Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: Delicious Comfort in Every Bite

Okay, so you want something warm, creamy, and super easy? This ground beef stroganoff is the answer. It’s comfort food in a bowl.

I make it when I’m short on time but still want a good, hearty meal. It’s got tender beef, smooth sauce, and soft noodles all mixed up. Every bite feels like a hug.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just basic stuff and one pan. It’s creamy, cozy, and perfect for busy nights.

Let’s make this together, yeah? I’ll show you how I do it at home. You’ll have dinner ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Comforting: Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of tang — every bite feels like home.
• Weeknight-Friendly: All made in one skillet, with pantry staples, in under an hour.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love this sauce-covered beef and noodles combo.
• Customizable: Use what you have on hand — it’s easy to make this recipe your own.
• No Canned Soup Needed: Everything is made from scratch for the best flavor.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings

• This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
• Want leftovers? Double the recipe and store it easily for the next day.

Difficulty

• Beginner-friendly. No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet (preferably nonstick or stainless steel)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Pot for boiling egg noodles
• Whisk (for smooth sauce)

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe together. Measurements are in the recipe card at the end.

For the Beef

• Ground beef: 85/15 or 90/10 works best
• Salt and black pepper: For seasoning the beef

For the Sauce

• White onion: Adds a sweet, savory base
• Garlic: For depth and aroma
• Baby bella mushrooms: Bring earthy, meaty texture
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies
• Tomato paste: Adds umami and deep flavor
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce
• White wine: Optional, but adds brightness
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds tang and depth
• Beef broth: Use homemade or store-bought
• Heavy cream + sour cream: The creamy heart of the sauce
• Dijon mustard: Gives it a sharp finish
• Ground black pepper: For final seasoning

For Serving

• Egg noodles: Wide, curly noodles hold the sauce well
• Fresh dill and chives: Optional, but they make a beautiful finish

Variations for Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or green beans for extra texture and nutrients.
• Go Low-Carb: Serve over mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or steamed veggies instead of pasta.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, high-protein twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of smoked paprika for a little kick.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned — about 6–8 minutes.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the beef sear for flavor before stirring.

2. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Remove the beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed, then add chopped white onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown — about 7–10 minutes.

3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly in color.

4. Build the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Stir in Broth and Seasoning

Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth and heated through, but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Tip: Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and savory.

7. Cook the Noodles

While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

8. Assemble and Serve

Spoon the sauce over a bed of warm egg noodles. Garnish with fresh dill and chives if using.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

This dish is comfort food at its best — warm, rich, and filling. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

• Over Egg Noodles: Classic and cozy. The wide noodles hold the sauce perfectly.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes pair well with the tangy sauce.
• On Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Great for soaking up every last drop of the sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Add something crisp and fresh, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
• With Crusty Bread: Wipe your plate clean — nothing goes to waste.

Storing Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Refrigerator: Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the stroganoff without the noodles for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Tip: For best results, cook fresh noodles when reheating instead of freezing them with the sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Brown the Beef Well: Let it sit in the pan before stirring — this gives better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Dijon: It adds just the right touch of brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
• Cook Mushrooms Slowly: Let them release their moisture and brown properly for a deeper, more savory base.
• Avoid Boiling the Cream: Heat gently after adding cream and sour cream to avoid separation or curdling.
• Fresh Herbs Help: Dill and chives may be optional, but they brighten the whole dish.

Nutrition

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition for one serving (based on 4 servings total). Actual values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	26 g
Carbohydrates	34 g
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	710 mg

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein.

Can I skip the wine?

Absolutely. You can substitute with extra broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze the sauce only for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when reheating.

What kind of beef works best?

An 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef is ideal — enough fat for flavor, but not too greasy.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor — perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, it’s a reliable go-to recipe that brings warmth to your table, one bite at a time.