If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that hits every craving, Ground Beef Stroganoff is the hearty, soul-warming classic your table needs! This dish brings together tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, tangy sauce—served over perfectly cooked noodles. Ground Beef Stroganoff is so easy to make yet feels special enough for a cozy weeknight or when you just need a nostalgic dinner to lift your spirits.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making an incredible Ground Beef Stroganoff. Each addition, from the mushrooms’ earthiness to the tangy sour cream, contributes to the irresistible depth and texture of this beloved meal. Here’s exactly what you’ll want (and why they matter):

Lean ground beef: The star protein—choose 85–90% lean for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Cremini mushrooms: Their rich, meaty texture melds beautifully into the sauce, adding umami depth.
Medium yellow onion: Sweet and savory, diced onion creates the aromatic flavor base for the entire dish.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the stroganoff with fragrant, mouthwatering warmth.
Low-sodium beef broth: Helps control saltiness while building a silky, savory sauce that’s never overpowering.
Full-fat sour cream: The soul of the sauce, lending that signature creamy tang everyone loves.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds zippy, complex flavor with a single splash—don’t skip it!
Egg noodles (or pasta of choice): Wide noodles are classic, but swap in any pasta for your favorite twist.
All-purpose flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce to luscious, velvety perfection.
Salt and pepper: Fine-tunes every bite—season to your taste for best results.
Olive oil: Starts the sauté and brings its own subtle fruitiness to the foundation.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen smells incredible. The aromatics are the flavor launchpad for the whole dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Increase the heat to medium-high, then crumble in the ground beef. Stir and break it up as it cooks—browning the beef really amps up its savory taste. Once it’s fully browned, drain any extra fat for a lighter, cleaner sauce.

Step 3: Add Mushrooms & Season

Toss in the cremini mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and pour in the Worcestershire sauce. Cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are soft and deep brown. This step is pure magic, as those flavors blend and the mushrooms absorb the meaty juices.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour all over the beef and mushroom mixture, stirring well to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring nonstop—this helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth, glossy sauce. Let this bubble so it thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the sour cream. Take your time to blend it in fully, so the stroganoff becomes delightfully creamy and a little tangy. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes to achieve luscious thickness and glossy shine.

Step 6: Combine with Noodles

Meanwhile, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well. Either toss them directly into the sauce for that ultimate coated effect, or plate the noodles and ladle the hot Ground Beef Stroganoff over top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a little green color and freshness.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

Turn up the wow factor by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper over the Ground Beef Stroganoff just before serving. The herbal, vibrant finish from parsley cuts through the creaminess and adds a pop of color that makes each bowl more enticing.

Side Dishes

Looking to make your meal feel complete? Pair this Ground Beef Stroganoff with crisp, simply dressed green salads or roasted vegetables for a bit of contrast. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce, and roasted potatoes or glazed carrots are also traditional partners for this hearty favorite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Ground Beef Stroganoff in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a dinner party vibe. You can also serve the sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter (but still indulgent) main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep deliciously for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick, fuss-free lunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the stroganoff cool completely, then package into airtight freezer containers (keep noodles and sauce separate for best texture). It keeps well in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the Ground Beef Stroganoff over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—heat in short bursts and stir often to avoid curdling the sour cream.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing this dish in advance lets the flavors develop even further. Simply cook as directed, refrigerate, and gently reheat when ready to serve. Hold off on adding sour cream until just before serving if you want the creamiest result.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Cremini mushrooms deliver a rich, earthy depth, but white button or even portobello mushrooms can be swapped in according to your preference or what’s available at the store. Use what you love most!

Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

You can use light sour cream and extra-lean ground beef for a lighter version of Ground Beef Stroganoff. Also, tossing in extra vegetables like spinach or peas gives the dish a health boost without compromising its cozy flavors.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a tangy sauce with a slight protein bump. Just make sure to use whole milk yogurt and stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.

What’s the best pasta for Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Classic broad egg noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, but you can use just about any shape you like—fusilli, penne, or even mashed potatoes for a change of pace. Go with your favorite!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying or nostalgic as a big bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff, brimming with savory goodness and creamy sauce. I hope you’ll give this cozy classic a try and let it work its magic at your table—trust me, it’s the kind of dish everyone will want seconds of!

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 13 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender ground beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce served over egg noodles.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Increase heat to medium-high; add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in sliced mushrooms, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until mushrooms are soft.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir well to combine. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring until smooth and bubbling.
Reduce heat to low; gently mix in sour cream until fully incorporated. Simmer for about five minutes until thickened.
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce or serve it on individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.