Quick & Easy Hamburger Stroganoff: A Comfort Food Classic

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require a ton of fancy ingredients? Look no further than Hamburger Stroganoff! This hearty dish takes the classic creamy goodness of beef stroganoff and simplifies it using ground beef, making it a weeknight winner for busy families and anyone looking for a satisfying meal on a budget. This recipe is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stroganoff

* **Easy and Fast:** This recipe uses ground beef, which cooks much faster than traditional steak or beef tips. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef is generally more affordable than other cuts of beef, making this a great option for those watching their spending.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The creamy sauce and familiar flavors make this a hit with kids of all ages.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily customizable. You can add different vegetables, spices, or even a splash of wine to create your own unique version.
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** Creamy, savory, and satisfying, this Hamburger Stroganoff is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:

* **1 pound ground beef:** Look for lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to reduce the amount of grease.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Yellow or white onion will work well.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed.
* **8 ounces sliced mushrooms:** Cremini or white button mushrooms are commonly used. You can also use a blend of wild mushrooms for a richer flavor.
* **2 tablespoons butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **2 tablespoons all-purpose flour:** Used to thicken the sauce.
* **1 cup beef broth:** Provides the base for the sauce. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the salt level.
* **1/2 cup sour cream:** Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. Full-fat or light sour cream can be used.
* **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard:** Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce:** Enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon paprika:** Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
* **1 pound egg noodles:** Cooked according to package directions.
* **Optional garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic**

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms**

1. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture, so allow it to evaporate.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

1. Melt the butter in the skillet with the ground beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

**Step 5: Add the Sour Cream**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and well combined. Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it can curdle.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

1. Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the stroganoff sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Stroganoff

* **Don’t Overcook the Beef:** Overcooked ground beef can be tough and dry. Cook it until it’s just browned, then drain off any excess grease.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Fresh garlic adds a much better flavor than garlic powder. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
* **Sauté the Mushrooms Properly:** Make sure to cook the mushrooms until they are softened and browned. This will help to develop their flavor.
* **Don’t Boil the Sour Cream:** Boiling the sauce after adding the sour cream can cause it to curdle. Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the sour cream.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before adding the sour cream and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your taste.
* **Use a Good Quality Beef Broth:** The beef broth is the base of the sauce, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the flavor.
* **Cook Noodles Al Dente:** Prevent mushy noodles by cooking them ‘al dente’, which means they should be firm to the bite.
* **Add a Splash of Wine (Optional):** For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) to the sauce after adding the beef broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the alcohol before adding the sour cream.
* **Add Vegetables (Optional):** Feel free to add other vegetables to your Hamburger Stroganoff. Some good options include peas, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.

Variations and Substitutions

This Hamburger Stroganoff recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Use Different Types of Meat:** If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** As mentioned earlier, you can add a variety of vegetables to this dish. Some popular choices include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach.
* **Use a Different Type of Cream:** If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even cream cheese. Just make sure to use full-fat versions for the best results.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and serve the stroganoff over gluten-free pasta or rice.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and dairy-free butter to make this dish dairy-free.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish or two.

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich stroganoff.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious sides.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Serve with warm dinner rolls for mopping up any extra sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Hamburger Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stroganoff in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 500-600 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

Printable Recipe Card

**Hamburger Stroganoff**

**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Total time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound egg noodles, cooked
* Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, sour cream

**Instructions:**

1. Brown ground beef, drain grease.
2. Sauté onion and garlic.
3. Cook mushrooms until softened.
4. Melt butter, add flour, cook for 1 minute.
5. Whisk in beef broth, simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream.
8. Add cooked egg noodles, toss to coat.
9. Serve immediately.

Conclusion

Hamburger Stroganoff is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Hamburger Stroganoff tonight!

Enjoy your meal!