Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With tender egg noodles smothered in a rich beef sauce, it’s a hearty dish that brings together savory flavors and smooth textures.

The addition of sour cream gives the sauce a silky finish, while the seasoned beef adds depth to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

6 oz egg noodles

1 lb ground beef

¼ cup butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup beef stock

1 ¼ cup whole milk

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp black pepper

¾ tsp salt

¼ cup sour cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns.

This should take about 6-8 minutes until fully browned.

Once cooked through, drain the excess fat and remove the beef from the pan, placing it on a plate.

Set it aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Thickening Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to form a smooth base.

Step 4: Form the Sauce

Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

Keep whisking for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously over medium heat.

Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the sauce.

Step 7: Combine the Meat and Pasta

Lower the heat and return the cooked noodles and ground beef to the pan.

Stir everything together until it’s all combined and heated through.

Step 8: Finish with Cream

Stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes velvety and smooth, with a subtle tangy flavor.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot, and pair with a side of vegetables or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Notes:

Beef Options:

While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

For a more decadent version, try using ground chuck or even ground sirloin for extra richness.

Creaminess:

If you prefer a richer sauce, feel free to substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.

This will make the sauce even creamier and more indulgent.

Flour Alternatives:

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (about 1-2 tbsp) as a thickener instead of regular flour.

Pasta Choices:

While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.

Fettuccine, penne, or even rice work well with this creamy beef sauce.

Vegetable Add-ins:

For extra flavor and texture, you can stir in some sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even spinach into the sauce.

These additions not only enhance the taste but also boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Make-Ahead:

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

Ground Beef Stroganoff can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

When reheating, do so over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Seasoning Adjustments:

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Add more garlic powder, a pinch of paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Fresh parsley or chives on top adds a nice fresh touch at the end.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or pork.

For a richer flavor, you could also use ground lamb.

Just keep in mind that leaner meats (like turkey or chicken) may require a little more seasoning or fat to get a similar depth of flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta (like rice noodles or gluten-free egg noodles) and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

If you use cornstarch, start with 1-2 tablespoons to thicken the sauce, adjusting as needed.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Yes, Ground Beef Stroganoff can be frozen.

After cooking, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk or broth to rehydrate the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by swapping the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt.

For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef (like 90/10), replace the butter with olive oil or a non-dairy butter, and opt for low-fat or plant-based milk.

The sour cream can also be replaced with a low-fat or light version.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

For a classic meal, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables (like green beans or broccoli), garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.

You can also enjoy it with roasted potatoes or a simple side of rice if you want to go beyond noodles.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or too thick?

To get the perfect consistency, it’s important to gradually add your beef broth and milk, stirring constantly as you go.

If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a little more milk or broth to thin it out.

If it’s too thin, continue to simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.

You can also adjust the thickness by adding a bit more flour (for a thicker sauce) or using cornstarch as a thickener.

How can I make sure the ground beef doesn’t become greasy or soggy?

To prevent the ground beef from being greasy, make sure to drain any excess fat after browning it.

If using a fattier cut of beef (like 80/20 ground beef), be sure to drain well before adding it to the sauce.

This will ensure the dish doesn’t become overly greasy.

Also, be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef so it can brown properly rather than steam.

How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of paprika, or even a dash of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

For more depth, sauté some finely chopped mushrooms or onions along with the beef.

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end also brightens up the dish.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer—fettuccine, penne, or even spiral pasta would work well.

If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice as a substitute for traditional pasta.

How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling when added to the sauce?

To prevent the sour cream from curdling, make sure the sauce is off the heat or on low when you add the sour cream.

You can also temper the sour cream by mixing a small amount of the hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it to the pan.

This helps to gradually warm it up, preventing it from curdling when mixed with the hot sauce.