Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Weeknight Dinner Delight

Craving a comforting and delicious meal but short on time? Look no further than this simple ground beef stroganoff recipe! It’s a flavorful, creamy dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe takes the classic stroganoff flavors and adapts them for ground beef, offering a budget-friendly and accessible alternative to traditional beef stroganoff. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this version delivers satisfying results with minimal effort.

## Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ground beef.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different ingredients.
* **Comforting:** Creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
* Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect ground beef stroganoff every time:

### Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Thoroughly draining the grease is crucial for preventing a greasy final product. Nobody wants a stroganoff swimming in fat!

### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture. The mushrooms should be nicely browned and slightly caramelized.

### Step 3: Create the Roux

* Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ground beef, onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help to thicken the sauce.
* Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook the flour and prevent a floury taste. This step is important for a smooth, non-grainy sauce.

### Step 4: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

* Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure the flour is fully incorporated into the broth.
* Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Stir to combine.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that salt brings out all the other flavors, so season incrementally and taste as you go.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

### Step 5: Incorporate the Sour Cream

* Remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for a minute or two. This prevents the sour cream from curdling.
* Gently stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it can cause the sour cream to separate.

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

* Serve the ground beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or even toast.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness.

## Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff

* **Use Quality Ground Beef:** Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works best to avoid excessive grease. However, a little fat adds flavor, so don’t go too lean.
* **Don’t Skip the Roux:** The roux (flour and fat mixture) is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook the flour thoroughly to avoid a floury taste.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** After browning the ground beef, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or sherry for added flavor. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra depth.
* **Adjust the Sour Cream:** If you prefer a tangier stroganoff, add a little more sour cream. If you want it richer, use crème fraîche instead.
* **Simmer Gently:** Simmering the sauce gently allows the flavors to meld together and thicken properly. Avoid boiling, as it can make the sauce separate.
* **Serve Immediately:** Ground beef stroganoff is best served immediately while it’s hot and creamy. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand.

* **Different Meats:** Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced steak instead of ground beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Use plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils for a vegetarian version. Add extra mushrooms or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
* **Cream Cheese:** For a richer, creamier sauce, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese along with the sour cream.
* **Greek Yogurt:** For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Be sure to use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results.
* **Different Mushrooms:** Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms. A mix of mushrooms adds complexity to the flavor.
* **Onion Soup Mix:** For extra flavor, add a packet of onion soup mix to the sauce. This is a great shortcut for boosting the savory notes.
* **Garlic Powder:** If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
* **Herbs:** Add other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh dill is also delicious.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Wine:** Add 1/4 cup of dry red or white wine after sautéing the vegetables for a richer flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the beef broth.

## Serving Suggestions

Ground beef stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes that complement it perfectly:

* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stroganoff.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and delicious side dishes.
* **Steamed Green Beans:** Steamed green beans with a sprinkle of salt and pepper are a simple and elegant side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra comforting meal, serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes.
* **Buttered Noodles:** While the recipe suggests serving over egg noodles, a simple buttered noodle also pairs well.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can easily make ground beef stroganoff ahead of time. Prepare the recipe as directed, but don’t add the sour cream. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the stroganoff over medium heat, then stir in the sour cream just before serving.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover ground beef stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much.

## Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
* Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

### Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Wooden spoon or spatula

### Instructions

1. **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture.
3. **Create the Roux:** Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ground beef, onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook the flour and prevent a floury taste.
4. **Add the Liquids and Seasonings:** Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Incorporate the Sour Cream:** Remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for a minute or two. Gently stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the ground beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350
* Protein: 30g
* Fat: 20g
* Carbohydrates: 15g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 3g

## Conclusion

This simple ground beef stroganoff recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a comforting and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So, ditch the takeout and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy this hearty and comforting ground beef stroganoff, a perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy texture. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that will surely become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use a different type of meat?**
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils for a vegetarian version. Add extra mushrooms or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

**Q: Can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?**
A: It’s not recommended to freeze ground beef stroganoff with sour cream, as the sour cream can separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the stroganoff base (before adding sour cream) and add the sour cream after thawing and reheating.

**Q: What can I serve with ground beef stroganoff?**
A: Ground beef stroganoff is delicious served over cooked egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or even toast. It pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

**Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?**
A: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: To make ground beef stroganoff gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.

**Q: Can I add wine to this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of dry red or white wine after sautéing the vegetables for a richer flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the beef broth.

**Q: Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of beef broth?**
A: While you can use cream of mushroom soup as a substitute, it will significantly alter the flavor profile. It will be much creamier and mushroom-forward. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

**Q: How long does ground beef stroganoff last in the refrigerator?**
A: Ground beef stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Q: The sour cream curdled when I added it. What did I do wrong?**
A: Sour cream can curdle if added to a sauce that is too hot. Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly before gently stirring in the sour cream. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream.