Have you ever craved a dish that warms your soul while tantalizing your taste buds? Beef stroganoff with ground beef is that perfect comfort food. This rich and creamy dish combines tender meat and savory mushrooms in a luscious sauce that envelops every bite. Picture the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks—inviting and utterly irresistible.
Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for hearty meals like this one. It brought us together after long days, filling our home with warmth and laughter. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make dish promises to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This beef stroganoff with ground beef
Quick and Easy Preparation: One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. With just a few simple steps, you can have a comforting meal on the table in under thirty minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but quality family time is still a priority.
Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The sauce in this beef stroganoff is what takes it to the next level. Made with sour cream and seasoned to perfection, it coats the noodles beautifully and enhances the flavors of the meat and mushrooms. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish based on what you have at home. Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer leaner options or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
Family-Friendly Meal: Kids often love this dish because of its creamy texture and comforting flavors. It’s a great way to introduce them to new tastes while keeping mealtime fun. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies without them even noticing!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for best results; it will give your dish a rich flavor without too much grease.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are ideal as they add depth to the flavor; slice them thinly for even cooking.
Sour Cream: This ingredient creates the creamy sauce that makes the dish indulgent; opt for full-fat sour cream for richer taste.
Beef Broth: A good-quality broth adds layers of flavor; consider low-sodium options if you are watching your salt intake.
Onion: A medium onion finely chopped adds sweetness and depth to the sauce; sauté until translucent before adding other ingredients.
For the Sauce:
- Flour: This helps thicken the sauce; use all-purpose flour for optimal results.
- Noodles: Egg noodles work best as they hold onto sauces nicely; cook according to package instructions.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make beef stroganoff with ground beef
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop onions and slice mushrooms so they’re ready to go once you begin cooking.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown one pound of ground beef until fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes—breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add Vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add chopped onions and mushrooms into the skillet. Sauté everything together until onions are soft and mushrooms release their moisture—around 5 minutes more.
Create The Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture in the skillet while stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the beef broth while mixing well until combined. Allow it to simmer until thickened slightly—approximately 3-5 minutes.
Stir In Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low before stirring in sour cream until smooth and combined with other ingredients—this usually takes another minute or two.
Serve With Noodles: Serve hot over cooked egg noodles for the complete experience. Transfer your delicious creation onto plates and garnish if desired!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Select High-Quality Meat: Using fresh, high-quality ground beef significantly enhances flavor; always choose lean cuts when possible.
Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Follow package instructions closely to prevent mushy noodles; slightly undercooking them allows better absorption of sauce flavors.
Add Herbs For Extra Flavor: Consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into your sauce; they elevate taste without overwhelming simplicity.
Tweak Texture To Your Liking: If you prefer thicker sauce consistency, add an extra tablespoon of flour while cooking; balance it by adjusting broth accordingly as needed.
Leftovers Make Great Meals!: Store any leftovers properly in an airtight container; reheating gently allows flavors to meld even further!
Mistakes to avoid
Using the wrong type of beef
One common mistake when making beef stroganoff with ground beef is using the wrong cut of meat. Many people think any ground beef will work, but choosing lean ground beef provides a better texture and flavor. Avoid using fatty ground beef, as it can make your dish greasy. Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal results. This ensures the sauce retains its creamy consistency while enhancing the overall taste of your stroganoff.
Neglecting to season properly
Another frequent error is under-seasoning the dish. Beef stroganoff with ground beef requires proper seasoning to bring out the flavors. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper during cooking, but also consider incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, or even Worcestershire sauce for depth. Taste your dish as you cook and adjust seasoning accordingly; this will elevate your stroganoff from average to fantastic. Remember, herbs and spices play a crucial role in creating a balanced flavor profile.
Overcooking the beef
Overcooking your ground beef can ruin your beef stroganoff’s texture. When sautéing the meat, aim for just enough time to brown it without drying it out. Ground beef typically cooks quickly, usually within 5-7 minutes over medium heat. If you cook it too long, it will become tough and lose its moisture. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking without overdoing it.
Skipping the sour cream
Some home cooks mistakenly skip adding sour cream when preparing beef stroganoff with ground beef. This ingredient is essential for achieving that classic creamy texture and tangy flavor that defines this dish. Adding sour cream at the end of cooking ensures that it doesn’t curdle; simply remove your pan from heat before stirring in this key ingredient. Aim for about 1 cup of sour cream for a rich and satisfying sauce that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stroganoff with ground beef is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic touch, serve it over egg noodles. The soft texture of the noodles complements the rich sauce perfectly, making every bite delightful. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes in boiling water.
For a healthier option, consider serving this dish with steamed broccoli or green beans. These vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness to the meal, balancing out the creamy sauce. Steam your veggies for around 5-7 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
Another great choice is to pair beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes. The creaminess of the potatoes soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, creating a comforting dish. Whip up some homemade mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender before mashing them with butter and milk.
Finally, crusty bread makes an excellent side to soak up any leftover sauce from your beef stroganoff. A fresh baguette or sourdough loaf adds texture and flavor, making each meal feel complete. Simply slice and serve alongside your dish for an added treat.
FAQs
What can I substitute for ground beef in beef stroganoff with ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Both will provide similar textures while allowing you to enjoy this classic dish without the richness of beef. Additionally, plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms can create a delicious vegetarian version that still captures the essence of stroganoff.
How long does beef stroganoff with ground beef last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this dish can last up to three days in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to help revive its creamy consistency.
Can I freeze beef stroganoff with ground beef?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for later enjoyment! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It is best consumed within two to three months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What type of mushrooms work best in beef stroganoff with ground beef?
Button mushrooms are commonly used due to their mild flavor and availability, but you can also use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper taste. Sauté them until golden before adding them to your stroganoff for enhanced flavor.
Conclusion
Beef stroganoff with ground beef is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe offers flexibility through various serving suggestions such as egg noodles, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. The ability to substitute ingredients makes it accessible for everyone while maintaining its classic flavor profile. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy leftovers for several days or even freeze portions for future meals. Try out different mushroom varieties and protein substitutes to customize your dish further! Enjoy crafting this delicious meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Easy Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Beef stroganoff with ground beef is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. This easy-to-make dish features tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The delightful combination of flavors makes each bite feel like a warm hug, while its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or lighter proteins like turkey or chicken. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with loved ones or savoring a quiet night in, this beef stroganoff recipe promises to deliver deliciousness and comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; chop onions and slice mushrooms.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and mushrooms; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir constantly while gradually adding beef broth. Simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low; mix in sour cream until smooth.
- Serve hot over cooked egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. - Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.