30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying, this dish brings all the nostalgic comfort of classic stroganoff without the hours at the stove. Made with simple pantry staples and budget-friendly ground beef, it’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free—exactly what you need after a long day. With its velvety mushroom sauce and tender noodles soaking up every bit of goodness, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who craves hearty comfort without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 Minutes: Yes, truly—no tricky prep or complicated steps. Just a skillet, a few pantry basics, and dinner is served.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and sour cream creates a silky, savory sauce that coats every bite.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the rest of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
• Family Favorite: Kids love it, adults crave it. This dish is always met with clean plates and happy faces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what goes into this delicious stroganoff and why each ingredient matters:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show—use lean ground beef for a less greasy finish, or go with a fattier blend for extra richness.
• Onion: Adds a deep savory base to the dish. Chop it finely so it melds into the sauce.
• Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic bring depth and that signature savory aroma. Don’t skip it.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms work perfectly. Slice them thick so they stay meaty and don’t disappear into the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Builds the flavorful body of the sauce. Use low-sodium if you want more control over salt levels.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This is your umami boost—it gives that classic stroganoff tang and complexity.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a small amount adds brightness and a subtle zing.
• Sour Cream: The creamy base that ties everything together. Use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Egg Noodles: Traditional and perfect for soaking up the sauce. Cook until just tender, not mushy.
• Butter and Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste at the end to bring all the flavors to life.

Variations

Want to switch things up or adapt based on what you have on hand? No problem:

• Turkey or Chicken Stroganoff: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Use meatless ground or lentils and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Cream Cheese Twist: For a thicker, tangier sauce, replace half the sour cream with cream cheese.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or bell peppers toward the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add butter and a splash of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Return the ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream

Turn the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t let it boil—just warm it through.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t rush the mushrooms: Let them brown properly. That’s where a lot of the flavor comes from.
• Sour cream temperature matters: Let it come to room temp before adding so it doesn’t curdle in the sauce.
• Use a wide skillet: More surface area means better browning and faster cooking.
• Balance the sauce: If it tastes too rich, a small squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten it up.

How to Serve

This ground beef stroganoff is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

Classic Style:

Scoop it into shallow bowls over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.

With Sides:

Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans to add freshness and crunch.

Bread on the Side:

A slice of crusty bread is perfect for swiping through the creamy sauce left on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled stroganoff into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully.

Freezing

Freeze the beef and sauce mixture without the noodles for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid curdling the sour cream.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a lighter option. Just make sure to use full-fat yogurt and add it off the heat to avoid curdling.

What kind of mushrooms are best for stroganoff?
Cremini or white button mushrooms are ideal—they’re widely available, inexpensive, and hold their texture well in the creamy sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead and store it separately from the noodles. Combine just before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The creamy sauce and mild flavor make it a big hit with little ones. You can even leave out the mushrooms if they’re not a fan.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, it’s rich, and it’s deeply satisfying—exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, give this a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table.

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