Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole: Comfort Food Reinvented

Craving the creamy, savory goodness of beef stroganoff but need a dish that’s easy to assemble and perfect for a crowd? Look no further than this ground beef stroganoff casserole! It takes all the classic flavors you love and transforms them into a hearty, bakeable masterpiece. This recipe is a weeknight dinner game-changer, a potluck superstar, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Say goodbye to fussy stovetop cooking and hello to effortless comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole

• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss meal.
• Comfort Food Classic: It captures the rich and creamy flavors of traditional beef stroganoff, but in a convenient casserole format.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein option, making this casserole a great way to feed a family on a budget.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a large group.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. This makes it a lifesaver on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize grease.
• Onion: Adds savory depth and aromatics to the dish. Yellow or white onions work well.
• Mushrooms: Essential for that classic stroganoff flavor. Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms are excellent choices.
• Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic! Freshly minced garlic is best.
• Beef Broth: Provides a rich and savory base for the sauce. Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the salt content.
• Sour Cream: The key ingredient for that signature creamy tang. Full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream can be used, but full-fat will yield a richer flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory flavors and adds a touch of umami.
• Egg Noodles: The classic pasta choice for stroganoff. Wide egg noodles work best.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the ground beef.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the dish to taste.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
• Large Pot: For cooking the egg noodles.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife and Cutting Board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the detailed steps for making this delicious ground beef stroganoff casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the noodles well and set aside. A quick rinse with cold water can help stop the cooking process, but isn’t strictly necessary.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
4. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove the ground beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Again, stir occasionally.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Stroganoff Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This ensures a creamy and even sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In the 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly over the bottom.
3. Top with half of the browned ground beef, followed by half of the sautéed vegetables.
4. Pour half of the stroganoff sauce over the mixture.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining egg noodles, ground beef, vegetables, and sauce.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly and keeps the casserole moist.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. A sprinkle of paprika can also add a nice visual appeal.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Use a different type of meat: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
• Add vegetables: Diced bell peppers, peas, or corn can be added to the vegetable mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free egg noodles and gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Use cream cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
• Add a crispy topping: Mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole before baking for a crispy topping.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Add a touch of Dijon: Stir in a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a subtle tang.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh thyme or dill for a more nuanced flavor profile. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their aroma.
• Wine Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) after sautéing the vegetables. Let it reduce slightly before adding the other sauce ingredients. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic and onion, a teaspoon of each powder can be used as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef stroganoff casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Here are a few more serving suggestions:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are another great option for serving with the casserole.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a sweet and refreshing ending to the meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze: Baked casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

   While egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or even bow-tie pasta. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?

   Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms are a great addition. Sauté them until tender before adding them to the casserole.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

   Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You might want to add some extra vegetables like diced carrots or celery for added texture and flavor.

4. My casserole is too dry. What can I do?

   Add a little more beef broth or sour cream to the casserole before baking. You can also cover the casserole with foil during baking to prevent it from drying out.

5. My casserole is too watery. What can I do?

   Make sure you drain the ground beef and mushrooms well after cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce to help thicken it.

6. Can I add cheese to the casserole?

   Yes! Cheese adds a delicious flavor and texture. Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese are all good options. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the casserole before baking.

7. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

   Cook the noodles al dente, meaning they should be slightly firm to the bite. They will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking them initially.

8. Can I add spinach to this recipe?

   Yes, you can. Sauté the spinach until wilted, then add it to the vegetable mixture. About 5-6 ounces of fresh spinach would work well.

9. What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?

   You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. For the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For the microwave, heat individual portions in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

10. Can I use low-fat sour cream?

    Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat sour cream. However, keep in mind that the full-fat sour cream will provide a richer and creamier flavor.

Conclusion

This ground beef stroganoff casserole is the ultimate comfort food – easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish any night of the week. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!