This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and hearty dish, perfect for busy weeknights. With tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it delivers comfort food at its best. The sour cream adds a tangy richness, while garlic and onion enhance the savory profile. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s both nostalgic and versatile.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 1/4 cups Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens again (about 5–7 minutes). The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef, mixing until well incorporated and heated through.
- Gently stir in the sour cream until fully blended into the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrients (Per Serving):
- Calories: 662 kcal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Enjoy this classic dish that combines simplicity and deliciousness!
Ground Beef Stroganoff: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Busy Weeknights
When life gets busy, nothing is more satisfying than a quick, comforting, and delicious meal. This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a modern twist on the classic Russian-inspired dish, combining simplicity with robust flavors that appeal to all ages. Featuring tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
Stroganoff originated in Russia in the 19th century, traditionally made with sautéed beef strips and a rich sour cream sauce. Over the years, it has undergone numerous adaptations, evolving into a dish that accommodates various lifestyles, budgets, and cooking methods. Ground Beef Stroganoff represents one such adaptation, offering a more economical and time-efficient version without compromising on flavor. By replacing beef strips with ground beef and using pantry staples, this dish maintains its comforting essence while becoming accessible to a wider audience.
The Allure of Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Quick and Convenient
This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s a reliable go-to meal for when you’re pressed for time but still want something satisfying. - Affordable Ingredients
Ground beef is more budget-friendly compared to steak or premium cuts of beef. Combined with pantry staples like egg noodles, butter, flour, and milk, this recipe is cost-effective without sacrificing taste. - Family-Friendly Appeal
Its creamy texture, mild seasoning, and hearty ingredients make Ground Beef Stroganoff a dish that kids and adults alike can enjoy. The comforting flavors evoke nostalgia, creating a sense of warmth and connection at the dinner table. - Customizable and Versatile
While the recipe is delightful as-is, it can easily be customized to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients. Vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition. Alternatively, swap the beef for turkey or plant-based meat substitutes for a healthier or vegetarian option. - Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something inherently comforting about a dish that combines tender noodles, a creamy sauce, and savory beef. It’s hearty, filling, and evokes a sense of home, making it an ideal meal to enjoy after a long day.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Egg Noodles
The tender, slightly chewy texture of egg noodles is the perfect vehicle for the rich sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor. - Ground Beef
Ground beef adds a robust, meaty flavor and makes the dish quicker to prepare compared to traditional beef strips. - Roux (Butter and Flour)
The butter-flour mixture is the foundation of the creamy sauce, ensuring it achieves the ideal thickness and smooth texture. - Beef Broth and Milk
These liquids create the base of the sauce, balancing richness with a savory depth. - Sour Cream
The addition of sour cream gives the dish its characteristic tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making it distinctively Stroganoff. - Seasonings
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the savory notes, while optional fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the final presentation.
Why This Recipe Works
The success of this Ground Beef Stroganoff lies in its ability to combine simple ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor. The roux creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to the egg noodles, while the seasoned ground beef ensures every bite is packed with umami. The sour cream not only adds tang but also smooths out the sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Together, these elements come together to form a dish that is as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Cook Noodles to Al Dente
To prevent overcooked, mushy noodles, cook them to al dente. This ensures they maintain their texture when mixed with the sauce. - Drain the Ground Beef Well
After browning the ground beef, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. This step also helps the sauce maintain its creamy consistency. - Whisk Continuously When Making the Roux
Constant whisking while adding liquids to the roux ensures a smooth sauce without lumps. - Adjust Seasonings to Taste
Taste the sauce before combining it with the noodles and beef, adjusting salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed. - Add Sour Cream Off Heat
To prevent curdling, stir in the sour cream after removing the skillet from the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or warm dinner rolls. For a comforting family dinner, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
A Dish That Brings People Together
Ground Beef Stroganoff is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring people together over shared comfort and nostalgia. Its simplicity belies its ability to create moments of connection, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a dish shared with friends. The creamy, savory flavors evoke memories of home, making it a recipe that families return to time and again.
Conclusion: A Classic Made Simple
This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe encapsulates everything great about comfort food: it’s quick, affordable, and irresistibly delicious. By simplifying traditional Stroganoff while retaining its signature flavors, this dish provides a practical yet indulgent meal option. Its versatility allows for endless customization, ensuring it can cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply satisfying your own cravings, Ground Beef Stroganoff is a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. It’s a timeless classic that never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction, bite after creamy bite.
Print
Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick and hearty dish, perfect for busy weeknights. With tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it delivers comfort food at its best. The sour cream adds a tangy richness, while garlic and onion enhance the savory profile. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s both nostalgic and versatile.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 1/4 cups Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens again (about 5–7 minutes). The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef, mixing until well incorporated and heated through.
- Gently stir in the sour cream until fully blended into the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes