If you are searching for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It combines tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce that comes together quickly and easily. This classic comfort food brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s utterly satisfying and perfect for family dinners or any time you crave a rich and hearty meal without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and creating that creamy, rich texture. From fresh mushrooms that add earthiness to the punchy Dijon mustard that elevates the sauce, these simple staples transform into something truly special.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté mushrooms and onions to perfection while adding subtle fruitiness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful sear on vegetables.
- Cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Bring deep umami flavor and a tender bite to the dish.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and a mild aromatic base.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein that forms the main body of this comfort meal.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives the dish a fragrant warmth and savory depth.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds tangy, savory complexity and a slight tang.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a subtle sharpness that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Base of the sauce, adding moisture and robust flavor.
- Full-fat sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates the signature creamy, smooth finish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Sauté Mushrooms and Onions
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped onions. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates off, allowing them to develop a beautiful brown sear. This step intensifies the natural flavors and will be the foundation you’ll build on. Once done, remove these from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Add Garlic
Next, add the lean ground beef to the hot skillet and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. About halfway through cooking—roughly 8 minutes—stir in the minced garlic. This aromatic will infuse the meat with a pleasant depth of flavor. If significant fat accumulates, scoop most of it out to prevent greasiness, but leave enough for flavor.
Step 3: Introduce Flour to Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned beef. Stir well and allow it to cook for about one minute. This step ensures the raw flour taste is cooked out and helps the sauce thicken smoothly when liquids are added.
Step 4: Add Worcestershire, Mustard, and Broth
Pour in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth, stirring continuously. Continue cooking for one to two minutes. This allows the flour to blend perfectly and helps dissolve all the flavors, lifting the browned bits off the bottom of the pan—those bits add incredible taste!
Step 5: Return Mushrooms and Onions
Stir the sautéed mushrooms and onions back into the pan with the beef mixture. This reunites all elements and prepares the dish for the final creamy touch.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Seasoning
Take the pan off the heat and gently fold in the full-fat sour cream. This creates that signature silky, dreamy sauce you’re aiming for. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve immediately, ideally over buttered egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice for a deliciously hearty meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkled on top offer a lovely burst of color and a mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly. You can also add a little grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
While traditional buttered egg noodles are classic and comforting, mashed potatoes or steamed rice make excellent companions for this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Roasted or steamed green vegetables such as green beans or broccoli also add a nice balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stuffing the stroganoff into bell peppers or serve it over toasted baguette slices for an open-faced “stroganoff toast.” You can also spoon it onto baked potatoes for a hearty and creative meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully when reheated, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the stroganoff, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months. Keep in mind that the sour cream might slightly change texture upon freezing, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with brief intervals, stirring occasionally. To loosen the sauce if it thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water and stir well. Avoid boiling to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional here, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a lighter version. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, especially for leaner meats.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream. The flavor will be a bit different but still creamy and delicious.
Can I add vegetables to make it healthier?
Yes, adding diced carrots, peas, or spinach can increase the veggie content and add texture. Just sauté the vegetables along with the mushrooms and onions before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar depth of flavor and tang.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding sour cream?
Always remove the pan from heat before stirring in the sour cream and add it gradually while stirring gently. This approach helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly cozy and satisfied. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend comfort meal, this recipe fits right in with its rich flavors and simple ingredients. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy a bite of classic warmth and goodness!
Print
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and creamy dish that combines tender ground beef, sautéed cremini mushrooms, and onions in a savory sauce made with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sour cream. Perfectly served over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this comforting meal is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Stroganoff
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more, to taste)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture, the liquid evaporates, and they develop a nice sear. Remove the mushroom and onion mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. When the beef starts to brown, add the minced garlic. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off excess fat if necessary.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef and stir well to combine. Cook for about one minute, stirring occasionally to incorporate the flour without burning.
- Make the Sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth to the pan. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Combine Mushrooms and Onions: Return the sautéed mushrooms and onions to the skillet and stir them into the sauce and beef mixture.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until smoothly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, ensure sour cream is added off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to your taste preference for more tang or depth of flavor.
- Serve with fresh parsley garnish for added color and freshness if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
