Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Comfort Food Made Easy!

Are you craving a comforting, creamy stroganoff but dreading spending hours in the kitchen? This Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff is the answer! It’s a delicious, simplified take on the classic dish, perfect for busy weeknights. We’re swapping out the traditional beef for lean ground turkey, streamlining the sauce, and using readily available ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s on the table in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes and endless simmering – this stroganoff is all about flavor and convenience.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground turkey is a relatively inexpensive protein, making this a cost-effective meal.
* **Healthy-ish:** Using ground turkey instead of beef cuts down on the fat content. Plus, you can easily add vegetables for extra nutrients.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimize cleanup with a recipe that’s mostly cooked in one skillet.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or toppings.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** All the creamy, savory goodness of stroganoff without the fuss.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff:

* **Ground Turkey:** The star of the show! Look for lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthier.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the sauce. Yellow or white onion works best.
* **Garlic:** Essential for that classic stroganoff aroma and taste. Freshly minced is preferred, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
* **Mushrooms:** Sliced mushrooms contribute an earthy, umami flavor. Cremini or white button mushrooms are great choices.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used to thicken the sauce. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
* **Beef Broth:** Adds depth and richness to the sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted if beef broth is unavailable.
* **Sour Cream:** The key to that creamy, tangy stroganoff flavor. Full-fat or low-fat sour cream can be used, but full-fat will result in a richer sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Adds a subtle tang and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip this!
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** A secret ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
* **Egg Noodles:** The classic pasta choice for stroganoff. Wide egg noodles are recommended.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables and ground turkey.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of extra sour cream.

Here’s the detailed list:

* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 8 ounces wide egg noodles
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff:

**Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
* Drain the noodles and set aside. To prevent them from sticking, toss them with a little olive oil or butter.

**Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground turkey.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

* Sprinkle the flour over the ground turkey and vegetables in the skillet.
* Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
* Stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

**Step 5: Finish the Stroganoff**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the sour cream until well combined. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it can curdle.
* Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff immediately.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and a dollop of extra sour cream if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the onions and mushrooms. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier stroganoff, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while sautéing the vegetables.
* **Use Different Pasta:** If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can substitute with other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and gluten-free pasta.
* **Add Wine:** For a richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the skillet after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the beef broth.
* **Cream Cheese:** Some people enjoy adding a tablespoon or two of cream cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
* **Storage:** Leftover stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
* **Freezing:** While technically you *can* freeze it, the sour cream can sometimes change texture upon thawing, so it’s not ideal. If you do freeze it, be sure to thaw it slowly and gently reheat it.
* **Lower Fat:** Use fat-free sour cream and ensure your ground turkey is extra lean.
* **Herb it Up:** Add other fresh herbs like dill or thyme for another layer of flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish to round out the meal. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stroganoff.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are always a welcome addition to any comfort food meal.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?**

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this recipe. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef.

**Can I use a different type of mushroom?**

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms. Each type of mushroom will add a unique flavor to the dish.

**Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the noodles and combine them with the sauce.

**What if I don’t have sour cream?**

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce slightly.

**My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**

If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

**Can I use milk instead of beef broth?**

While you *can*, the flavor won’t be as rich. If you must substitute, use whole milk and consider adding a bouillon cube for extra flavor.

**How can I prevent the sour cream from curdling?**

To prevent the sour cream from curdling, make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding it. Also, avoid boiling the sauce after adding the sour cream.

## Lazy Girl’s Ground Turkey Stroganoff Recipe Card

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