My friend told me about this ground beef stroganoff and I though why not give it a shot? It’s kinda like the classic beef stroganoff but we use ground meat so it cooks faster. The first stroganoff come from Russia, where they took tender beef strips, mushrooms and a creamy sauce and served on noodles or rice. Since then folks all over have put their own twist on it. In Hungary they add paprika for color and flavor. Americans even mix in cream of mushroom soup for extra creaminess.
Ground beef is cheap and easy to find in most supermarkets. It absorb flavors quick and have a nice texture. By using it in stroganoff we cut the cost and save time. You dont need a fancy cut of beef to make a tasty meal. This recipe keeps the same good flavor but makes cooking simpler for home cooks.
This article will give you a complete ground beef stroganoff recipe and some helpful cooking tips. Whether you are a chef or new to the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you make a meal your family will love. Get ready to dig into a creamy, hearty dish thats sure to be a hit at dinner.
What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Ground beef stroganoff is a hearty comfort food with a modern twist on the old Russian recipe. The OG version from Russia had sliced beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a sour cream sauce. People usually served it over egg noodles or rice. Over time cooks looked for ways to make it quicker and cheaper, so they started using ground beef instead of steak strips.
The shift to ground beef came because it cooks fast and is easier to brown. Ground beef absorb the sauce flavors wonderful and gives a slightly different texture that many folks actually prefer. While some say using ground beef changes the original style, it has become a beloved family dinner in many homes.
Ingredients Necessary for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Here’s what youll need to make this simple and tasty dish:
- 1 pound ground beef: 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best for juiciness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a nice kick.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Fresh or canned, your choice.
- 1 cup beef broth: Use low-sodium if you want less salt.
- 1 cup sour cream: You can sub Greek yogurt if you want a lighter dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For extra umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives color and mild smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Egg noodles or rice: For serving.
Optional add-ins:
- Peas or bell peppers for more veggies.
- Fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of green.
Recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Follow these steps and youll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total.
Cooking Preparation
Grab a large skillet, a wooden spoon, and measuring cups. Prep time is around 10 minutes, cook time about 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until theyre soft and smell good, about 3–4 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Turn heat to medium-high, add the beef, and break it apart with your spoon. Cook until no pink remains, around 5–7 minutes.
- Add mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 4–5 minutes so they release moisture.
- Pour in broth and seasonings: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir, then bring to a low simmer.
- Let sauce thicken: Simmer for about 5–8 minutes until the liquid reduces and gets a bit thicker.
- Stir in sour cream: Remove skillet from heat and slowly mix in sour cream. Dont let it boil or it might separate.
- Serve: Spoon the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Top with parsley if you like.
Serving Suggestions and Advice
This goes great with steamed veggies or a simple green salad. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seem too thick.
Nutritional Information
Each serving clocks in around 450–500 calories, give or take. You get protein from the beef, carbs from the noodles or rice, and fats from the sour cream. For a lighter take, use lean ground beef or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Want gluten-free? Just pick gluten-free pasta or serve on rice.
Popular Variations of Beef Stroganoff
There are tons of ways to tweak this dish. In Hungary they usually pile in paprika for a deeper red color and warm flavor. In the US you might see people use canned cream of mushroom soup to make it even easier. Vegetarian cooks swap beef for mushrooms or lentils to keep the creamy sauce vibe. You can also try chicken or pork if you want a different protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the beef: Dont leave it on heat too long or it gets tough. Stop when its just browned.
- Skipping deglazing: You got to scrape up those brown bits after beef browns—that adds big flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap sour cream or old broth can make the whole thing bland.
- Rushing the sauce: Give it time to simmer. Thats when flavors really come together.
FAQs
What can I substitute for sour cream in stroganoff?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese both work great and give a nice tang.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is leaner. You might want to add a bit more seasoning so it doesnt taste too bland.
How can I make beef stroganoff in a slow cooker?
Sauté onions, garlic, and beef first. Then dump everything into the crock pot, cook on low for 6–8 hours, and stir in sour cream at the end.
What’s the best type of pasta for stroganoff?
Egg noodles are classic, but fettuccine or even rice work fine.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or microwave slowly, adding broth if needed.
Conclusion
Ground beef stroganoff is a simple yet comforting dish that brings a creamy, savory punch to your dinner table. Its budget-friendly, quick to make, and easy to personalize. Try some variations, share how it goes, and enjoy a warm plate of stroganoff with people you love!
Additional Resources
Want more comfort food ideas? Check out recipes for beef bourguignon or creamy chicken Alfredo. Youll find plenty of inspiration to keep your kitchen adventures rolling.
ground beef stroganoff recipe
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pot for boiling noodles
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 4 serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles or pasta of your choice
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until heated through but do not boil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked noodles and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
