Ground Beef Stroganoff is a rich and comforting dish that has earned a special place in many households. Originally based on the Russian dish “beef stroganoff,” this Americanized version uses ground beef as a more affordable and quicker alternative to the traditional cuts of beef. It’s known for its creamy texture, savory flavor, and the way it wraps around egg noodles or rice, making it the perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
Its smooth, velvety sauce combined with tender meat and earthy mushrooms creates a symphony of flavors that is both satisfying and comforting. Ground Beef Stroganoff has become a beloved dish in many homes due to its ease of preparation and comforting nature. Whether served on a weeknight or at a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean or medium for a balance of flavor and fat)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, can use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb egg noodles (or any preferred pasta, such as fettuccine or rice)
Possible Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version: Swap sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use coconut milk instead of butter for the sauce.
- For a lighter option: Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
-
Cook the noodles: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Brown the beef: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Sauté onions and garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
-
Cook mushrooms: Stir in the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
-
Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to thicken.
-
Finish the sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes until creamy and well combined.
-
Combine with noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles with the sauce. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
- Don’t overcook the beef: Overcooking the ground beef can lead to a dry texture. Be sure to brown it until it’s just cooked through and juicy.
- Use a good quality beef broth: The beef broth is the foundation of your sauce, so choose a rich, flavorful one for the best results.
- Sour cream at the right time: Adding sour cream at the end ensures it doesn’t curdle during cooking. Stir it in gently once the heat is turned down to avoid separation.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or even lentils for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Low-carb version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a base for a keto-friendly option.
- Regional flavors: Add a touch of paprika or smoked paprika for a Hungarian twist. You could also include a splash of brandy or white wine for more complexity in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff over a bed of buttered egg noodles, or use mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.
- A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad pairs well to balance the richness of the stroganoff.
- A glass of red wine or a light beer can complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Note: This is an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen the sauce before serving.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce.
Closing Thoughts
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a versatile and comforting dish that brings rich flavors and textures together in a satisfying way. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe and share your results with us—whether it’s a tweak to the ingredients or an exciting new twist, we’d love to hear about your experience!
