Ground Beef Stroganoff: Easy Recipe & Cooking Tips

Ground Beef Stroganoff: Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food! We’re taking the creamy, dreamy goodness of traditional stroganoff and making it weeknight-friendly with a simple, budget-conscious twist. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a luscious sour cream sauce, blanketing a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles. Are you drooling yet?

Stroganoff, with its roots in 19th-century Russia, was originally a dish reserved for the wealthy Stroganov family. Legend has it that a French chef in their employ created this culinary masterpiece. Over time, it evolved and adapted, making its way across continents and into countless kitchens. While the original recipe called for beef tenderloin, this Ground Beef Stroganoff version makes it accessible to everyone.

What’s not to love? The creamy, tangy sauce is utterly irresistible, coating every strand of noodle and morsel of beef. It’s the perfect balance of rich and comforting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The use of ground beef also makes it a more economical option without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Get ready to experience stroganoff in a whole new, wonderfully convenient way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Ground Beef and Vegetables:

1. First, let’s get the ground beef browned. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef.
2. Break the ground beef apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy stroganoff!
3. Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The onions should start to become fragrant and slightly golden.
4. Next up are the mushrooms! Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice they shrink down quite a bit as they cook.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Creating the Stroganoff Sauce:

1. Pour in the beef broth and dry sherry (if using) into the skillet. The sherry adds a wonderful depth of flavor, so I highly recommend it!
2. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a spoon to loosen any browned bits (fond). These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add richness to the sauce.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices and condiments will give the stroganoff its signature flavor.
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a little salt and pepper and then adjust as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce a bit.

Cooking the Egg Noodles:

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. I usually cook them until they are al dente, which means they are firm to the bite.
2. Once the egg noodles are cooked, drain them well. You don’t want any excess water diluting the sauce.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. This is important because we don’t want the sour cream to curdle.
2. Stir in the sour cream until it’s completely incorporated into the sauce. The sour cream will make the sauce creamy and tangy.
3. Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the stroganoff sauce. Make sure every noodle is covered in that delicious sauce!
4. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this ground beef stroganoff even better:

• Use high-quality ground beef: The better the quality of the ground beef, the better the flavor of the stroganoff. I recommend using ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20.
• Add a splash of cream: For an even richer and creamier stroganoff, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the sour cream.
• Substitute the mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of cremini mushrooms, you can use other types of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms. You can even use a combination of different mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
• Add some heat: If you like a little bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other spices.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this stroganoff vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Serve it over mashed potatoes: Instead of egg noodles, you can serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta.
• Make it ahead of time: You can make the stroganoff sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked egg noodles.
• Freeze it for later: Ground beef stroganoff freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

Ground beef stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few side dishes that would pair well with it:

• Green salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy stroganoff.
• Steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would be a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Garlic bread: Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and would be perfect for soaking up the extra stroganoff sauce.
• Crusty bread: A loaf of crusty bread would also be great for dipping into the sauce.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

Enjoy your homemade ground beef stroganoff! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try any variations!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This ground beef stroganoff recipe is truly a weeknight wonder, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful dish that the whole family will adore. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s undeniably delicious – a trifecta of qualities that make it an absolute must-try in my book. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this stroganoff delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

But why is it so special? Well, beyond the sheer convenience, it’s the rich, creamy sauce that really elevates this dish. The combination of sour cream, beef broth, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a tangy and savory base that perfectly complements the hearty ground beef and tender egg noodles. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, using ground beef makes it incredibly budget-friendly, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this stroganoff over a bed of wide egg noodles, but you could also try it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your own taste preferences. Add some sliced mushrooms to the pan while browning the beef for an earthy flavor boost. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end adds a pop of color and freshness. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You could even stir in some cooked vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrients and texture.

Another great variation is to use different types of ground meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken would work beautifully in this recipe, offering a leaner alternative to ground beef. You could also try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a richer, more complex flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about creativity and finding what you love.

I truly believe that this ground beef stroganoff recipe is a winner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids to new flavors and textures, as the creamy sauce and familiar ingredients are sure to appeal to even the pickiest eaters.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please come back and let me know how it turned out! Share your photos, your variations, and your experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking! I’m eager to hear how your family enjoys this classic comfort food.

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