If you are craving a creamy, comforting dish with a rich and hearty flavor, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your perfect go-to. Combining juicy ground beef with tender mushrooms, tangy sour cream, and a luscious sauce that hugs every bite, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your table in just about 30 minutes. It’s an approachable twist on a classic favorite that’s ideal for weeknights when you want something fast but thoroughly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet they each play an essential role in building the taste, texture, and inviting look of your Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. From the earthiness of mushrooms to the creamy tang of sour cream, every element comes together perfectly.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 1/2 lbs.): Provides the meaty base with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- Small Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and aroma that balances the richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, finely minced): Brings a fragrant depth to every bite.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors, making the dish more vibrant.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle kick of warmth and spice.
- Sliced Mushrooms (16 oz.): Their tender texture and earthy notes complement the beef beautifully.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz., cubed): Melts into a silky creaminess that binds the sauce together.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): Boosts the savory depth and keeps the sauce luscious.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce while contributing to the smooth texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce into a perfect consistency without lumps.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and creaminess for the classic stroganoff flavor.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): For final seasoning adjustments to suit your palate.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Season them with kosher salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors. Cook this mixture while stirring occasionally until the beef is almost fully browned but still a little pink, and the onions have softened and turned translucent. This stage builds the foundation of your stroganoff’s hearty flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms Until Tender
Next, add the sliced mushrooms straight into the skillet with the beef and onion. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, letting the mushrooms release their juices and turn golden brown. This develops that signature earthy, comforting component that makes this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Drop the cubed cream cheese into the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two to start melting before mixing it into the meat and mushrooms. This creates a smooth, creamy base that will give your sauce a velvety texture with just the right amount of richness.
Step 4: Add the Broth-Milk Mixture and Thicken the Sauce
While the cream cheese softens, whisk together the beef broth, milk, and flour in a separate bowl until smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry into the skillet, stirring frequently as the sauce simmers and thickens into a glossy, luscious coating for the beef and mushrooms. This step ensures your stroganoff has that perfect consistency that clings to noodles or rice.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Season to Taste
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the full-fat sour cream for a pleasant tang and extra creaminess. At this point, taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. The mixture should be rich, smooth, and bursting with cozy flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your Ground Beef Stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles, piping hot and ready to devour. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness if you like. This dish shines best right away when the sauce is warm and silky.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a bright contrast to the rich stroganoff. A dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors and add visual appeal, making the meal even more inviting.
Side Dishes
While egg noodles are the traditional choice to soak up the creamy sauce, this recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even steamed rice. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe stuffed inside baked sweet potatoes or atop crispy toasted bread for an open-faced stroganoff sandwich. You could also turn it into a casserole by layering it with noodles and baking it with melted cheese on top for a luscious finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stroganoff keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving. Be sure to cool completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will hold its quality for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Alternatively, warming in the microwave is fine but do so in short bursts, stirring well between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted if you want a lighter or different flavor, just adjust cooking times accordingly since lean meats cook faster.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds a similar tanginess and creaminess. Just fold it in off the heat to avoid curdling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The all-purpose flour in the sauce is not gluten-free, but you can easily swap it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish safe for gluten intolerant diets.
Can I make this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and mushrooms first, then combine all ingredients (except sour cream) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in sour cream before serving.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce isn’t thick enough, create a slurry with additional flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water, and stir it into the sauce while simmering until desired thickness is reached.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings smiles around the dinner table with its cozy, creamy goodness and straightforward ingredients. I truly hope you give it a try soon and discover how easy it is to whip up a comforting meal that feels special but comes together in no time. Happy cooking and happy eating!
PrintGround Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic recipe, featuring lean ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner served over buttered egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped (or half a large onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces sliced white button or baby bella mushrooms
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and aromatics: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is mostly browned but slightly pink and onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef and onions. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are softened and browned and the beef is fully cooked through.
- Melt the cream cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften. Then stir it into the meat and mushrooms until mostly melted and incorporated.
- Prepare and add the slurry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, milk, and all-purpose flour until smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry into the skillet with the meat mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and starts bubbling gently.
- Finish with sour cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the full-fat sour cream. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the stroganoff over hot buttered egg noodles. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease but retain flavor.
- Don’t skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Baby bella mushrooms add a deeper, earthier flavor compared to white button mushrooms.
- The cream cheese adds creaminess and richness to the sauce; use full-fat for best results.
- Make sure to whisk the flour into the broth and milk well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Serve immediately over egg noodles for best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.