If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly, look no further than this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s a dreamy, creamy, ultra-satisfying dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Juicy ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich, silky sauce come together faster than you’d think—perfect for busy evenings or when you crave a hearty meal in a hurry. This is one of those recipes I always double, because everyone goes back for seconds (and, honestly, it tastes even better the next day). Whether it’s a weeknight staple or a dinner party lifesaver, this dish never disappoints. Grab a skillet, and let’s dive in!

30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is how each simple ingredient shines. Every component adds a little something essential—richness, creaminess, or heartiness—creating a wonderfully balanced and crave-worthy dish.

Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic for stroganoff, soaking up the creamy sauce and giving each bite great texture.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for easy browning with just enough fat to add flavor without being greasy.
Butter: A touch of butter forms the base of the roux, bringing richness and that signature glossiness to the sauce.
Flour: Don’t skip this! Flour thickens the sauce and gives it body—just whisk it well for a lusciously smooth finish.
Beef Broth: Offers deep, savory flavor that’s essential for a truly satisfying stroganoff.
Milk: Makes the sauce creamy without being heavy; whole milk gives extra decadence.
Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, gentle aroma and depth that sets off the richness beautifully.
Onion Powder: Sweetens and rounds out the sauce’s flavors, so nothing dominates.
Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and balances the savory notes in every forkful.
Salt: Don’t be shy—seasoning is key to making all the flavors pop.
Sour Cream: The finishing touch! It adds classic stroganoff tang and makes the whole dish irresistible.

How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package directions until they’re just tender—don’t overdo it, because they’ll soak up sauce later! Drain and set aside so they’re ready to star in your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the noodles are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. You want every little bit beautifully browned, so give it around 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat to keep things light, and set that meaty goodness aside.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes. You’re building a golden base for that thick, luxurious sauce—this step adds a subtle nutty flavor and ensures there are no lumps later!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Next, slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking the roux as you go. Don’t rush—constant whisking here keeps the sauce smooth and velvety. Watch as it thickens after a few minutes, then gradually add the milk, stirring until it’s all incorporated. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for an extra 5 to 7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and look wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt, then stir well. Taste and adjust—remember, good seasoning makes the whole dish sing! At this point, your kitchen should be smelling absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Reduce the skillet heat to low. Scoop in the reserved ground beef and cooked noodles, stirring until everything is mingling happily. Let everything warm through so the noodles soak up just the right amount of sauce.

Step 7: Add the Sour Cream

Now for the grand finale: stir in the sour cream until it melts into the sauce, lending that signature tangy finish. Gently fold everything together until it’s creamy and glossy. Your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is ready to serve!

How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

I love finishing my 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley—its color and brightness provide a lovely contrast to the rich sauce. Thinly sliced chives or a pinch of smoked paprika are also fantastic for adding a pop of flavor and color at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green veggies like steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a garden salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. For extra comfort, serve with buttery garlic toast or, for a more old-school vibe, a side of peas mixed right into the stroganoff!

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknights, serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff family-style straight from the skillet. Hosting dinner guests? Try spooning it over creamy mashed potatoes, or nestle the saucy noodles in individual ramekins garnished with herbs and a dollop of sour cream. It even works as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift! Once your stroganoff has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days, making it the perfect lunch or easy dinner redo. The flavors deepen overnight—arguably making it even tastier!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze before adding the sour cream to prevent the sauce from separating. Chill the stroganoff completely, pop it in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and finish by stirring in the sour cream while reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, either gently warm the stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. For a quick lunch, the microwave works well—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until everything’s heated through and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are the traditional choice for stroganoff and soak up the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli. Just stick to about 6 ounces to ensure there’s enough sauce to coat every bite.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. Just keep in mind the sauce may thicken a bit differently, so add the thickener gradually.

What other proteins work in this dish?

While ground beef delivers classic flavor, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives make excellent substitutes. They’ll change the flavor profile slightly but keep the same creamy, satisfying texture.

Can I add vegetables to this stroganoff?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas are delicious additions. Sauté the veggies in the skillet after browning the beef (or separately if you prefer), then stir them in before combining with the sauce.

What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, substitute with plain Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream for creaminess. Yogurt will give a similarly tangy kick, keeping the spirit of the dish intact.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s both nostalgic and exciting, 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is your new go-to. The fast prep, hearty flavors, and all-around flexibility make it a weeknight winner in my kitchen, and I just know your family will love it as much as mine does. Give it a whirl—and maybe double the batch. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did!