Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces egg noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sour cream

Jump to Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the kind of creamy, cozy dinner that solves a busy weeknight fast. It uses simple pantry ingredients, cooks in one skillet after the noodles, and brings tender egg noodles, seasoned beef, and tangy sour cream together in a rich homemade sauce.

Story

Ground Beef Stroganoff became one of my favorite weeknight meals because it tastes like comfort food without asking much from the cook. Instead of relying on canned soup, this Ground Beef Stroganoff uses butter, flour, beef broth, milk, and sour cream to make a smooth sauce from scratch. Because it comes together in 30 minutes, it works well after school, after work, or anytime dinner needs to happen fast. Ground Beef Stroganoff also stretches a pound of beef into a full family meal, which makes it a budget-friendly stroganoff worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients

6 ounces egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. While they cook, measure the butter, flour, broth, milk, and seasonings so the sauce comes together smoothly. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Next, place the ground beef near the stove and keep a plate ready, since you will brown the meat first and then move it out of the skillet before making the sauce.

Cooking Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes while breaking it into small crumbles. Drain the excess fat, transfer the beef to a plate, and melt the butter in the same skillet. Whisk in the flour for 2 minutes, then slowly add the beef broth while whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the milk and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until creamy. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cooked noodles and beef. Finally, fold in the sour cream and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not rush the roux, because the flour needs about 2 minutes with the butter to lose its raw taste. Also, add the broth slowly so the sauce stays smooth instead of lumpy. Keep the heat low when adding sour cream, since high heat can make the sauce separate. Finally, avoid overcooking the noodles, because they will soften more once mixed into the hot sauce.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

For richer flavor, use a good beef broth and season the sauce before adding the noodles. A splash of Worcestershire sauce also works well, although the recipe tastes great without it. Since this is a no cream soup stroganoff, the homemade sauce gives you better control over salt, texture, and flavor. For a heartier meal, add sautéed mushrooms or serve the stroganoff with garlic toast and green beans.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff hot, right from the skillet, with a simple vegetable on the side. Steamed broccoli, peas, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad all balance the creamy sauce. Garlic toast also pairs well because it soaks up the extra sauce. Since this is a 30 minute dinner, keep the sides simple so the whole meal stays quick.

How to Store Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until warm. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a small splash of milk before reheating. This recipe also doubles well, which helps when you want planned leftovers for lunch.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff delivers creamy comfort, simple ingredients, and a fast cooking time in one family-friendly meal. Try it on your next busy night, and consider doubling the recipe because the leftovers reheat beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff without sour cream?

Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, but keep the heat low when stirring it in. The flavor will taste slightly tangier and the sauce may feel a little lighter.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Yes, sliced mushrooms taste great in Ground Beef Stroganoff. Cook them in the skillet after browning the beef, then continue with the butter, flour, and sauce steps.

Can I double this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles very well. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven, double every ingredient, and stir carefully so the noodles, beef, and sauce combine evenly.