Welcome to the definitive guide for crafting the ultimate Ground Beef Stroganoff! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey back to comforting flavors and hearty meals. Imagine a rich, creamy hamburger gravy, bursting with savory notes, perfectly blanketing tender egg noodles. This dish is the epitome of budget-friendly, family-friendly cooking that will undoubtedly become a cherished staple in your home. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that everyone will love.
The Ultimate Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Family Favorite
Ground Beef Stroganoff, often affectionately known as Hamburger Stroganoff, stands tall as a quintessential comfort food that transcends generations. For many, this dish evokes cherished memories of home-cooked meals, right up there with beloved classics like fried chicken, pot roast, or a hearty casserole. The profound appeal of stroganoff lies in its humble origins and its wonderfully unpretentious nature. It doesn’t demand exotic ingredients or intricate culinary techniques, making it an incredibly accessible and affordable dish capable of feeding your entire family without stretching your budget. With just some ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a simple yet intensely flavorful gravy, you can transform ordinary components into an extraordinary dinner experience.
Why This Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Is A Must-Try
What sets this particular Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe apart from the rest? It’s the perfect blend of simplicity, profound flavor, and undeniable practicality that makes it a true culinary gem. You’ll be delighted by how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest weeknights when you need a deeply satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The rich, tangy, and deeply savory sauce meticulously coats every tender piece of ground beef and every yielding strand of egg noodle, creating a truly irresistible experience. This recipe has been meticulously perfected over years, consistently receiving rave reviews for both its ease of preparation and its incredible, heartwarming taste. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly gathers everyone around the table, eager for seconds, and is frequently requested by friends and family alike, cementing its status as a proven crowd-pleaser.
“I have made this recipe for years and I am sorry that I waited so long to say thank you for such an amazing keeper of a recipe! It’s an easy version of a childhood favorite, and I almost always have the ingredients on hand! I get asked for this recipe a lot!”
– Tina
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Stroganoff:
What do you serve with ground beef stroganoff?
Traditionally, ground beef stroganoff finds its perfect partner in a generous bed of tender egg noodles. Their wide, flat surface provides an ideal canvas for soaking up every drop of the rich, creamy gravy. However, the dish’s versatility allows for a plethora of delicious accompaniments. Beyond classic noodles, consider serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or even a thick slice of crusty bread to ensure no drop of that flavorful sauce goes to waste. For a truly complete and balanced meal, I highly recommend pairing it with a vibrant vegetable side dish. Some excellent choices include sweet and savory Maple Glazed Carrots, offering a delightful touch of sweetness, or the crisp-tender texture of Italian Green Beans. A refreshing, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a welcome contrast to the richness of the stroganoff, brightening the entire meal.
I don’t like sour cream, what else can I use?
Sour cream is undeniably a signature ingredient in traditional beef stroganoff, contributing its distinctive tangy flavor and a luxurious, creamy texture. While it’s integral to achieving that classic taste profile, there are indeed alternatives if you’re not a fan. A popular and effective substitute is plain Greek yogurt, which offers a similar tang and a pleasing creaminess, often with the added benefit of extra protein. For an even richer, milder option with less tang, creme fraiche can be used. If you genuinely dislike the taste of sour cream and prefer to omit it entirely, rest assured that this particular recipe thoughtfully incorporates cream of mushroom soup. This ensures the dish remains wonderfully creamy and flavorful even without the sour cream’s inclusion. While you might notice a slight difference in the tangy complexity, the overall deliciousness and comforting essence of the stroganoff will still shine through, providing a satisfying meal.
Which ground beef is best for this recipe?
The choice of ground beef can significantly impact both the flavor and the final texture of your stroganoff. For optimal richness and a robust beefy flavor, I generally recommend using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content, such as an 85/15 blend (meaning 85% lean meat, 15% fat). The fat renders down during the browning process, infusing the sauce with deep, savory notes. You don’t need a premium cut; a standard, affordable ground beef from your local grocery store will work perfectly well. If, however, you prefer a leaner dish and wish to minimize the need for draining excess grease, a 90/10 or even 93/7 lean ground beef can certainly be used. Just be aware that leaner meats may require a little extra fat, perhaps a touch more butter or olive oil, during the initial browning stage to prevent sticking and ensure proper caramelization, which is essential for developing a rich, deep flavor.
How do I store leftovers and can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?
Properly storing leftovers ensures you can savor this delicious meal for a few days to come. Ground Beef Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened significantly during refrigeration, you can add a splash of beef broth, milk, or even water to restore its creamy consistency. While freezing leftovers might seem convenient, I generally do not recommend it for ground beef stroganoff. The dairy-based ingredients, particularly the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, have a tendency to separate or develop a grainy texture once thawed and reheated. This can unfortunately compromise the smooth, creamy consistency that makes stroganoff so appealing. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator within its recommended storage period.
Can I prepare this stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare certain components of this dish ahead of time to streamline your weeknight cooking process. For instance, you can cook and brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic, drain any excess fat, and then store the cooked mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also prepare the initial sauce base, which includes making the roux with butter and flour and then whisking in the beef broth. This base can also be refrigerated separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the browned beef and the sauce base, gently warm them through on the stovetop, and then stir in the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup until heated through. However, for the absolute best creamy texture and flavor, I recommend incorporating the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup closer to serving time, as extended reheating can sometimes affect the delicate consistency of these dairy ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff:
Crafting this incredible Ground Beef Stroganoff requires a handful of accessible and straightforward ingredients, most of which you likely already have nestled in your pantry or refrigerator. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is absolutely key to the dish’s ultimate success and memorable flavor:
- Ground Beef: This is the undeniable star of our show, providing the hearty base for the stroganoff. A lean-to-fat ratio like 85/15 offers a superb balance of rich flavor and satisfying texture. If you choose to opt for leaner meat (such as 90/10 or 93/7), you’ll find yourself with less grease to drain, making for a slightly lighter dish. For those seeking an interesting culinary twist, this recipe can also be effortlessly made with ground chicken or ground turkey; just remember to adjust your broth choice accordingly to complement the new protein.
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced yellow onion is more than just a filler; it’s a foundational layer that adds a savory aroma and a subtle, natural sweetness to the dish. If you’re someone who isn’t particularly fond of pronounced onion chunks, finely mincing them will render them almost imperceptible, or you can opt to omit them entirely, though this will mean missing out on a layer of complex flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an indispensable pungent kick and an aromatic depth that truly elevates the entire dish. If you’re pressed for time or prefer convenience, high-quality jarred minced garlic is a perfectly acceptable and effective substitute. Aim for the equivalent of about 1-2 cloves for a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
- Salted Butter: Employed to create the initial roux, butter generously contributes a rich, luxurious base to our creamy gravy. If your pantry only holds unsalted butter, that’s perfectly fine; just be prepared to slightly increase the amount of salt added later in the recipe, tasting and adjusting as you go to achieve perfect seasoning.
- All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient is absolutely crucial for effectively thickening our sauce, working hand-in-hand with the butter to form a smooth, velvety roux. It’s what gives the stroganoff its characteristic luscious consistency, preventing a watery sauce.
- Beef Broth: Serving as the essential liquid base for our savory gravy, high-quality beef broth significantly enhances the deep, robust, and beefy flavor of the dish. If you’re mindful of your sodium intake, selecting a low-sodium or no-salt-added beef broth is an excellent choice, as it grants you precise control over the final seasoning.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is genuinely a non-negotiable for achieving an authentic stroganoff flavor. It provides that essential tangy creaminess that beautifully balances the richness of the beef and the savory depth of the sauce. While truly opposed individuals might consider plain Greek yogurt or creme fraiche as alternatives, the classic and beloved taste profile relies heavily on traditional sour cream.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This clever ingredient contributes significant creaminess and an underlying umami depth, acting as a fantastic shortcut to a rich, complex, and deeply satisfying sauce. If you prefer the homemade touch and wish to make your own from scratch, excellent recipes for Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup or even Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup are readily available and can indeed elevate the dish even further.
- Egg Noodles: While technically optional, egg noodles are the traditional and most highly recommended accompaniment for stroganoff. They offer a wonderfully tender, wide, and comforting surface that is absolutely perfect for soaking up every single drop of that incredible, flavorful stroganoff sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: These are absolutely essential for seasoning and truly bringing all the flavors together. Always remember to taste and adjust to your personal preference. A generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper adds a wonderful aromatic spice and a subtle warmth that enhances the overall experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Creating this delicious and deeply comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff is surprisingly straightforward, making it an excellent recipe even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand steps to ensure a perfect, creamy, and intensely flavorful meal every single time:
Prepare the Noodles:
Begin your cooking process by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rapid, rolling boil. Once boiling, add your chosen egg noodles to the water and cook them meticulously according to the package directions. The goal is a perfect al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked to perfection, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside. They will be perfectly ready to serve when your rich stroganoff is complete.
Brown the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic:
Initial steps: Browning ground beef with onions and garlic for flavor, then melting butter to begin the creamy sauce. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a sturdy Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the hot skillet. Cook the mixture, using a spoon or spatula to break up the beef into smaller pieces, until it is thoroughly browned, crumbled, and the onions have softened and become beautifully translucent. I personally enjoy leaving some slightly larger chunks of ground beef for a heartier, more satisfying texture, but you are welcome to break it up as finely as you prefer. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan; this crucial step prevents the final sauce from becoming oily. Remove the browned beef mixture from the pan and set it aside in a separate bowl for later use.
Prepare the Roux:
Return the same skillet to the stovetop over medium heat. There’s no need to meticulously clean it; those flavorful browned bits left in the pan, known as fond, will add incredible depth to your sauce! Add the salted butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely until it’s shimmering. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously and vigorously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, golden-brown roux. This foundational step is absolutely crucial for effectively thickening the sauce and, equally important, for cooking out the raw flour taste, ensuring a silky-smooth finish.
Whisk in Beef Broth and Thicken the Base:
The essential process of creating a flavorful roux with flour and butter, followed by incorporating beef broth to form the rich gravy base. Gradually pour in the beef broth, a little at a time, whisking vigorously and constantly as you add it to prevent any lumps from forming. Patience here ensures a smooth sauce! Once all the broth is fully incorporated, turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes, continuing to whisk occasionally, until you observe it thickening slightly to a luxurious, velvety consistency. This creates the perfect base for our rich and creamy stroganoff.
Add Creamy Elements and Season Meticulously:
The crucial step of mixing in the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, then returning the browned ground beef to complete the rich, creamy gravy. Reduce the heat back down to medium. Now, it’s time to add the star creamy components: whisk in the sour cream and the entire can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir continuously until the mixture is thoroughly combined, completely smooth, and heated through. At this critical point, add salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is absolutely key here, so don’t be shy! I typically find that a good teaspoon and a half or even more of both salt and freshly cracked black pepper works wonders. Continuously taste and adjust the seasoning until it is perfectly to your liking, achieving that ideal balance of savory, tangy, and rich flavors. If the sauce happens to become too thick for your preference, you can easily thin it out with a small splash more of beef broth or even a touch of milk.
Combine and Simmer to Perfection:
Return the previously browned ground beef mixture to the luscious, creamy sauce in the skillet. Stir everything together gently, ensuring that the beef is thoroughly coated with the incredible gravy. Allow the stroganoff to simmer for about 5 minutes over low heat. This gentle, final simmer is important as it allows all the magnificent flavors to meld and deepen, and ensures the ground beef is fully reheated and perfectly integrated into the rich sauce, making every bite harmonious.
Serve and Savor the Moment!
The finished Ground Beef Stroganoff, plated elegantly and ready to be savored over a bed of tender egg noodles. Spoon generous portions of the hot, creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff over your perfectly cooked egg noodles. For an optional touch of freshness and color, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and prepare for a chorus of happy sighs and requests for more around the dinner table! Enjoy this ultimate comfort food experience!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While classic Ground Beef Stroganoff is often most enjoyed with tender egg noodles, don’t feel limited to this traditional pairing! This incredibly versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of starches and complementary side dishes. Consider serving it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even simple buttered toast for a quick and utterly satisfying meal. For an added boost of nutrition and to create a beautifully balanced plate, steamed green beans, a crisp fresh garden salad, or roasted asparagus are all excellent vegetable accompaniments that cut through the richness. You can also unleash your culinary creativity by experimenting with different proteins; instead of ground beef, try ground pork, ground chicken, or ground turkey for a fresh take. If opting for poultry, chicken broth might be a more suitable liquid base for the sauce, harmonizing better with the flavor profile. This recipe is remarkably adaptable, allowing you to easily tailor it to your family’s unique preferences and whatever convenient ingredients you happen to have on hand, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Craving More Comforting Recipes?
If you’ve fallen deeply in love with the comforting, rich flavors of this Ground Beef Stroganoff, you’ll surely find immense joy in exploring these other delectable and heartwarming recipes. Each one promises a taste of home and a satisfying meal:
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Ground Beef Wellingtons
- Chicken Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Stroganoff
- Beef Stroganoff Cups
- Amish Country Casserole
- Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta
- Creamed Chipped Beef
- S.O.S. (Hamburger Gravy)
- Ground Beef and Gravy
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
Recipe Video Tutorial
Video Title: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Description: This is the best Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s a flavor-filled creamy hamburger gravy that is best served over egg noodles. Budget friendly, family friendly!
Upload Date: 2019-04-08T15:48:47+00:00
Originally posted: July 2011
Updated photos and republished: September 2025
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This is the best Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s a flavor-filled creamy hamburger gravy that is best served over egg noodles. Budget friendly, family friendly! This recipe has received excellent feedback.
Rating: 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 502 reviews.
Pin Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves)
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked egg noodles (for serving, optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound ground beef along with ½ cup diced yellow onion and 1 teaspoon minced garlic until thoroughly cooked and crumbled. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Set the beef mixture aside.
Step 1: Browning ground beef with onions and garlic until cooked through. Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add 3 Tablespoons salted butter and allow it to melt completely until shimmering.
Step 2: Melting butter to create the roux base. Then, add 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour to the pan, whisking continually for about 1-2 minutes until it absorbs the butter and forms a smooth roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Creating a flavorful roux by whisking flour into melted butter. Gradually add 1 ½ cups beef broth, whisking vigorously to ensure no lumps form. Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a velvety consistency.
Step 4: Gradually incorporating beef broth and thickening the sauce base. Reduce the temperature to medium. Whisk in 1 cup sour cream and the 10.5 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly incorporated, smooth, and heated through.
Step 5: Mixing in the creamy elements: sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Add salt and pepper generously to taste. Continue tasting and adjusting the seasoning until it is perfectly to your liking. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a small splash more beef broth or milk.
Add the cooked ground beef back into the creamy sauce mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is thoroughly coated and reheated through.
Step 7: Returning the cooked ground beef to the rich, creamy sauce. Serve immediately over your prepared cooked egg noodles and savor every comforting bite of your homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Step 8: Presenting the finished Ground Beef Stroganoff, ready for serving.
Notes
- This versatile dish can be served over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crusty toast, depending on your preferred starch.
- For a complete and balanced meal, we highly recommend serving this stroganoff with a simple fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, often accompanied by some buttered bread.
- Feel absolutely free to experiment with different ground meats such as ground sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey for varied flavor profiles. If you opt for ground chicken or turkey, consider substituting chicken broth for beef broth in the sauce to better complement the lighter poultry flavors.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
Calories: 522 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Protein: 21 g
Fat: 30 g
Sodium: 367 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Nutritional Disclaimer: The provided nutritional information is an estimate calculated based on standard ingredient values. It can vary significantly based on specific brands used, precise measurements, and individual preparation methods. If specific nutritional values are critical to your dietary needs, we strongly recommend using an independent nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients for the most accurate information.
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