If you’ve been craving a quick, hearty dinner that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, Ground Beef Stroganoff is about to be your new favorite. This creamy, savory dish turns simple ground beef into a silky sauce with mushrooms, onions, and a rich touch of sour cream. Best part? You can have it on the table in about half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even when you just need a bowl of cozy comfort food without breaking the bank.

This is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl — especially when served over buttery egg noodles. Think of it as the down-to-earth cousin of the classic beef stroganoff, swapping steak for ground beef to keep it budget-friendly and accessible. Whether you call it hamburger stroganoff, easy beef stroganoff recipe, or beef stroganoff without steak, the flavor stays unbeatable.

Creamy beef and egg noodle skillet with parsley garnish in a rustic pan.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Step-by-Step
Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Stroganoff
Printable Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Card
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Final Thoughts:

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff

Quick to Make – Ready in about 30 minutes.
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal dishes and easy cleanup.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food – Kids love it, adults love it, leftovers love you back.
Customizable – Swap meats, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy beef and noodle dish:

Ground Beef – Lean or regular; drain excess fat if needed.
Egg Noodles – The classic choice for stroganoff, but you can use pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
Mushrooms – White button or cremini for that earthy flavor.
Onion – Yellow or white, finely chopped.
Garlic – Minced for aromatic depth.
Butter – For sautéing and flavor.
Flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
Beef Broth – Adds richness; low-sodium works well.
Worcestershire Sauce – A splash for tangy depth.
Sour Cream – The key to a creamy stroganoff sauce.
Salt and Pepper – Adjust to taste.
Fresh Parsley – Optional, for garnish.

Optional substitutions:

Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier, lower-fat sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Step-by-Step

This one-pan beef stroganoff recipe is straightforward. Here’s how it comes together:

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are soft and mushrooms are golden brown, about 6–8 minutes. For a deeper, sweeter flavor, you can follow my method in How to Caramelize Onions.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Element

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. This is the moment your stroganoff turns silky and irresistible.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the ground beef to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked egg noodles, tossing gently until everything is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Add More Veggies – Peas, spinach, or roasted bell peppers work great.
Make It Lighter – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Make It Richer – Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.
Go Vegetarian – Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles (see Vegetarian Beef Stroganoff).
Switch Up the Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or even mashed potatoes work well.

This is a classic stroganoff with a twist, and you can adapt it to your pantry and mood.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff

This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. Traditionally, it’s ladled over egg noodles, but it’s equally delicious with:

Steamed white rice or brown rice.
Mashed potatoes for extra comfort factor.
Buttered crusty bread on the side.

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of red wine like Pinot Noir complements the creamy, savory sauce beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a warm mug of spiced tea.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Stroganoff

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezing: If freezing, store the sauce separately from the noodles. You can also make the sauce without the sour cream, freeze it, and then stir in the sour cream after reheating to avoid curdling.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts and stir frequently.

Printable Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Card

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
8 oz egg noodles
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Cook egg noodles; set aside.
Brown ground beef, season, and drain.
Sauté onions and mushrooms in butter until golden.
Stir in flour; slowly whisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer.
Reduce heat, stir in sour cream.
Return beef to skillet; combine with noodles.
Garnish and serve.

If Ground Beef Stroganoff has you craving more cozy, comforting meals, try these:

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Creamy, cheesy, and quick.
Savory Beef Tenderloin Medallions – A fancier beef dinner for special nights.
Homemade Lasagna Recipe – Layered pasta perfection.
Easiest Lasagna Recipe Ever – Weeknight lasagna without the fuss.
Cabbage Roll Soup – Hearty and comforting.
Baked Potato Soup – Creamy potato bliss.
Caramelized Onion Dip – Perfect for snacking.
Caramelized Red Onions – Sweet, savory, and versatile.

Overhead shots of ground beef stroganoff with parsley garnish in a rustic skillet.

Collage of ground beef stroganoff with creamy noodles and parsley garnish.

Final Thoughts:

Ground Beef Stroganoff proves that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic dish. With a short ingredient list, one-pan cleanup, and plenty of room for personalization, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to — week after week.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff