Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, delicious, and quick meal to serve your family, this ground beef stroganoff recipe is the perfect choice. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a rich, creamy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can be made in under 30 minutes. Read on for a step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and variations to suit your tastes!

What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground beef stroganoff is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines ground beef with a rich sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles or rice. Traditionally, stroganoff is made with tender strips of beef, but this ground beef version is a quicker, more affordable take on the classic. The dish gets its signature flavor from ingredients like mushrooms, onions, garlic, and sour cream, and it’s seasoned with spices such as paprika and black pepper for added depth. It’s comfort food at its finest and works beautifully for both casual family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

1. Ground Beef – 1 pound of lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best for balance between flavor and fat).
2. Egg Noodles – 12 ounces of wide egg noodles or your favorite pasta (you can also substitute with rice or mashed potatoes).
3. Mushrooms – 8 ounces of sliced button or cremini mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
4. Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
5. Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
6. Beef Broth – 1 ½ cups of beef broth or stock to create the savory sauce base.
7. Sour Cream – ¾ cup of sour cream for the creamy texture.
8. Flour – 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce.
9. Butter – 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing the vegetables.
10. Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon for a bit of umami flavor.
11. Paprika – 1 teaspoon of paprika for a mild smoky flavor.
12. Salt and Black Pepper – To taste.
13. Fresh Parsley – Chopped parsley for garnish (optional but adds a nice fresh finish).

Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef stroganoff is highly versatile, and you can make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:

• Meat Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer more traditional stroganoff, you can use thinly sliced beef sirloin or tenderloin.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free sour cream or plain unsweetened yogurt in place of regular sour cream to make this recipe lactose-free. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan alternative.
• Gluten-Free: If you're gluten-sensitive, use gluten-free noodles or rice, and replace the flour with cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to make the dish more nutritious.
• Spices: For a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Egg Noodles: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and paprika, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Combine the Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Toss the cooked egg noodles with the sauce, or serve the stroganoff over the noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Ground Beef: Ground beef cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking it to maintain a tender texture. Make sure to cook it just until it browns, then drain off the excess fat.
2. Not Using Enough Seasoning: Ground beef can be bland without proper seasoning, so be sure to add salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
3. Curdling the Sour Cream: Sour cream can curdle if added to the sauce at too high a temperature. Be sure to lower the heat before stirring it in, and stir gently to create a smooth sauce.
4. Skipping the Mushrooms: Mushrooms add depth and an earthy flavor to the stroganoff, so try not to skip them unless you have dietary restrictions.
5. Not Thickening the Sauce Properly: If the sauce is too thin, it can make the dish soggy. Use flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce to the right consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving ground beef stroganoff, the dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Here are some tips for serving and presenting the meal:

• Serve the stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• For a pop of color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. The green contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Offer a basket of crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground beef stroganoff is typically served as a main dish, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. You can pair it with a light vegetable side dish, such as roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with garlic bread or even a slice of fresh-baked sourdough bread to mop up the rich, creamy sauce. If you prefer a lower-carb option, serve the stroganoff over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Presentation is key when serving any dish, and a few simple touches can elevate your ground beef stroganoff:

• Serve in a wide, shallow bowl to allow the sauce to spread evenly over the noodles.
• Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
• Add a few whole roasted mushrooms on top for a sophisticated look.
• Place the stroganoff in a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: Ground beef stroganoff is a great dish to make ahead. You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
2. Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the stroganoff for up to three months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
3. Add More Flavor: If you want to enhance the dish, consider adding a splash of dry white wine to the sauce before simmering. This will add an extra layer of richness to the dish.
4. Control the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream in place of part of the sour cream. This will give the sauce an even silkier texture.
5. Balancing Flavors: If the sauce is too tangy from the sour cream, you can balance it out by adding a small amount of sugar or honey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe. Just make sure to use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for whole wheat egg noodles. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook the noodles fresh before serving, and reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop.

What can I serve with ground beef stroganoff?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or rice if you prefer.

Conclusion

Ground beef stroganoff is a timeless, comforting meal that's easy to prepare and customize. With a few simple ingredients and some helpful tips, you can have a hearty, flavorful dish on the table in no time. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So, grab your skillet and get ready to whip up a delicious batch of ground beef stroganoff tonight!

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