Ground beef stroganoff is a modern take on the classic Russian dish, beef stroganoff, which dates back to the 19th century. Named after the Stroganoffs, a wealthy and influential family in the Russian Empire, the dish originally featured sautéed beef served in a sour cream sauce. Over the years, it has become a global comfort food, with regional tweaks adding unique flavors and ingredients.
This simplified version with ground beef has become a family favorite, able to deliver the rich, hearty flavors of classic stroganoff with much less effort. Pair the creamy, flavorful sauce with tender pasta for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a quick dinner after a long day or a nostalgic meal that evokes memories of family gatherings, ground beef stroganoff is a dish that continues to bring people together.
What makes this recipe special
This ground beef stroganoff recipe is characterized by its simplicity, accessibility and versatility. By replacing traditional beef strips with ground beef, the recipe significantly reduces prep and cooking time, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights. The use of staples such as cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce and sour cream ensures that the dish is affordable and convenient.
Not only is it a cost-effective option, but it’s also a recipe that appeals to all ages. The creamy sauce and tender pasta are popular with everyone, making it an ideal dish for families. What’s more, this version is incredibly customizable: vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach can be added for a nutritional boost, and substitutes such as Greek yogurt or gluten-free pasta can accommodate dietary needs. With its rich flavor and pleasant texture, this dish is a classic that’s even more suited to modern cooking.
SpanishIngredients and Tips
Ingredient Overview
Each ingredient in Ground Beef Stroganoff plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. Below is a detailed breakdown:
- Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. Lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) is ideal for a healthier option, while regular ground beef (80-85% lean) offers more flavor due to its fat content. To reduce fat, drain off excess fat after cooking.
- Egg Noodles: Traditional stroganoff uses wide egg noodles, known for their chewy, hearty texture. Alternatives like gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta are great for dietary preferences. For an unconventional twist, serve the dish with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The canned version is a time-saving staple that adds creaminess and a mild mushroom flavor. For a more intense flavor, opt for a homemade cream of mushroom soup where you can choose the ingredients and seasonings yourself.
- Beef broth: enhances the umami flavor of the sauce. To avoid oversalting the dish, low-sodium varieties are best. Vegetable broth or bouillon cubes dissolved in water are good substitutes.
- Sour cream: This ingredient provides the characteristic sour and creamy note. Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used as a substitute for a lighter or richer version.
- Spices: Paprika adds a subtle smoky note, while salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the dish. Adjust the spices gradually to prevent them from overpowering the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this fermented condiment enhances the umami flavor of the dish. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can serve as a substitute in a pinch.
- Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley not only adds a splash of color, but also provides a refreshing herbal note to balance the richness of the dish.
Key Tips for Best Results
- Frying minced meat properly: Use a large pan with even heat distribution and don’t overcrowd the pan so the meat doesn’t steam but browns. Shred the meat as it cooks and season early to add flavor.
- Avoid overcooking pasta: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Rinse them quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process, especially if you’re not serving them right away. Toss them with a little olive oil so they don’t clump.
- Balanced flavors in the sauce: Getting the perfect sauce requires finding a harmony between creaminess, spiciness and heat. Gradually add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings, tasting as you go. Let the sauce simmer longer if it’s thicker. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of beef broth.
- Spice it up with veggies: Add sliced mushrooms for extra umami, peas for a sweet kick, or spinach for a nutritional boost. These vegetables complement the creamy sauce and enhance the dish both visually and nutritionally.
By following these tips and understanding the role of each ingredient, your ground beef stroganoff will be delicious and perfectly balanced every time.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta to perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This will ensure that the pasta maintains its texture when mixed with the sauce. Pasta that is cooked too long can become mushy and affect the overall flavor of the dish.
To prevent the pasta from sticking, stir it occasionally while it cooks. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss it with a small splash of olive oil if it has been soaking before mixing it into the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the meat
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as you go. When searing meat, the Maillard reaction creates an intense, savory flavor.
Season the meat early with salt, pepper, and optionally paprika. This will create multiple layers of flavor as it cooks. Once the dish is browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the onions and garlic
In the same pan as the browned meat, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it may develop a bitter flavor.
If you are adding vegetables like mushrooms, this is the perfect time to add them and let them sauté until softened.
Step 4: Make Gravy
When the meat and seasonings are in the pan, add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to blend and thicken the sauce slightly.
At this point, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to balance the flavors. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too runny, simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
Step 5: For a creamier consistency, add sour cream
Reduce the heat to low before adding sour cream. Stir it into the gravy until it’s fully incorporated and the gravy becomes smooth and creamy. Reducing the heat is important to prevent the sour cream from curdling, which can happen if the heat is high.
For a more tart flavor, you can add a small squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of mustard at this stage.
Step 6: Mix with pasta
Add the cooked egg noodles to the pan and stir gently until evenly coated with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to make sure the pasta is well mixed without breaking. If the sauce seems too thick at this point, add a splash of pasta water or meat broth.
Step 7: Serve and decorate
Transfer the stroganoff to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. For even more flavor, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of paprika.
Serve the dish hot with your favorite side dishes, such as a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables or crusty bread. Presenting the dish in a clean and well-decorated container increases its visual appeal and makes it even more attractive.
By following these steps, you will have a comforting and delicious ground beef stroganoff that is as much fun to prepare as it is to eat.
Variations and serving suggestions
Creative ground beef stroganoff variations
One of the biggest strengths of ground beef stroganoff is its adaptability. Here are some creative variations that cater to different dietary preferences and needs:
- Use different proteins
Turkey or chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. These proteins pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and offer a milder flavor profile.
Plant-based alternatives: For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Opt for dairy-free sour cream and a mushroom-based broth to make it vegan-friendly. - Incorporating Vegetables
Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value of the dish. Mushrooms in particular enhance the umami flavor and are therefore a natural complement. For a colorful twist, add roasted peppers or carrots. - Replace Sour Cream with Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative to sour cream, offering the same creaminess with fewer calories and more protein. It also adds a subtle flavor that complements the sauce. Be sure to reduce the heat when adding yogurt to prevent curdling. - Make Gluten- and Dairy-Free
Replace traditional egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, rice, or even spiralized zucchini noodles. For a dairy-free option, use almond-based sour cream or coconut cream, and make sure the soup is also dairy-free.
These variations ensure that ground beef stroganoff can be adapted to any diet and occasion while retaining its comforting and savory essence.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff
Pairing the right sides and drinks with ground beef stroganoff makes the meal a complete culinary experience:
- Best Sides
Green Salad: A crisp salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy stroganoff.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add an earthy note to the dish and balance out the richness.
Crispy Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Garlic bread is another excellent option. - Suggested Wines and Drinks
Wine Pairing: A dry red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir complements the creamy, savory flavors of the dish. For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are great options.
Non-alcoholic options: Lemon sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea, or even a glass of ginger ale are great for cleansing the palate.
Carefully pairing your sides and drinks will help you enjoy this comforting classic even more, making it suitable for casual family meals or more formal occasions.
A quick and hearty twist on a classic dish, this ground beef stroganoff delivers rich and creamy flavors without the fuss. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients: Scale 1x
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cup egg noodles, uncooked
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
3️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
4️⃣ Create the sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Add the sour cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6️⃣ Combine with noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the sauce.
7️⃣ Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Make it creamier: For even more richness, add ¼ cup cream cheese or sour cream.
Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with shredded vegetables or sautéed mushrooms.
Side suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
