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Ground Beef Stroganoff – Creamy, Comforting & Budget-Friendly

Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort dish known for its creamy mushroom sauce, tender beef, and savory depth. While traditional recipes use strips of steak, this version with ground beef makes it faster, more affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights. Rich with garlic, mushrooms, onions, Dijon mustard, and sour cream, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and can be served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in under 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

🍖 Meat:
  • 1 ¼ lbs lean ground beef
🥦 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 12 oz mushrooms sliced
  • ½ small onion diced
🥫 Canned & Broth:
  • 2 cups beef broth
🥄 Condiments:
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
🌿 Spices & Seasonings:
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
🥄 Oils & Fats:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
🥛 Dairy Products:
  • 1 cup sour cream
✨ Optional:
  • Kitchen Bouquet a browning sauce for richer color (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Small bowl for flour slurry (if needed)

Method
 

Step 1 – Cook the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
  2. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release liquid and turn golden, about 6–7 minutes.
Step 3 – Build the Base
  1. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat.
  2. Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
  3. Add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, simmering until the sauce thickens.
Step 4 – Combine
  1. Return cooked beef to skillet and stir into the sauce.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5 – Make it Creamy
  1. Stir in sour cream (and Kitchen Bouquet if using) until smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6 – Serve
  1. Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze without sour cream for up to 2 months; add sour cream when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop, stirring in a splash of broth if sauce thickens.
🥄 Variations
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Healthier: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Extra Rich: Add a splash of heavy cream along with sour cream.
Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat.
❓ 10 FAQs
What pasta goes best with stroganoff?
Egg noodles are classic, but rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta all work.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free noodles.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling.
Do I have to use mushrooms?
They’re traditional, but you can skip or replace with zucchini or bell peppers.
Is ground beef stroganoff freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze before adding sour cream for best texture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but brown beef and mushrooms first; stir in sour cream at the end.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales well for meal prep.
How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Add sour cream on low heat to prevent curdling.
What’s Kitchen Bouquet?
A browning sauce used for deeper color and flavor, optional in this recipe.
What garnishes work best?
Fresh parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of paprika.
🏁 Conclusion
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, budget-friendly twist on a classic dish. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, it’s a quick dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether over noodles, rice, or potatoes, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please.