Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground beef stroganoff is a classic dish that combines tender beef, a rich and creamy sauce, and earthy mushrooms, all served over a bed of noodles or rice. This hearty meal is easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and sure to please the whole family. If you're looking for an indulgent yet simple meal that’s packed with flavor, read on to discover how to make the best ground beef stroganoff ever! From essential ingredients to expert tips and presentation ideas, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground beef stroganoff is a simpler version of the traditional Russian beef stroganoff, which originally used strips of beef tenderloin. In this variation, ground beef is substituted for tenderloin to create a more affordable, quick-cooking option without sacrificing the creamy, tangy flavors that make this dish a classic. It typically includes a savory mixture of onions, mushrooms, and sour cream, which creates a luxurious sauce. It's a perfect comfort food that you can enjoy over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

• 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference. Lean ground beef will make the dish less greasy.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are great choices for a rich, earthy flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the dish.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Helps sauté the onions and mushrooms while adding a rich flavor to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a creamy consistency.
• 1 ½ cups beef broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and makes it rich and flavorful.
• 1 cup sour cream: The key ingredient for the classic creamy texture and slight tang.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and adds complexity.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tanginess and depth to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.

Ingredients List for Noodles (or Side of Choice)

• 8 oz egg noodles: Traditional stroganoff is served over egg noodles, but you can also use mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• 1 tablespoon butter: To toss with the noodles for added flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the noodles or side dish.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic ground beef stroganoff recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your dietary preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are a few variations:

• Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Greek yogurt: Swap out sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories while keeping the creamy texture.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth, or replace the meat entirely with extra mushrooms for a hearty, veggie-packed dish.
• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles or rice.
• Cream cheese: For an even creamier and richer sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream.
• Red wine: Add a splash of red wine when cooking the onions and mushrooms for extra depth and richness in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing them with a little butter to keep them from sticking together.
2. Sauté the onions and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the onions are soft and the mushrooms have released their liquid and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the ground beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the center. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
4. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
5. Add the broth and seasonings: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
6. Stir in the sour cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve: Serve the ground beef stroganoff over the prepared egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onions, slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and measure out your broth, sour cream, and seasonings.
2. Cook the noodles: Boil and drain your egg noodles or prepare your preferred side dish.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Cook onions, mushrooms, and garlic in butter until tender.
4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, draining any excess grease.
5. Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the meat and veggies, then add beef broth and seasonings, letting the sauce thicken.
6. Finish with sour cream: Stir in the sour cream for a rich and creamy finish.
7. Serve and enjoy: Plate your stroganoff over noodles and garnish with parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the beef: Ground beef cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. This can make the beef tough and dry.
• Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can make the sauce too thick and gummy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best consistency.
• Curdling the sour cream: If you add sour cream while the sauce is too hot, it can curdle. Be sure to remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the sour cream.
• Skipping the Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient adds a key depth of flavor, so don’t leave it out!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground beef stroganoff is a hearty dish that looks best when plated simply but with a little attention to detail. Here are some tips to make it look as delicious as it tastes:

1. Serve over a bed of noodles: A mound of buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes makes for a perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
3. Use wide, shallow bowls: Serve your stroganoff in wide, shallow bowls to contain the sauce and make it easier to eat.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground beef stroganoff is best served hot, fresh off the stove. It pairs perfectly with egg noodles, but you can also try serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light side salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Rustic elegance: Serve the stroganoff in rustic, ceramic bowls, with the sauce draped generously over the noodles and garnished with a sprinkle of parsley.
• Family-style platter: For a family dinner, pile the noodles on a large platter and pour the stroganoff mixture over the top, then let everyone serve themselves.
• Individual ramekins: For a fun twist, portion the stroganoff into individual ramekins and top with a sprinkle of cheese before baking briefly to add a little crust.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: Ground beef stroganoff can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
• Double the recipe: This dish is easily doubled if you're cooking for a crowd or want leftovers.
• Add vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding spinach or peas to the sauce towards the end of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?
Yes, ground beef stroganoff can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Reheat gently and stir well to bring it back together.

What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for sour cream. Both will give you a similar creamy texture with a slight tang.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To make ground beef stroganoff lighter, use ground turkey or chicken, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and serve over a lighter base like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Can I add extra spices?
Absolutely! If you want more flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Conclusion

Ground beef stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and tender noodles into one satisfying dish. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or serving guests, this recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Plus, with so many substitution and variation options, it’s a dish you can easily customize to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that everyone at the table will love!

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