef Strogan

off turns out perfectly every time:

• Balance the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and paprika to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat if desired.
• Make it Creamier: If you want an even creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.
• Make it Ahead: Ground Beef Stroganoff tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the stroganoff in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, and if the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.

Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the sour cream. When reheating, stir well and add extra broth or cream to restore the consistency.

Q: What can I use instead of sour cream?
A: You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option, or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or a dairy-free sour cream for a lactose-free version.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Customize it to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a classic meal that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Try it out today, and savor the delicious flavors of this timeless comfort food!

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