Name: Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter or oil; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 oz egg noodles (or rice/mashed potatoes as base); Optional garnish: fresh parsley or a spoon of Dijon mustard

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I love how this creamy ground beef stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s the kind of comfort food I can whip up any night of the week and still impress the whole table.

Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always turn to this recipe when I need something hearty, quick, and full of flavor. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the beef and noodles, and the familiar ingredients mean I rarely need a special grocery run. It’s all made in one skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, I can tweak it based on what I have on hand and still get great results.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Mushrooms, sliced
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Butter or oil
All-purpose flour
Beef broth
Sour cream
Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Egg noodles (or other base like rice or mashed potatoes)
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or a spoon of Dijon mustard

Directions

I start by heating butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic until they’re soft and golden.
Then I add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, I drain off any excess fat.
I season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if I’m using it. Then I sprinkle in the flour and stir until it’s fully absorbed.
Next, I pour in the beef broth gradually, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
I remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
I return the pan to low heat just to warm everything through—being careful not to boil the sauce once the sour cream is in.
I serve the stroganoff over egg noodles or whatever base I’ve chosen, topped with a bit of parsley or mustard if I want extra flair.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist.
When I want more tang, I stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard with the sour cream.
If I’m out of sour cream, I’ll use Greek yogurt—it works great in a pinch.
For a gluten-free version, I use cornstarch instead of flour and serve it over rice or gluten-free pasta.
I also like adding a handful of spinach or peas near the end for a pop of color and nutrients.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I do it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. I avoid boiling to keep the sour cream from separating. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, since the cream sauce can become grainy after thawing.

FAQs

What kind of ground beef works best?

I like using lean ground beef, like 85/15, because it has enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy.

Can I make it without mushrooms?

Yes, I often skip the mushrooms or replace them with extra onions or even bell peppers if I want a different texture.

Can I cook the noodles in the same pan?

For simplicity, I prefer boiling the noodles separately. But if I want fewer dishes, I sometimes simmer them right in the sauce with extra broth added.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

I don’t freeze it after adding the sour cream because the texture changes. If I want to freeze it, I stop before adding the dairy and mix that in after reheating.

What should I serve with it?

I usually pair it with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are great for soaking up the sauce, too.

Conclusion

I find this creamy ground beef stroganoff to be the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. It’s fast, filling, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just myself, it’s one of those dishes I can count on to turn out great every time.