Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe with Ground Beef

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy stroganoff. It’s warm, cozy, and feels like home. Growing up, I loved the classic steak version, but when I started cooking for myself, I found a quicker and more affordable way to enjoy it, making a beef stroganoff recipe with ground beef.

Not only does this version cook up in just 30 minutes, but it also uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. The result? A rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and tender egg noodles, all wrapped up in comfort. This is the dish I turn to when I need a hearty weeknight meal that still feels special.

If you love quick meals, you’ll also enjoy my One Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe, less cleanup, same cozy flavors.

What is Beef Stroganoff?

Beef Stroganoff is a traditional Russian dish from the 19th century, originally made with sautéed strips of beef, mustard, and sour cream. Over time, it traveled the world and adapted to local kitchens.

Today, it’s often served with mushrooms and egg noodles, though rice or potatoes are also popular. This beef stroganoff recipe with ground beef is a modern twist, faster, easier, and just as comforting.

Now that we’ve looked at the history, let’s get practical. Stroganoff is only as good as the beef you put into it, so let’s talk about the best ground beef to use for this recipe

Best Ground Beef for Stroganoff

The ground beef you choose really makes a difference in flavor and texture:

• 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat): This option has the most flavor thanks to the fat content. It creates a richer sauce, but you’ll need to drain some grease to avoid it being too heavy.
• 85/15 or 90/10: These leaner versions are healthier and create a lighter sauce, though you may miss a little of the richness.

👉 My personal pick? 85/15. It gives you the best of both worlds, enough flavor without being greasy.

If you want to mix things up:

• Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of stroganoff.
• Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly option. The creamy sauce does most of the heavy lifting, so even meatless eaters will love it.

Ingredients for Beef Stroganoff Recipe with Ground Beef

The beauty of this beef stroganoff recipe with ground beef is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that most of us already have in the pantry. Ground beef gives the dish heartiness, while mushrooms add that earthy flavor classic to stroganoff. Sour cream makes the sauce creamy and tangy, and a splash of Worcestershire pulls everything together.

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Ground Beef	The star; savory, hearty, and budget-friendly.
Onion & Garlic	Create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Mushrooms	Add earthy depth and umami.
Beef Broth	Forms the rich, savory sauce foundation.
Worcestershire Sauce	Boosts flavor with umami and tang.
Dijon Mustard (optional)	Adds a little zing and authenticity.
Sour Cream	Brings the creamy tang stroganoff is known for.
Egg Noodles	Classic pairing that soaks up the sauce.
Fresh Parsley	A bright garnish that cuts through the richness.

👉 Pantry swaps: Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, cream cheese for richness, or cornstarch in place of flour if you need it gluten-free.

How to Make Beef Stroganoff Recipe with Ground Beef

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until nicely browned. Don’t stir too much, let it develop some caramelization for that extra depth of flavor. Drain excess grease, but keep a tablespoon in the pan for richness.

Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens and turns golden.

Step 3: Add sliced mushrooms and let them cook until golden brown. Mushrooms release a lot of liquid, so keep cooking until it evaporates and they start to caramelize. This step gives your stroganoff that earthy depth.

Step 4: If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in a little flour at this stage. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Lower the heat. Stir in sour cream and let it blend into the sauce until smooth. Avoid boiling, it can cause the sour cream to separate. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Add cooked egg noodles and toss gently until coated in sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.

👉 Chef’s tip: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the sauce, it’s so good that people often want seconds.

How to Serve Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef

When it comes to serving, you’ve got options that can completely change the vibe of this beef stroganoff recipe with ground beef:

Crusty Bread: Sometimes I keep it simple and serve stroganoff with a warm loaf of bread on the table. It’s rustic, hearty, and perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

Egg Noodles (the classic): They’re wide, tender, and perfect for catching all that creamy sauce. This is the traditional choice and my personal favorite.

Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving comfort, mashed potatoes turn stroganoff into the ultimate cozy meal. The creaminess of the potatoes and sauce together is unbeatable.

Rice: A great option if you want something lighter than pasta. Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce beautifully without overpowering the dish.

Low-Carb Options: If you’re watching carbs, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice make excellent substitutes. The sauce still shines, and you won’t miss the pasta.

Storing Leftover Beef Stroganoff

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days.
• Freezer: The sauce freezes beautifully on its own for up to 2 months. Just cook fresh noodles when you reheat it.
• Reheating: Reheating tip: Warm gently on the stovetop and stir in a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.

Variations & Pro Tips for Stroganoff with Ground Beef

ThiOne of the things I love most about stroganoff is how flexible it is. Here are some of my favorite variations and pro tips to help you make it your own:

• Slow Cooker Stroganoff: Want to set it and forget it? Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything except the sour cream to your slow cooker. Let it simmer on low for 6 hours, then stir in the sour cream right before serving. It’s hands-off, cozy cooking at its best.
• Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, chopped spinach, or diced carrots during the simmer. They not only make the dish more colorful, but they also sneak in extra nutrition without changing the flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Version: If you’ve got picky eaters, leave out the mustard and Worcestershire sauce. You’ll still get that creamy, comforting flavor, but with a milder taste kids tend to love.
• Extra Creamy Stroganoff: If you’re all about indulgence, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese along with the sour cream. It gives the sauce an ultra-silky texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just keep the noodles separate until reheating so they don’t get soggy.

If you want more veggies in your weeknight meals, you’ll also love my Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe, which combines protein and greens in one quick skillet

FAQs about Beef Stroganoff Recipe with Ground Beef

Over the years, I’ve gotten tons of questions about making beef stroganoff. Here are the most common ones to help you nail this recipe every time.

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