Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: A 30-Minute Weeknight Meal

There are few dishes as cozy and comforting as a warm bowl of beef stroganoff. But let’s be honest, the traditional version made with steak can be both time-consuming and expensive. What if you could get all of that rich, creamy, savory flavor on the table in about 30 minutes, using simple, budget-friendly ingredients? This easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is the answer! This recipe, often called Hamburger Stroganoff, delivers a luscious, velvety sauce and hearty flavor that the whole family will love. It’s the perfect, satisfying meal for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food, fast.

Ingredients for Your Stroganoff

This recipe uses pantry staples to create a classic, creamy sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Wide egg noodles	6 oz
Lean ground beef	1 lb
Unsalted butter	¼ cup
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Low-sodium beef broth	1 cup
Whole milk	1 ¼ cup
Garlic powder	½ teaspoon
Onion powder	½ teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper	½ teaspoon
Fine sea salt	¾ teaspoon
Full-fat sour cream	¼ cup

Timing

This is the ultimate quick and easy dinner, perfect for getting a delicious meal on the table in no time.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Ground Beef Stroganoff

Follow these simple steps to create a rich and creamy stroganoff that will become a family favorite.

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, typically about 7-9 minutes, until they are tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Tip: To prevent the noodles from sticking together, you can toss them with a small pat of butter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the noodles are cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt the ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (a roux) forms. Cooking the flour briefly gets rid of any raw taste.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. As you whisk, the sauce will begin to thicken. Once it’s smooth, slowly whisk in the milk. Continue to stir until the sauce is creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take another 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Combine

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Now, add the cooked ground beef and the drained egg noodles back into the skillet. Stir everything together gently until the beef and noodles are completely coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to the lowest setting or remove the skillet from the heat entirely. Gently stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. This adds the signature tangy flavor and extra creaminess to the stroganoff. Be careful not to let the sauce boil after this step to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Serve immediately!

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming 6 servings.

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

This classic comfort food can be easily tweaked to fit your preferences.

• Add Vegetables: Sautéing 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and a chopped onion with the ground beef is a classic and highly recommended addition that adds depth of flavor and nutrients.
• Leaner Protein: Substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version.
• Lighter Sauce: Use light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy finish with less fat. You can also use low-fat milk in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty, all-in-one meal is wonderfully satisfying.

• Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that beautifully complements the rich sauce.
• Serve Over: While traditionally served with egg noodles, this stroganoff is also delicious served over mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• On the Side: A simple green salad or steamed green beans makes for a perfect, easy side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a flawless Ground Beef Stroganoff every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Curdling the Sour Cream: Adding sour cream to a rapidly boiling sauce will cause it to curdle and separate. Solution: Always remove the skillet from the heat or turn the burner to the absolute lowest setting before gently stirring in the sour cream.
• A Lumpy Sauce: If you add your liquids to the flour and butter mixture (roux) too quickly, you can end up with a lumpy sauce. Solution: Pour the beef broth in slowly and gradually, while whisking constantly, to ensure a smooth, velvety base.
• A Greasy Dish: Ground beef can release a lot of fat, which can make your final sauce feel heavy and greasy. Solution: After browning the beef, be sure to thoroughly drain off any excess fat from the skillet before you proceed with making the sauce.

Storing Tips

Leftover stroganoff is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for lunches!

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you may need to add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up and make it creamy again.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, be aware that sour cream-based sauces can sometimes separate a little upon thawing. The taste will still be great, but the texture may change slightly.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It’s incredibly fast, made with simple ingredients, and delivers a rich, savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly twist on a classic dish that proves you don’t need a lot of time to create a truly satisfying family meal. We hope this easy recipe becomes a staple in your dinner rotation. Let us know how much you loved it in the comments below!

FAQs

Q1. Can I add mushrooms and onions to this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and one chopped yellow onion with the ground beef until softened. This is a classic addition that makes the dish even more flavorful.

Q2. What can I use instead of sour cream?

For a similar tangy flavor, you can substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. You could also use softened cream cheese for an even richer, creamier sauce.

Q3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and serve the stroganoff over your favorite gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Q4. Can I use a different kind of pasta besides egg noodles?

Of course. While egg noodles are traditional, this creamy sauce is delicious with almost any pasta shape. Penne, rotini, or even macaroni would work wonderfully.