Nothing warms you up like a big bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff on a chilly evening. Its creamy sauce, tender beef and mushrooms all come together on top of noodles or rice for a meal that’s both simple to make and really satisfying. You might mess around in the kitchen and still end up with something that tastes pretty fancy, even on a regular weeknight.
The story of Stroganoff goes back to 19th-century Russia, where folks cooked strips of beef in a rich cream sauce, sometimes with a bit of mustard, and served it with potatoes or pasta. Over time the recipe traveled to other countries, especially the United States, and got tweaked. Swapping in ground beef made it quicker, easier and more budget-friendly, while keeping that deep, beefy flavor.
Ground beef is a superstar in comfort food. It’s cheap, cooks fast and soaks up spices and sauces really well. You’ll find it in tacos, casseroles and, of course, Stroganoff. Using ground beef here shows how such a basic meat can turn into a warm, filling dinner for family or friends, no matter the occasion.
What You Need to Know About Ground Beef
Ground beef is a go-to in kitchens everywhere because it’s versatile and tasty. Knowing the different kinds helps you pick the best for your Stroganoff so every bite is just right.
Types of Ground Beef
When you shop for ground beef, you’ll see labels like lean or fatty. The main types are:
- Lean Ground Beef: Has about 10–15% fat. It’s a healthier pick that still packs flavor. Perfect for Stroganoff since the creamy sauce does most of the work on taste.
- Fatty Ground Beef: Over 20% fat, so it’s richer but can get greasy if you don’t drain it well. Use it if you want extra beefy taste, but be ready to blot some oil.
For Stroganoff, lean ground beef is usually best to keep it hearty without turning into a greasy mess.
Nutrition Facts
Besides tasting good, ground beef gives you lots of protein, vitamins B6 and B12, iron and zinc, all of which help keep your energy up and your body running right.
A 3-ounce serving of lean ground beef is roughly 175 calories. Compared to chicken or turkey, you’ll get more iron from beef—handy if you’re trying to bump up your iron intake.
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Picking the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here are the must-haves and some extras you can try:
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: The star—full of flavor and protein.
- Mushrooms: Give earthy taste and good texture.
- Onions: Add sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Brings a savory kick.
- Beef Broth: Forms the sauce base with lots of beefy flavor.
- Sour Cream: Makes the sauce smooth, creamy and tangy.
Optional Ingredients
To dress it up, think about:
- Spices: Paprika or parsley for warmth and freshness.
- Pasta or Rice: The perfect bed for your sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to switch things out:
- Vegetarian Options: Use ground turkey, chicken or even lentils if you want to skip red meat.
- Dairy-Free Alternatives: Try cashew cream in place of sour cream for a similar creaminess without dairy.
Detailed Recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and cook until they’re soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms release their juice and get tender, roughly 5 minutes.
- Turn heat up to medium-high. Put in the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mix and stir for about a minute so it soaks up the juices.
- Pour in beef broth little by little, stirring so you don’t get lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- When the sauce is thick enough, lower the heat and stir in sour cream. Let it simmer another 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over noodles or rice and dive in.
Cooking Tips
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of paprika for extra oomph.
- A nonstick skillet helps keep the beef from sticking and speeds up cleanup.
- Don’t overcook lean beef or it can get tough and dry.
Serving Suggestions
Ground Beef Stroganoff pairs nicely with:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans or sautéed spinach add color and vitamins.
- Crusty Bread: Great for mopping up every bit of sauce.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
For a dinner party, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve in nice bowls. It looks fancy but it’s really easy.
Variations and Modifications
Creative Twists
Try these ideas to mix it up:
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Use plant-based “meat” or lentils, and swap in gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.
International Influence
Stroganoff has many faces around the world. Russian versions use beef strips and potatoes, while American ones are creamier. You can even add Asian sauces or spices for a fun fusion.
Nutritional Analysis
A typical serving of Ground Beef Stroganoff gives you:
- Calories: Around 400–500, depending on what you add.
- Protein: About 25–30 grams from beef and sour cream.
- Fat: Roughly 20–30 grams, mostly from beef and sour cream.
- Carbs: Low on its own, but noodles or rice will add more.
This meal not only fills you up but also delivers key nutrients for energy and health, making it a solid choice for a balanced diet.
FAQs about Ground Beef Stroganoff
Common Questions
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works fine for a lighter dish. Just watch cooking times since they might differ.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or non-dairy options like cashew cream or coconut yogurt give you that tangy, creamy feel.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat on low heat in a pan or zap in the microwave.
Can this be made in advance?
Definitely. Make it ahead, stash it in the fridge or freezer, and when you’re ready, warm the sauce and toss with fresh noodles or rice.
Is Ground Beef Stroganoff suitable for special diets?
It sure is. Use lean beef for lower fat, gluten-free pasta for gluten issues, or plant-based meat for vegetarian and vegan versions.
ground beef stroganoff
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 pot for boiling noodles
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces egg noodles Or rice, if preferred.
- for garnish fresh parsley Optional.
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms have softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
