Bеef stroganoff is a beloved comfort dish that mixes tender bеef , creamy sauce , and hearty bits into one plate that folks everywhere enjoy . It began in Russia in the 19th century , and since then it’s taken on all sorts of twists to match different tastes . Normally you’d use steak strips for the classic version , but many home cooks now go for ground bеef because it’s cheaper and cooks way faster . This swap not only fills you up but also cuts down on prep time , which is great when weeknights get crazy .
Using ground bеef in stroganoff lets you skip a lot of fancy prep and still end up with a rich , tasty meal . The real draw is that silky sauce and meaty flavor that feels like a hug in your mouth . You can ladle it over egg noodles , rice , or mashed potatoes—whatever you’ve got on hand—and everyone leaves the table happy . It’s a dish that warms both belly and heart , perfect for family dinners or just chilling with friends .
What is Beef Stroganoff?
Bеef stroganoff is a savory comfort food that’s been winning people over for generations . Its roots go back to 19th-century Russia , named after the Stroganov family who loved to push culinary boundaries . The OG recipe calls for strips of tender steak cooked with onions and mushrooms , all smothered in a tangy sour cream sauce . Over time , cooks worldwide have put their spin on it , using whatever local ingredients they have .
While the classic version leans on pricier cuts like tenderloin or sirloin , swapping in ground bеef makes the dish way more friendly on the wallet . You still get that same creamy texture and rich taste , but with a lot less fuss . It’s basically stroganoff made simple .
And the best part? Ground bеef cooks up in a snap , so even the busiest families can get dinner on the table in no time . Serve it on egg noodles , rice , or mashed potatoes and you’ve got a real crowd-pleaser .
Benefits of Using Ground Beef
- Cost-effectiveness : Ground bеef usually costs less than fancy steak cuts , so you can stretch your grocery budget without skimping on flavor .
- Faster cooking : Ground bеef browns quickly and needs less babysitting at the stove , which is ideal when you’re short on time .
- Great texture & flavor : When you brown it right , ground bеef soaks up all the sauce goodness and gives a nice bite that complements the creaminess .
All in all , using ground bеef makes stroganoff easier and just as satisfying as the classic .
Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a cozy beef stroganoff :
- Ground bеef : 1 lb
- Onion : 1 medium , finely chopped
- Garlic : 2 cloves , minced
- Mushrooms : 8 oz , sliced
- Beef broth : 1 cup , low-sodium
- Sour cream : 1 cup
- Flour : 2 tablespoon , to thicken
- Worcestershire sauce : 1 tbsp
- Olive oil or butter : for cooking
- Salt & pepper : to taste
Optionally , you can toss in other mushrooms , fresh herbs like parsley or thyme , or even a splash of white wine for extra depth .
Detailed Recipe for Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
Ingredients Breakdown
Each part has its job : the ground bеef gives bulk , onions and mushrooms add flavor , flour thickens , and sour cream brings creaminess . Worcestershire sauce ties it all together with a savory kick .
Cooking Directions
Preparation
Chop onion and garlic , slice mushrooms , and have everything ready before you start cooking to keep things smooth .
Cooking the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat , heat oil or butter . Add ground bеef and cook until browned and crumbly , about 5–7 minutes . Season with salt and pepper .
Sautéing Onions and Mushrooms
Add onions and mushrooms to the skillet . Sauté until onions are clear and mushrooms are tender , about 5 minutes .
Making the Sauce
Stir in garlic and flour and cook for 1 minute . Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps . Add Worcestershire sauce and let it simmer until sauce thickens , about 3–4 minutes .
Finishing Touches
Lower heat and stir in sour cream until smooth . Taste and adjust salt and pepper . Serve over noodles , rice , or mashed potatoes .
Serving Suggestions
Stroganoff is best hot . Egg noodles are classic because they catch all that sauce . Rice or mashed potatoes work great too . Top with parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color .
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- Lean ground bеef : Choose lean so you don’t end up with greasy sauce . If you pick fattier meat , drain the extra fat .
- Browning tips : Brown beef in batches for better caramelization .
- Variations : Use different mushrooms , swap ground bеef for plant-based meat for a veg option , or add herbs like rosemary for a twist .
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce .
Nutritional Information
Beef stroganoff packs protein from the bеef and nutrients from mushrooms and onions . Sour cream adds fat , so pair it with plenty of veggies or a light side salad . For a lighter version , swap sour cream for Greek yogurt .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking beef : Don’t cook ground bеef too long or it gets dry . Just brown and you’re set .
- Skipping seasoning : Season at each stage—during browning , after adding broth , and before serving .
- Poor-quality ingredients : Fresh mushrooms and good broth really lift the whole dish .
FAQs
What’s the best ground beef for stroganoff?
Around 85% lean is a good middle ground—flavorful without too much grease .
Can I make this ahead?
You sure can . It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely on the stove .
What goes well on the side?
Egg noodles are classic , but rice , mashed potatoes , or crusty bread all work fine . A simple green salad adds freshness .
Can I freeze it?
Yes—cool completely and freeze in airtight containers . Use within 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge .
Any diet swaps?
Go gluten-free by swapping flour for cornstarch , or dairy-free with cashew cream or dairy-free sour cream .
Conclusion
Beef stroganoff with ground bеef isn’t just fast ; it’s full of flavor and so easy to tweak . Whether you stick to the basics or get creative with extras , it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like home . Give it a try and share your own spin !
beef stroganoff with ground beef
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- to taste none salt
- to taste none black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz egg noodles or your choice of pasta
- to taste none fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cooking for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. Cook just until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the beef Stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
