Delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

There was a day not too long ago when I desperately needed a comforting, quick dinner that didn’t demand hours in the kitchen. That’s when this Ground Beef Stroganoff stepped into my baking and cooking life as a true lifesaver. I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a chilly evening, and the rich, creamy stroganoff sauce felt like a warm hug right from the stovetop. This story of my Ground Beef Stroganoff started as a simple dinner plan but grew into a much-loved staple because it brings me joy every time I make it. It’s honest, straightforward, and deeply satisfying.

This recipe has become a dependable part of my kitchen rhythm, especially on busy nights when I want a little extra comfort without fuss. It’s one of my go-to ground beef recipes because it’s easy to put together and yields that luscious creamy beef stroganoff I crave. Plus, the way the stroganoff sauce comes together makes me feel like I’m cooking something more special than the time required would fool anyone into believing.

If you’re a fan of hearty, cozy dishes or have a soft spot for Russian beef stroganoff, this Ground Beef Stroganoff will feel like a friend you’ve just met but instantly trust. It fits right into my baking and cooking life because it’s approachable for cooks of all levels, and the textures and flavors never disappoint. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I’m sure you’ll find comfort and confidence in making this recipe.

There’s something so rewarding about pulling a perfect pan of Ground Beef Stroganoff off the stove, knowing that you made a meal that will bring smiles around your table. I encourage you to dive in with me, try this recipe out, and see how it could become a new favorite in your kitchen too. Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s get started on what might just be your next family favorite!

1 pound ground beef – This recipe shines with ground beef, easy to find in most grocery stores and budget-friendly too. Use 80/20 for the best flavor.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – Fresh onions bring sweetness and depth.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a subtle kick, but if you are short on time, garlic powder is a quick swap.
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced – These create that lovely earthy base in the stroganoff sauce. Don’t have fresh? Canned work in a pinch but drain them well.
2 tablespoons butter – For sautéing and flavor richness, you can swap for olive oil for a lighter touch.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken our stroganoff sauce with that perfect creamy texture.
1 ½ cups beef broth – I always keep beef broth on hand. Use low sodium if you prefer more control over salt.
1 cup sour cream – This is the heart of the creamy beef stroganoff. Full-fat gives the best comfort factor but low-fat versions work well too.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a gentle tang to balance the richness.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving – These soak up the sauce beautifully.

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is affordable because it relies on simple ingredients you probably already have. A quick prep tip: chop your onion and mushrooms ahead and keep them in the fridge ready for easy cooking nights. If you’re planning for leftovers, having extra noodles cooked and ready makes reheating a breeze. For storage, keep your ground beef cold until use, and once cooked, it freezes wonderfully for up to three months. I always add a pinch of extra pepper at the end—it’s my little trick that makes this Ground Beef Stroganoff extra wonderful.

1. Begin by heating your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once melted, add your chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Your kitchen will start smelling inviting already.

2. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender. This step builds deep flavor for your creamy beef stroganoff.

3. Now it’s time for the ground beef! Add it to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed—you want your ground beef stroganoff to be rich but not greasy.

4. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked beef and mushroom mixture. This is the step where a gentle hand makes all the difference to avoid lumps in your stroganoff sauce. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

5. Gradually pour in your beef broth while stirring constantly. This helps the sauce thicken beautifully. Let your Ground Beef Stroganoff simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and bubbly.

6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Keep the sauce warm—avoid boiling it now to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Your creamy beef stroganoff is almost ready.

7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix and let it rest for a minute or two. Your kitchen will smell heavenly when this Ground Beef Stroganoff is ready!

From start to finish, this Ground Beef Stroganoff takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. While it simmers, you can prepare your egg noodles or rice so everything comes together at the same time. If your sauce looks thick and creamy like this, you’re on track. If it seems too thick, just add a splash more broth.

I’ve learned from baking this recipe many times that patience in the simmering step brings out the best flavors. This recipe reminds me of the easy comfort found in Russian beef stroganoff classics but streamlined with ground beef to make it quick and achievable. If you want another ground beef twist, take a peek at this Korean ground beef recipe I often turn to when craving something different.

This Ground Beef Stroganoff really shines when served over a bed of warm egg noodles—those tender noodles soak up the stroganoff sauce so well. I also love pairing it with simple steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for some freshness. Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top makes for a pretty and inviting presentation, especially when sharing with family.

It’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy family dinner. For holidays or chilly weekend evenings, this dish feels like a warm blanket. Leftovers? They’re fantastic reheated the next day, either on the stove or in the microwave. I’ve also enjoyed using leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff as a filling for baked potatoes or even as a creamy topping on toast.

Seasonal variations include adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky hint or stirring in a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Friends who’ve tried this recipe tell me their families adore it too—it’s one of those comforting meals that never gets old.

If you want to see a variation on stroganoff sauce, you might enjoy the beef stroganoff with sour cream recipe I often reference for some inspiration. Or, if you’re curious about how a pro like Gordon Ramsay tackles beef stroganoff, check out that version for tips on rich flavor layering here.

Can I make this Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

What’s a good substitute for sour cream in this Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Plain Greek yogurt is a handy swap that keeps it creamy and tangy without losing that signature creamy beef stroganoff feel.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter. I suggest adding a bit more seasoning and maybe a splash of Worcestershire sauce to keep it rich.

How can I adjust this Ground Beef Stroganoff for different pan sizes?
For larger pans, just increase ingredient quantities proportionally. In smaller pans, reduce the amounts so the beef cooks evenly and the stroganoff sauce thickens nicely.

Is there a way to make this Ground Beef Stroganoff dairy-free?
Swap the sour cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it friendly to dairy-free diets.

Can I skip the mushrooms?
You can, but mushrooms add a classic earthiness to the stroganoff sauce. If you’re not a fan, try adding thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers instead.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
The key is adding the sour cream at low heat and not letting it boil. Stir gently and keep it warm rather than hot.

Have you ever tried an easy stroganoff version without cream of mushroom soup? That’s another variation worth trying—there’s a great recipe with video over on Streetsmart Nutrition that you might like. For a more classic take, Natasha’s Kitchen has a solid Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe that I’ve also found reliable. The Black Peppercorn’s version includes handy tips for getting that creamy texture right, too.

This Ground Beef Stroganoff has a special place in my recipe collection because it blends the rich comfort of Russian beef stroganoff with the practical speed of ground beef recipes. It’s been a regular for family dinners and a favorite for busy nights when I want something satisfying but not complicated.

My Top Tips for This Ground Beef Stroganoff:

• Always brown the ground beef well to develop deep flavor.
• Add the sour cream at low heat to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
• Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor in your stroganoff sauce.

Some variations I love include adding a splash of white wine to the sauce, swapping egg noodles for mashed potatoes, or stirring in sautéed spinach for a green boost. The version with sour cream gets requested most often at our house because it’s just that creamy and delicious.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own, adjusting seasoning or sides to suit your taste and kitchen supplies. I hope you enjoy the easy, comforting joy this Ground Beef Stroganoff brings as much as I do. Don’t forget to check out my other favorite ground beef recipes for more ideas like Korean ground beef recipe delicious or the classic beef stroganoff with sour cream. Happy cooking, friends!

For a bit of extra flavor inspiration, here’s a look at Gordon Ramsay’s beef stroganoff that’s surprisingly straightforward and delightful. With recipes like this and the links I shared, your kitchen will be filled with warmth and happy tastes in no time.

Ready to get cooking? I can’t wait for you to try this Ground Beef Stroganoff and make it a new family favorite!