Ground Beef Stroganoff: Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe combines lean ground beef, sliced baby bella mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

I start by heating butter in a large skillet and sautéing finely diced yellow onion until it’s softened. Adding minced garlic and baby bella mushrooms brings out a flavorful base. Then, I brown the ground beef, ensuring it’s cooked thoroughly and well-seasoned with salt and pepper. The savory aroma is irresistible.

The best part of this dish is the creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a hearty, delicious meal that pairs perfectly with pasta or egg noodles. This recipe is not only straightforward but also adaptable, making it a favorite in my home.

For more great weeknight recipes, try: Fontina and Spinach Pasta, Easy Shrimp Pasta Caprese, and 15 minute Beef and Broccoli.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a dish that everyone can enjoy. It’s quick to make, ideal for busy evenings, and offers the comforting flavors we crave.

Quick and Easy Preparation

This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. I start by softening diced onions in butter, then adding minced garlic and mushrooms. Once they’re tender, in goes the ground beef, followed by the cream, seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.

Simmering for 8-10 minutes allows the flavors to meld. You can thicken the sauce with cornstarch if you prefer. Meanwhile, boil the pasta, and you have a complete meal ready in no time.

Perfect for Weeknight Meals

After a long day, I prefer meals that don’t require much effort. Ground Beef Stroganoff fits the bill perfectly. With just one skillet and a pot for the pasta, cleanup is minimal.

It’s also a versatile dish. If you’re missing an ingredient, there are easy swaps. For example, if you don’t have baby bella mushrooms, white mushrooms work just as well. This flexibility makes it great for those last-minute dinners when the fridge is almost empty.

A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm, creamy bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff. The rich sauce clings to the pasta, providing a satisfying mouthful with every bite.

It reminds me of classic comfort food but without the fuss. Ingredients like heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce create deep flavors. The familiar taste of beef with garlic and mushrooms makes it both nostalgic and delicious.

This dish also freezes well, so you can save leftovers for another day, making it a great meal prep option, too.

Incorporating a few simple ingredients creates a meal that’s both hearty and comforting, perfect for any night of the week.

How to Make Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff

Key Techniques for Best Results

Cooking the Onions and Garlic

I start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Adding finely diced yellow onion, I cook it for about 5-6 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, I add minced garlic and cook for just one more minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

Next, I add the sliced baby bella mushrooms to the skillet and stir them for 3 minutes. This timing allows the mushrooms to soften but still retain some texture. Sautéing the mushrooms helps develop a rich, earthy flavor essential for the sauce.

Incorporating the Ground Beef

I then introduce the lean ground beef to the pan. Cooking it for 3-4 minutes, I make sure to stir occasionally so the meat turns a pale brown. This step ensures that the beef is fully cooked and ready to absorb the flavors from the sauce.

Adding Heavy Cream and Seasonings

Once the meat is pale brown, I add two cups of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stirring these ingredients together, I allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld.

Thickening the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, I mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Pouring this into the sauce, I stir until it reaches the desired consistency. For a thicker gravy, I repeat this step.

Integrating the Pasta

Lastly, I incorporate the cooked noodles or pasta into the skillet and combine everything thoroughly. This ensures each bite is coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Pro Tips

Having made Ground Beef Stroganoff several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These pointers will help you improve your dish by focusing on the quality of ingredients and enhancing flavor.

Selecting Quality Ingredients

Quality ingredients make a significant difference in the final dish. Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and ensure a tender texture. Fresh vegetables, like mushrooms and onions, also make a big impact. They should be firm and free of blemishes.

For the baby bella mushrooms, look for a nice brown color and a firm texture. Avoid slimy or wrinkled mushrooms, which may be past their prime. When it comes to dairy, use high-quality heavy cream to achieve a rich and creamy consistency. Always keep fresh parsley on hand to add a burst of freshness and color at the end.

Expert Advice on Flavor Enhancements

Flavor is key in Ground Beef Stroganoff, and there are several ways to make sure it’s just right. Brown the beef thoroughly before adding any liquids. This step is crucial for depth of flavor. When cooking the onions and garlic, allow them to become tender and aromatic without burning.

Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami element. Adjust the salt and pepper levels gradually, tasting as you go. If you prefer a richer texture, mixing cornstarch with water and adding it to the simmering mixture can thicken the sauce to your liking.

Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the final dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the completed stroganoff for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness. Taking these steps will ensure your Ground Beef Stroganoff is both savory and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers will help you understand how to make a delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff with common ingredients and simple steps.

What ingredients are needed for a traditional ground beef Stroganoff recipe?

The primary ingredients include butter, a yellow onion, garlic cloves, baby bella mushrooms, lean ground beef, salt, ground black pepper, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch (optional), and either dry pasta or egg noodles. It’s best to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the dish turns out flavorful.

How do you make ground beef Stroganoff with sour cream?

To incorporate sour cream, use it with milk instead of heavy cream. After cooking the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and beef, stir in about 1 cup of sour cream along with the Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be sure to lower the heat to avoid curdling the sour cream.

Can cream of mushroom soup be used in place of fresh mushrooms in Stroganoff?

Yes, you can use a can of cream of mushroom soup if you prefer. If you do, reduce the amount of heavy cream to avoid making the dish too soupy. Add the soup along with the ground beef and let it combine with the other ingredients over medium-low heat.

What is the best way to incorporate cream cheese into a beef Stroganoff recipe?

To add cream cheese, cut it into small cubes and add it to the skillet after the beef is cooked and the mushrooms are tender. Stir continuously until it melts completely and mixes well with the sauce. This will add a rich and creamy texture to the Stroganoff.

Is it possible to prepare beef Stroganoff using rice instead of the typical egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute rice for egg noodles. Cook the rice according to its package instructions separately. Once the Stroganoff is ready, serve it over a bed of cooked rice rather than mixing the rice into the skillet. This provides a suitable alternative that still pairs well with the sauce.

What are some tips for achieving the most flavorful beef Stroganoff?

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the flavor. Sautéing the onions and garlic until they are aromatic and translucent adds depth. Browning the ground beef properly also brings out its natural flavors. Lastly, allowing the mixture to simmer for a bit helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.