
Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Creamy, Dreamy Weeknight Dinner
Craving a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dinner but short on time? Look no further than this Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff! This recipe transforms classic stroganoff into a quick and easy one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot pressure cooks the beef to tender perfection and infuses it with rich, savory flavors. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in a fraction of the time!
This recipe is a lifesaver for those evenings when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what to make. It requires minimal prep, uses readily available ingredients, and cooks entirely in the Instant Pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash! Plus, the creamy sauce and tender beef are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep time!
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Comfort Food Classic: All the comforting flavors of traditional stroganoff, simplified.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for family meals.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a healthier option.
- Onion: Adds savory depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work well.
- Garlic: Essential for flavor! Freshly minced garlic is recommended.
- Beef Broth: Provides the liquid for pressure cooking and adds richness to the sauce. Low-sodium broth is preferred.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the beef.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick and helps to emulsify the sauce.
- Egg Noodles: The classic pasta choice for stroganoff. Use wide egg noodles for the best texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese can be used.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy and creamy finish to the sauce. Full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream can be used.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot is recommended.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff every time:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot! Brown the beef in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the onion and garlic from burning.
Step 3: Add Broth and Deglaze the Pot
Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon or spatula to deglaze it, ensuring that all the browned bits are loosened. This will prevent the “burn” error.
Pro Tip: Deglazing is crucial! The browned bits add a lot of flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Add Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Salt, and Pepper
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Add the Egg Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the Instant Pot, pressing them down into the liquid. Do NOT stir.
Pro Tip: Adding the noodles on top prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the pot and causing the “burn” error.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Important Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your Instant Pot model. Consult your Instant Pot manual for specific instructions.
Step 7: Quick Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick release method. Be cautious of the steam!
Step 8: Stir in Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Pro Tip: For a richer sauce, use room-temperature cream cheese and sour cream.
Step 9: Season to Taste
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Use Different Ground Meat: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for extra flavor and texture. About 8 ounces of sliced cremini or white button mushrooms would be perfect.
- Add Other Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or green beans after pressure cooking.
- Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as elbow macaroni or penne. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the pot with a splash of dry red wine or white wine before adding the broth for extra flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stroganoff and cook on the “Sauté” function for a minute or two, until the sauce thickens.
- Make it Ahead: This stroganoff can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing Instructions: Allow the stroganoff to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy stroganoff.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and vibrant side dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Troubleshooting Tips
- “Burn” Error: To prevent the “burn” error, make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly and avoid adding thickeners before pressure cooking.
- Noodles are Mushy: Reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
- Sauce is Too Thin: Thicken the sauce by stirring in a cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking.
- Sauce is Too Thick: Add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
- Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving
Instant Pot 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
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, green onions, sour cream
Instructions:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon or spatula to deglaze it.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg noodles to the Instant Pot, pressing them down into the liquid. Do NOT stir.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick release method.
- Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Enjoy Your Delicious Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff!
This Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is a guaranteed winner for any night of the week. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!