If you’ve ever craved a dinner that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, Ground Beef Stroganoff absolutely delivers. Comforting and deeply satisfying, this dish takes simple ground beef and transforms it into something extra special with creamy sauce, tender mushrooms, and a little tang from sour cream. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for both a weeknight meal and a cozy get-together. Whether you’re a Stroganoff fanatic or completely new to this classic, prepare to fall in love—it’s hearty, deeply flavored, and remarkably easy to bring together.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Ground Beef Stroganoff so irresistible is how it turns a handful of everyday ingredients into a bowlful of pure comfort. Each component adds its own touch—think richness, tang, savory depth, and that signature creamy finish.

Ground Beef: The star of the show, offering robust flavor and satisfying texture. Use 80/20 or 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
Yellow Onion: Provides the sweet, mellowed base that builds a savory backbone throughout the sauce.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves creates an aromatic punch that wakes up the entire dish.
Button Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor and juicy bite add heartiness and a classic Stroganoff texture.
Beef Broth: This brings deep, savory notes that round out the creamy sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this umami-rich liquid makes the dish pop and adds dimension.
Paprika: A little smokiness and color boost to both taste and look.
Flour: This helps thicken the sauce so it’s silky and coats every noodle perfectly.
Sour Cream: Stirred in just before serving, it brings the signature tangy creaminess that pulls it all together.
Wide Egg Noodles: The classic base—tender, a little chewy, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
Salt & Pepper: A must for seasoning every layer as you cook.
Fresh Parsley: For a bright and colorful final touch that freshens up every bite.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high and adding a drizzle of oil. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and sweet-smelling, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, stirring constantly. Scoot all this to one side, add the ground beef, and break it up with your spoon. Cook until browned and crumbly, letting all the savory flavor base develop right in the pan.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Seasoning

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan with the beef and onions. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let the mushrooms cook down, releasing all their juices until they start to brown—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Their earthy flavor will mingle beautifully with the beef, creating that unmistakable stroganoff aroma.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over everything in the skillet and stir well to coat. This may look a little pasty at first, but don’t worry—it’s exactly what you want to help the sauce thicken up later.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to loosen any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let the sauce bubble away until it thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency—about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream

Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the sour cream gently, making sure it blends smoothly with the sauce. The result? Silky, rich, and deeply savory—exactly what you want from a classic Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Step 6: Serve Over Noodles

While your sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Serve a scoop of the creamy beef mixture over a generous bed of noodles, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that vibrant, herby finish.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a must for color and a fresh pop of flavor. For an even fancier touch, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few chives. And if you’re feeling extra decadent, a little more sour cream dolloped on top won’t hurt!

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is right at home next to crisp, buttery green beans or a fresh cucumber salad, both of which balance the rich, creamy sauce. Classic buttered peas or a steamed medley of colorful veggies also make wonderful, easy pairings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon Ground Beef Stroganoff into hollowed-out crusty bread bowls or serve atop creamy mashed potatoes instead of the usual noodles. You can even use it as a hearty filling for baked potatoes, or offer it as a warming dip with toasted baguette slices for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the beef mixture and cooked noodles separately in airtight containers so the noodles don’t get soggy. When ready to serve, just reheat and mix together for a meal that’s almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

If you want to have that homey comfort ready for busy days, Ground Beef Stroganoff freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer the beef sauce (without noodles) to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy again for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Wait to stir in extra sour cream until the end to keep it from curdling. Warm the noodles separately, then combine right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for a lighter version. Expect a less robust flavor, so you might want to add extra Worcestershire or a pinch more seasoning.

Is it possible to make Ground Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?

Yes—just use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and serve the stroganoff over gluten-free noodles or rice. Double check your Worcestershire sauce as some brands contain gluten.

What can I do if my stroganoff sauce is too thick?

It’s easy to fix—simply add an extra splash of beef broth or a bit of milk. Stir until you reach your desired consistency, and you’re all set.

Why does my sour cream sometimes curdle?

Curdling happens when sour cream is heated too aggressively. Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the sour cream and mix it in gently for a smooth, creamy sauce every time.

Can I add vegetables to Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers or peas blend in nicely with the classic flavors. Just add them when you sauté the mushrooms so they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a big bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff—simple ingredients, easy prep, and a richness of flavor that always brings smiles to the table. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, now’s the perfect time. Dive in, make it your own, and see why it’s a favorite worth sharing!

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe