If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is your new best friend. Rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor from tender mushrooms and perfectly browned ground beef, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comes together faster than you’d expect. Cozy, satisfying, and made with straightforward ingredients, this stroganoff is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious meal everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating a deliciously balanced dish. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in contributing to the texture, richness, and depth of flavor that make this stroganoff so irresistible.
- Wide egg noodles: These noodles provide the perfect tender and slightly chewy base to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps to soften the onion and garlic for maximum flavor.
- Sweet onion: Finely diced to add a subtle sweetness and foundation for the savory notes in the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic depth.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein that offers hearty texture and meaty flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that signature creamy stroganoff consistency.
- Coarse salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- Dried Italian herbs: Bring an earthy, herbal note that complements the beef and mushrooms beautifully.
- Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and depth, enriching the sauce’s complexity.
- Condensed beef consommé: Intensifies the meaty goodness and creates a robust broth base.
- White wine vinegar: Just a splash to brighten and balance all the rich flavors.
- Sliced cremini mushrooms: Tender, earthy mushrooms that soak up the sauce and elevate the dish.
- Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for that silky, creamy finish that defines stroganoff.
- Fresh chopped parsley: A sprinkle on top for a fresh, colorful garnish and subtle herbaceous bite.
How to Make Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by boiling the wide egg noodles in salted water according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. This step is important because the noodles need to hold up to the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain them and set aside to be combined with the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté onion, garlic, and ground beef
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced sweet onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their fragrance. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks evenly until it’s golden brown. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat, which keeps the finished dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Build the sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, Scottish salt, and dried Italian herbs into the skillet, stirring to coat the beef and veggies evenly. This creates a thickening base for your sauce. Next, add the rich tomato paste, condensed beef consommé, a splash of white wine vinegar, and the sliced cremini mushrooms. Stir everything together to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to perfection
Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally as the mushrooms soften and the sauce thickens over 8 to 10 minutes. This simmering step melds all the ingredients into a cohesive and flavorful sauce that’s the heart of this Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
Step 5: Stir in the sour cream and serve
Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. This final touch adds the iconic tangy richness that makes stroganoff truly comforting. Now you’re ready to serve: pile the sauce generously over the cooked noodles and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh chopped parsley is a no-brainer garnish, bringing brightness and color to this creamy dish. You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or freshly ground black pepper for an extra hint of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
While this stroganoff recipe is filling on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add a refreshing crunch and balance out the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a lovely accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stroganoff inside hollowed-out baked potatoes or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles. It also works wonderfully spooned over roasted vegetables or even tucked into warm pita bread for a stroganoff-stuffed sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool the stroganoff completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats well but the noodles might soak up some sauce, so a splash of broth or water when reheating helps revive it.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff sauce without noodles for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Freeze the noodles separately or cook fresh when you’re ready to serve. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly warm through. Adding a little extra sour cream or a splash of broth can refresh the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as slow reheating preserves the sauce best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and works well with the creamy sauce, just adjust cook times to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is it necessary to use egg noodles for this recipe?
While wide egg noodles are traditional and ideal for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, pappardelle, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and beef consommé, and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra mushrooms or lentils to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it uncovered a bit longer to reduce liquid. To thin it out, simply stir in a splash of beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers taste great reheated over fresh noodles or mashed potatoes. You can also turn it into a hearty sandwich filling by spooning it into a toasted bun with a bit of extra sour cream.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is pure comfort food magic that comes together without fuss but delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, and satisfying. Give it a try soon and watch how fast it becomes one of your go-to dinners for busy weeknights or casual weekend feasts.
Print
Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe offers a comforting and flavorful dinner solution, combining tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce enriched with sour cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 12 ounces dried wide egg noodles
For the Stroganoff
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 10-ounce can condensed beef consommé
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dried wide egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside for serving.
- Sauté vegetables and beef: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced sweet onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Create sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, coarse salt, and dried Italian herbs over the cooked beef mixture and stir well to combine. Add the tomato paste, condensed beef consommé, white wine vinegar, and sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mushrooms become tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Serve the creamy beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- For a tangier sauce, you can adjust the amount of white wine vinegar to taste.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and calories.
- Fresh mushrooms can be substituted for cremini if preferred.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
