Experience the beloved flavors of classic Beef Stroganoff in an innovative, easy-to-handle format with these delectable Beef Stroganoff Cups! This ingenious twist transforms a hearty, comforting meal into a mess-free, portable treat perfect for any occasion. Say goodbye to the need for forks and knives and embrace a fun, flavorful way to enjoy your favorite creamy beef dish.
Reinventing a Classic: The Magic of Beef Stroganoff Cups
For many years, Ground Beef Stroganoff has been a cornerstone in countless kitchens, a go-to recipe for those evenings when only ultimate comfort food will suffice. Its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture make it an undeniable family favorite. But what if you could take that cherished classic and transform it into something even more exciting, more versatile, and incredibly convenient? That’s precisely the inspiration behind these delightful Beef Stroganoff Cups!
Imagine your favorite robust beef stroganoff filling – tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a wonderfully creamy sauce – all nestled within flaky, golden crescent roll dough, then baked to perfection. This innovative approach makes a fantastic appetizer that will impress guests at your next gathering, or a surprisingly satisfying and fun dinner that the whole family will adore. They are effortlessly enjoyable, easy to prepare, and bursting with the familiar taste you crave. If you’re seeking a creative new way to serve a timeless dish, this Beef Stroganoff Cup recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a culinary adventure that promises big flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring every bite is a moment of pure comfort and joy.

Why You’ll Love Making Beef Stroganoff Cups
Beyond being a delicious twist on a classic, these Beef Stroganoff Cups offer a host of benefits that make them a standout recipe. They’re designed for convenience, flavor, and sheer enjoyment, ensuring they become a regular in your meal rotation. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:
- **Effortless Handheld Enjoyment:** No more juggling plates and cutlery! These cups are perfectly portioned and easy to hold, making them ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or a casual weeknight dinner on the couch.
- **Less Mess, More Fun:** The flaky crescent dough acts as a built-in “bowl,” containing all the creamy filling, which significantly reduces spills and makes cleanup a breeze.
- **Family-Friendly Appeal:** Kids and adults alike will be charmed by the fun, muffin-sized presentation. It’s a great way to introduce classic flavors in an approachable format.
- **Quick and Easy Preparation:** With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these savory cups in under an hour, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- **Versatile Serving Options:** Whether you need a satisfying main course, a hearty appetizer for a crowd, or a delicious snack, these stroganoff cups fit the bill perfectly.
- **Customizable to Your Taste:** Easily adjust seasonings, mushroom quantity, or even add a sprinkle of cheese to the filling to tailor them to your family’s preferences.
- **Fantastic for Meal Prep:** They can be prepared in advance and reheated, making your weeknights smoother. Plus, they freeze beautifully!
These Beef Stroganoff Cups are more than just a recipe; they’re a smart and delicious solution for modern dining, blending traditional comfort with contemporary convenience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Stroganoff Cups
Crafting these delectable Beef Stroganoff Cups begins with a selection of readily available ingredients that come together to create that signature stroganoff flavor. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and flaky goodness.
Key Components:
- Lean ground beef
- Baby bella mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Beef stock
- Sour cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper
- Crescent roll dough sheet
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Ingredient Spotlight & Substitution Tips:
- **Lean Ground Beef:** Using lean ground beef (at least 85/15) is key to preventing the crescent dough from becoming soggy. Less fat means less grease to drain, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative, adjusting seasonings as needed.
- **Baby Bella Mushrooms:** These provide a wonderful earthy depth and meaty texture. Feel free to slice them thicker for more bite, or chop them finely if you prefer a less prominent mushroom presence. If fresh aren’t available, canned sliced mushrooms can work in a pinch, just be sure to drain them well.
- **Crescent Roll Dough Sheet:** The dough sheet offers a seamless base for your cups, making them incredibly easy to assemble. If a dough sheet isn’t available, regular crescent rolls can be used; just ensure you firmly pinch together all perforations to create a solid sheet before cutting. This prevents the filling from seeping out during baking.
- **Sour Cream:** This is what gives stroganoff its signature creamy tang. Full-fat sour cream yields the richest results, but light sour cream can be used for a slightly healthier option. For a dairy-free version, a suitable dairy-free sour cream substitute would work.
- **Worcestershire Sauce:** A small but mighty ingredient, Worcestershire sauce adds a complex layer of umami and savoriness that is essential to the stroganoff flavor profile. Don’t skip it!
With these quality ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of Beef Stroganoff Cups that are truly unforgettable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Beef Stroganoff Cups
Creating these delightful Beef Stroganoff Cups is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure each cup is perfectly cooked, golden brown, and bursting with creamy, savory flavor. Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray 8 sections of a standard muffin tin with cooking spray and set it aside, ready for your crescent dough.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add your lean ground beef, sliced baby bella mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef into fine crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to brown evenly and the vegetables to soften. Continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and the onions and mushrooms are tender. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent a greasy filling.

Step 2: Create a Roux with Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour directly over the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture in the pan. The flour will act as a thickening agent for your creamy stroganoff sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Flour
Stir the flour into the beef mixture, ensuring it’s well combined and coats all the ingredients. Cook for approximately 1 minute, allowing the flour to lightly toast. This step helps cook out the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Gradually Add Beef Stock
Begin to slowly pour the beef stock into the pan while continuously stirring the mixture. Pouring it slowly and stirring constantly is crucial to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring your sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety. Continue stirring until the stock is fully incorporated and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Introduce Creaminess and Flavor
Add the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper to the skillet. These ingredients are what give Beef Stroganoff its signature tangy and rich flavor.

Step 6: Simmer and Season
Stir all the new additions to combine thoroughly. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Taste the stroganoff filling and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary to suit your preference.

Step 7: Prepare the Crescent Dough Cups
Unroll your crescent roll dough sheet and cut it into 8 equal sections. Carefully press each dough section into a greased muffin tin well. Ensure that the dough covers the bottom and sides of the well, allowing the corners to overlap the edges of the muffin tin, which will form the flaps of your cups.

Step 8: Fill the Dough Cups
Evenly distribute the prepared beef stroganoff mixture among the 8 crescent dough-lined muffin cups. Make sure not to overfill, leaving enough space to fold the dough over.

Step 9: Fold and Seal the Cups
Gently fold the overlapping flaps of the crescent dough over the filling, bringing the edges towards the center to create neat, little packages. Pinch the edges together lightly to seal the filling inside, ensuring it doesn’t spill out during baking.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and puffed up. The warm, flaky crust will perfectly complement the rich, creamy filling.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, carefully remove the Beef Stroganoff Cups from the muffin tin. Serve them immediately while they are warm and the crust is at its crispiest. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired. These cups are best enjoyed fresh, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Beef Stroganoff Cups:
What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?
We highly recommend using a lean ground beef, ideally 85/15 or even leaner. The reason for this is practical: leaner beef produces significantly less grease when cooked. This is crucial because excess grease can seep into the crescent roll dough, making it soggy instead of beautifully flaky and golden. Draining the beef thoroughly after browning is also vital for the best texture.
Do I have to use whole mushrooms? Can I adjust them?
Not at all! The beauty of home cooking is customization. While sliced mushrooms offer a fantastic meaty texture that complements the ground beef wonderfully, you are free to modify them. If you or your family prefer smaller pieces, you can easily small dice or finely chop the mushrooms. Alternatively, if mushrooms aren’t your favorite, you can omit them altogether without significantly impacting the core stroganoff flavor, though you might miss some of the earthy depth.
What can I serve with Beef Stroganoff Cups?
These savory cups are quite versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. For a light and refreshing accompaniment, consider a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus also make an excellent choice, adding color and nutrients. You could also serve them alongside a simple rice pilaf or a light vegetable soup for a more complete meal.
Can I use regular crescent rolls instead of a dough sheet?
Absolutely! If you find it challenging to locate crescent roll dough sheets or simply prefer to use regular crescent rolls, they will work perfectly. The key is to unroll the crescent rolls and carefully press the perforations together very well to seal them, effectively creating a single sheet of dough. This step is important to prevent the individual rolls from separating during baking and allowing the delicious stroganoff filling to escape.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe can be doubled with ease! If you’re preparing for a larger crowd or simply want more servings, feel free to double all the ingredient quantities. Keep in mind that doubling the recipe will yield 16 Beef Stroganoff Cups, so you will likely need to bake them in two batches, or use two muffin tins, to ensure even cooking and optimal browning.
How do I store leftovers and what about freezing?
For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to enjoy these Beef Stroganoff Cups as soon as they’re made, or within the first 24 hours if refrigerated. Due to the creamy sauce, prolonged refrigeration can cause the crescent dough to become soggy. However, they freeze wonderfully! To freeze, wrap each individual cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This individual wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave until heated through, or in a toaster oven for a crispier crust.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff Cups
Elevate your Beef Stroganoff Cups from great to absolutely exceptional with these insider tips and tricks:
- **Don’t Overfill:** Be mindful not to overstuff your crescent dough cups with the stroganoff mixture. Overfilling can lead to bursting during baking and make it difficult to properly seal the dough, resulting in a mess and a less attractive presentation.
- **Seasoning is Key:** Taste the beef stroganoff filling before you put it into the dough. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of paprika or a dash of garlic powder can further enhance the flavor profile.
- **Crispier Crust Secret:** For an extra golden and crispy crust, you can lightly brush the tops of the folded crescent dough with a little melted butter or an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) before baking.
- **Make Ahead Option:** You can prepare the beef stroganoff filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply warm the filling gently, assemble the cups, and proceed with baking.
- **Cheese Lovers Rejoice:** For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese (such as provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyere) over the beef filling before folding the crescent dough. It melts beautifully inside, adding extra richness.
- **Uniform Size Matters:** When cutting your crescent dough sheet, aim for equally sized sections. This ensures that all your Beef Stroganoff Cups bake evenly and look uniformly appealing.
- **Let Them Cool Slightly:** While tempting to devour immediately, allowing the cups to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle without burning your fingers.
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Cups
Beef Stroganoff Cups are incredibly versatile and can be the star of various meals. For a complete and satisfying dinner, pair them with a light side dish to balance the richness. A crisp garden salad with a simple vinaigrette is always a winner, or you could opt for a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a medley of seasonal vegetables. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a delightful finger food at parties. Consider offering a small bowl of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill on the side for an added touch of flavor and elegance. Regardless of how you serve them, these cups are sure to be a hit!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
- Crock Pot Meatball Stroganoff
- Chicken Stroganoff
- Ground Beef Stroganoff (No Cream Soups)
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Stroganoff
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- Biscuits and Gravy Cups
- Sloppy Joe Cups
- Taco Pockets
- Taco Biscuit Cups

Beef Stroganoff Cups
These Beef Stroganoff Cups take a classic dish and make them into an easy, fun handheld form that is less mess and easy to hold and eat!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup sliced baby bella mushrooms
- ½ cup small diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can crescent roll dough sheet
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray 8 sections of a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Break up the beef into crumbles and brown the meat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the flour to the pan.
- Stir it in to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring constantly until combined, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine. Let simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 5 minutes. Take off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cut the crescent dough into 8 equal sections. Press the dough into the greased sections of the muffin tin, leaving the corners to overlap the sides.
- Evenly distribute the meat mixture into the dough cups.
- Fold the dough flaps over themselves to form little packages, gently pinching to seal.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve immediately with a garnish of optional parsley.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled to make 16 cups.
- These cups can be frozen; wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before freezing in a container.
- You can cut your mushrooms smaller if you prefer.
- Make sure to use a lean ground beef (at least 85/15) to prevent soggy dough.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 598mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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