The rich, creamy sauce and tender beef in this Ground Beef Stroganoff make it a family favorite that’s stood the test of time. It’s the kind of comfort food you crave after a long day — cozy, filling, and full of savory goodness.
What makes this version so appealing is its simplicity. Using ground beef speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet dinner brings all the creamy, tangy depth you’d expect from a traditional stroganoff, but with half the effort. Plus, it’s made in just one pan!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 cups egg noodles
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 cup sour cream
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.
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Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
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Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir to coat.
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Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
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Reduce heat to low, stir in sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
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Fold in the cooked egg noodles until fully coated.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comfort Food Classic: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a time-honored comfort food that has evolved from its European roots into a beloved household staple across the world. This creamy, savory dish blends tender ground beef with a rich sour cream sauce and hearty egg noodles, delivering a warm and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to love.
This recipe offers everything you want from a weeknight dinner: simplicity, flavor, and heartiness. Unlike the traditional Russian version made with beef strips, this modern take uses ground beef for convenience and affordability—without compromising on taste.
Origins of Beef Stroganoff
The origins of beef stroganoff can be traced back to 19th-century Russia. It was named after the influential Stroganov family, and the earliest versions of the dish consisted of sautéed beef cubes served with a mustard- and sour cream-based sauce. Over time, the recipe evolved as it traveled beyond Russia’s borders, influenced by different cultures and local ingredients.
When the dish gained popularity in Europe and the Americas, it was often adapted with ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and pasta or rice instead of the traditional potato accompaniment. In the United States, ground beef became a popular substitute for sliced steak, especially in post-WWII households looking for economical meals that could feed the whole family.
Why Ground Beef Stroganoff is So Popular
Ground Beef Stroganoff remains popular for several key reasons:
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Speed and Convenience: Using ground beef significantly cuts down on preparation and cooking time, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.
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Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is more affordable than steak or other cuts of meat, making this dish accessible without sacrificing taste.
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Comforting and Familiar: The creamy, rich sauce, paired with the savory beef and soft noodles, creates a nostalgic and deeply satisfying meal that both adults and kids love.
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One-Pan Wonder: Many versions of this dish can be cooked in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes to clean up after dinner.
Flavor Profile and Texture
This dish balances creaminess, umami, and a touch of tang. The beef is browned to bring out its depth of flavor, then enveloped in a sauce made from sour cream and beef broth, often thickened with a touch of flour. Worcestershire sauce adds a complex, slightly smoky note, while garlic and onions form the aromatic backbone of the dish.
Egg noodles are traditionally used because their soft, tender texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. The final result is a dish that’s rich but not overpowering, hearty but not heavy, and satisfying on every level.
Nutritional Information and Meal Balance
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a well-rounded meal when paired with vegetables or a light salad. Ground beef provides protein and iron, while egg noodles contribute carbohydrates for energy. The sour cream adds a dose of fat and calcium, which enhances the richness of the sauce.
That said, it’s easy to adapt the dish for different dietary needs. You can substitute leaner ground meat (like turkey or chicken), use reduced-fat sour cream, or add mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra fiber and vitamins.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While Ground Beef Stroganoff is typically served over egg noodles, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over:
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Mashed potatoes for a heartier twist
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White or brown rice for a gluten-free option
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Cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal
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Crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy sauce
To complete the meal, consider adding a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. These lighter sides help balance the richness of the main dish.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Ground Beef Stroganoff stores beautifully, making it an excellent meal for batch cooking and leftovers. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce over time, so refreshing the dish with a bit of liquid brings it back to life.
You can also freeze the sauce separately from the noodles. Freezing both together may lead to mushy pasta, but freezing just the sauce gives you more flexibility. Reheat it and combine it with freshly cooked noodles for a quick meal.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Ground Beef Stroganoff is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun and flavorful variations:
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Mushroom Stroganoff: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami and a more traditional Russian feel.
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Spicy Stroganoff: Mix in chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
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Cheesy Stroganoff: Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan for a richer, cheesy flavor.
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Low-Carb Version: Replace the noodles with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based sour cream and non-dairy milk to make a vegan-friendly or lactose-free version.
The adaptability of this recipe makes it perfect for families with diverse preferences or dietary restrictions.
Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff
To get the most out of your stroganoff, consider these helpful tips:
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Brown the meat properly. Don’t just steam the ground beef; take time to brown it and develop flavor through caramelization.
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Don’t overcook the noodles. Since they’ll be mixed into a hot sauce, slightly undercook them to maintain a good texture.
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Use full-fat sour cream. While low-fat options work, full-fat sour cream gives the sauce the richest, silkiest texture.
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Season in layers. Taste and adjust the seasoning at different stages — when cooking the meat, when adding the sauce, and just before serving.
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Finish with freshness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color contrast to the creamy sauce.
Cultural Significance and Modern Appeal
Although it started as an upscale dish in Tsarist Russia, Ground Beef Stroganoff has become a beloved working-class meal. Its journey from Russian aristocracy to American kitchens showcases the power of food to transcend borders and evolve with the times.
In the U.S., the dish rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s thanks to the rise of processed foods and convenience cooking. Cream of mushroom soup and dried onion packets often replaced homemade sauces in the early versions, making it a classic of the mid-century kitchen. Today, however, many home cooks are rediscovering the joy of making it from scratch with fresh ingredients—and the results are far more flavorful.
A Family Favorite That Endures
Ground Beef Stroganoff isn’t just a nostalgic throwback — it’s a delicious, timeless meal that still holds its own in modern kitchens. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, entertaining guests, or just looking for something quick and cozy, this dish checks every box.
What makes it so enduring is the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and the comforting familiarity it brings to the table. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it continues to be a favorite for generations of cooks and eaters alike.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate blend of tradition and practicality. It’s a dish rooted in culinary history but flexible enough to evolve with changing tastes and lifestyles. Its rich, creamy sauce, satisfying texture, and quick preparation time make it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.
Whether you’re preparing it for a crowd or just craving a cozy solo dinner, Ground Beef Stroganoff is sure to deliver a comforting, delicious experience every time. Customize it to your liking, enjoy it with your favorite sides, and make it your own family classic. This dish proves that simple ingredients, when handled well, can create something truly special.