Ground beef stroganoff is a beloved comfort food, known for its creamy, savory sauce, tender noodles, and hearty beef flavor. Originating from Russia and adapted around the world, this dish has become a staple in many households, especially for those craving a warm, satisfying meal. The appeal of this easy ground beef stroganoff recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With basic ingredients like ground beef, egg noodles, and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a rich and flavorful meal without much effort or time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family. This recipe is also incredibly family-friendly; it’s mild enough for younger palates but still packed with flavor for adults. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an ideal go-to dinner that brings everyone together around the table for a comforting, delicious meal.

The ingredients for this easy ground beef stroganoff are refreshingly simple yet essential for building layers of comforting flavor. Egg noodles provide the traditional soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce, making them the ideal base. Ground beef is the heart of the dish, offering a savory, hearty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. To thicken the sauce, butter and flour are used to create a smooth roux, which gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety consistency. Beef broth and milk are then added to balance creaminess with a rich, robust depth of flavor.

The seasonings—a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt—enhance the dish, adding subtle warmth and complexity. Finally, a dollop of sour cream gives the stroganoff its signature tangy finish, transforming it into a creamy, satisfying meal that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.

Cook the Egg Noodles

To start, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water, which enhances the noodles’ flavor as they cook. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and stir immediately to prevent them from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender yet still firm (al dente). To avoid a sticky texture, give the noodles a stir every couple of minutes and avoid overcooking, as they’ll soften further when mixed with the sauce. Drain well, set aside, and toss lightly with a bit of butter or oil to keep them separated.

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This technique helps achieve a crumbly texture that evenly incorporates with the sauce later. Stir occasionally and continue breaking up the meat as it browns to prevent clumps. For maximum flavor, allow the beef to sit undisturbed for a minute or two after initial browning, creating a light crust that enhances richness.

Cook the ground beef until there’s no pink left, about 6-8 minutes, and it’s uniformly browned. This caramelization adds depth to the dish. Once cooked, carefully tilt the skillet to one side and use a spoon to drain off excess fat. This step makes the stroganoff lighter while retaining essential flavor. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside for later.

Prepare the Roux

Creating a roux is essential for the creamy, smooth texture of stroganoff sauce. In the same skillet used to brown the beef, add ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour gradually. Using a whisk, stir continuously to blend the butter and flour into a paste. This steady whisking helps prevent lumps and ensures a uniform texture.

The roux will start out pale but will gradually turn a golden color as it cooks, which typically takes about 2 minutes. Look for the roux to reach a smooth, slightly bubbly consistency, indicating that the raw flour taste has cooked out and it’s ready for the next steps. A golden hue is your cue that the roux is perfectly prepared, creating the rich, creamy base that will thicken the stroganoff sauce without any graininess.

Make the Sauce

With the roux ready, it’s time to create the stroganoff’s creamy sauce. Gradually add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet, pouring it in a little at a time. This slow addition is key to preventing lumps, allowing the liquid to fully incorporate with the roux. As you pour, continuously whisk to keep the mixture smooth and to avoid any clumping.

Once all the broth is added, continue stirring as the sauce begins to thicken, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Watch for a glossy, smooth consistency and a texture thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—this is a sign that the sauce is properly thickened and ready for the next step. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. Achieving this ideal consistency ensures the sauce will cling perfectly to the noodles and beef, creating a rich, satisfying dish.

Add Milk to Sauce

Once the beef broth has thickened with the roux, it’s time to add 1¼ cups of milk to achieve the sauce’s creamy texture. Pour the milk slowly into the skillet, stirring constantly with a whisk to incorporate it smoothly with the thickened broth. This gradual addition helps maintain a lump-free sauce and ensures a consistent blend of flavors.

After all the milk is added, continue cooking the sauce over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the skillet, which can lead to burning or curdling. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens further. You’ll know the sauce is ready when it has a creamy, smooth texture that clings to the spoon. If you notice any signs of boiling, lower the heat slightly to keep the milk from separating, preserving a velvety finish.

Season the Sauce

Seasoning is crucial to bring out the sauce’s full, savory flavor. Add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, which provide subtle layers of warmth and depth, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming the creaminess. ½ teaspoon of black pepper adds a gentle kick, balancing the richness with a hint of spice. Lastly, add ¾ teaspoon of salt to bring out all the flavors and season the sauce fully.

Taste the sauce after stirring in the seasonings. Adjust the salt or pepper as needed, adding small amounts at a time to avoid over-seasoning and achieve a balanced, harmonious flavor profile.

Combine the Ingredients

With the sauce perfectly seasoned, it’s time to bring everything together. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients to coat the noodles and beef evenly in the creamy sauce. This step ensures that each bite is full of flavor and that the noodles and beef are well incorporated.

Take care to stir from the bottom of the skillet to prevent any sauce from sticking, and mix gently to avoid breaking the noodles. Once everything is evenly distributed and heated through, your stroganoff is ready for the final touch.

Finish with Sour Cream

For the final touch, add ¼ cup of sour cream to the skillet. Sour cream adds a delightful, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the sauce, giving the stroganoff its signature creamy, velvety finish. To keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling, stir gently but thoroughly until the sour cream is fully incorporated. This method maintains a cohesive, luscious texture.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor with less fat. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce at this stage.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your ground beef stroganoff, add a simple garnish like freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A light sprinkle of paprika can also add subtle warmth and a touch of vibrant red, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.

For side dishes, consider steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots. These veggies add a fresh, crisp element to the meal, balancing the rich, creamy stroganoff. Garlic bread or toast makes a fantastic accompaniment as well, providing a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth sauce. You can even use the bread to scoop up any remaining sauce from your plate.

A simple salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is another great option, as it adds a refreshing, acidic note that complements the richness of the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Customizing Ground Beef Stroganoff

Customizing ground beef stroganoff is easy, allowing you to tailor it to different tastes or dietary needs. Vegetables are a great way to boost flavor and nutrition: try adding sliced mushrooms for a savory, earthy note, green peas for a hint of sweetness, or diced bell peppers for a touch of crunch and color. These additions complement the beef and creamy sauce well.

For a lighter dish, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which still provides a hearty texture but with fewer calories. Healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, delivering similar creaminess and tang while reducing fat. Using low-fat milk also lightens the dish while maintaining its classic taste.

To enhance the sauce’s flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami profile, or stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to introduce a slight tangy sharpness.

For a gluten-free version, replace regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles and use a gluten-free flour (like almond or rice flour) for the roux. These changes keep the texture and flavor of the stroganoff intact, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make a truly delicious ground beef stroganoff, avoid these common pitfalls. Not browning the beef properly is one of the biggest mistakes; browning develops deep, savory flavors that form the dish’s foundation. Take your time to cook the beef until it’s well-browned for the best taste.

Adding broth or milk too quickly can result in a lumpy sauce. Pour these liquids gradually, stirring constantly, to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Patience is key to avoiding a grainy sauce.

Overcooking the noodles is another issue to watch for, as mushy noodles can detract from the dish’s texture. Cook the noodles to al dente and remember that they’ll soften a bit more once mixed with the sauce.

When reheating leftovers, do so gently to prevent curdling the sauce. Use a low heat and stir frequently, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftover ground beef stroganoff, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the dish’s flavors and texture for easy reheating later.

For longer storage, stroganoff can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

To keep the sauce creamy after reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth before warming. This helps restore moisture to the sauce, which can thicken as it chills. Stir frequently while reheating over low to medium heat to prevent the sauce from curdling or separating. Avoid using high heat, as it can alter the creamy texture. With these tips, you’ll enjoy stroganoff leftovers that taste just as good as the first day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! Ground beef stroganoff can be made ahead for convenience. To store, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth to keep the sauce creamy. Warm gently over low heat to prevent curdling and ensure the dish maintains its smooth texture.

What type of ground beef works best?
For a balance of flavor and texture, choose ground beef with 80-85% lean content. This provides enough fat for flavor without excessive grease. For a lighter option, you can use 90% lean beef; just keep in mind that leaner beef can be slightly less flavorful, but this can be compensated with extra seasoning if desired.

Can I substitute the sour cream?
Absolutely. Greek yogurt is a popular substitute, adding creaminess and a tangy taste while being lower in fat. For a richer result, heavy cream can be used, though it will be less tangy. These alternatives allow you to customize the flavor profile based on preference.

How can I make this dish healthier?
To reduce calories, use low-fat milk and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Opt for extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey for lower fat content, and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or peas to increase nutritional value while keeping the dish satisfying.

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff