Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s both approachable and crowd-pleasing, you have to make Ground Beef Stroganoff. This hearty skillet classic comes together in just over 30 minutes, blending creamy, savory sauce with tender beef and earthy mushrooms. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef Stroganoff keeps things simple but is packed with ingredients that bring out big flavors. Each component—from the mushrooms to the sour cream—plays a starring role in building that signature creamy, savory richness. Here’s what makes this dish special:

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Lean Ground Beef: The heart of the dish—juicy, savory, and so satisfying.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Bring earthiness, meaty texture, and soak up that creamy goodness.
• Garlic: For aromatic richness—freshly minced is best!
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce so every forkful is beautifully creamy.
• Beef Broth: Adds savory umami and depth, balancing out the richness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a decadent, velvety sauce—don’t skimp!
• Sour Cream: The Stroganoff classic for tang and even more luscious texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Subtle zing and complexity that take the sauce over the top.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential—add to taste for perfect seasoning.

Variations

One of the best things about Ground Beef Stroganoff is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes, pantry, or dietary needs. Try these fun and simple tweaks—there’s no one right way to enjoy a delicious bowl of Stroganoff!

• Lighten it Up: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter (yet still creamy) sauce.
• Veggie-Forward: Swap half the mushrooms for diced zucchini or bell pepper for a colorful garden twist.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute cornstarch for the flour and check your Worcestershire sauce label for GF varieties.
• Swap Your Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, slightly different take—the sauce still shines!

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy, deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. When it’s nearly browned, stir in your diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and takes on a beautiful golden color. This first step lays down layers of flavor that will make your Stroganoff shine!

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Cook Until Tender

Scatter the sliced mushrooms into the pan and continue to sauté for about 5 minutes. Let them soften and brown—don’t rush this step. If they release a lot of liquid, just keep cooking until it evaporates. The mushrooms will soak up all those savory flavors and add gorgeous texture to the finished dish.

Step 3: Stir in Flour for Thickening

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mushrooms and stir thoroughly to combine, making sure there are no lumps. This is what gives your sauce its classic Stroganoff creaminess—just a little flour turns everything lush and spoon-coating.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle simmer, and turn down the heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens and all those flavors become best friends—it’ll smell amazing!

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream until your sauce is ultra-creamy and smooth. Taste, adjust for salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve! Ladle straight over egg noodles, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a dreamy final dish.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

Nostalgic and homey doesn’t mean you can’t dress things up! Classic garnishes for Ground Beef Stroganoff include a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley or dill for color and brightness. A little crack of fresh black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika adds vibrant appeal, while a swirl of extra sour cream never hurts.

Side Dishes

This creamy main dish loves a simple base—think buttered egg noodles, fluffy rice, or silky mashed potatoes. Round out your meal with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli for that pop of freshness that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a Grazing Bowl by piling the Stroganoff mixture atop a bed of garlic roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach. Hosting a party? Serve miniature portions in cups or on crostini for a fun appetizer. Or turn leftovers into a decadent baked casserole with a cheesy breadcrumb topping—so many ways to make Ground Beef Stroganoff your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen over time, making it one of those rare dinners that tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Stroganoff! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The creamy sauce may separate a little, but a gentle stir while reheating brings it right back together.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of beef broth or cream if needed to restore that luscious texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between—just avoid boiling, which might cause the sauce to split.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Ground Beef Stroganoff—a dish that’s generous, creamy, and guaranteed to bring people together around the dinner table. Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, it’s always a hit. I can’t wait for you to make this classic comfort food your own—give it a try and get ready for happy smiles all around!

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