Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Quick and Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

It’s a twist on the classic Beef Stroganoff but uses ground beef for a quicker, more affordable version. This dish combines ground beef, mushrooms, and onions in a creamy sauce, served over noodles or rice.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff

This easy recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 medium onion (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 cup mushrooms (sliced)

1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)

1 cup beef broth (or water with a bouillon cube)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step

Making Ground Beef Stroganoff is simple and only takes about 30 minutes. Follow these easy steps to create a creamy, comforting dinner:

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture.

3. Create the Sauce:
   Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. This will help thicken the sauce later. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Add the Creamy Ingredients:
   Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard (if using). Continue to cook on low heat until everything is well combined and heated through. For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream.

5. Combine the Beef:
   Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the stroganoff to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.

6. Serve:
   Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff

• Use lean ground beef: If you prefer a leaner version, go for ground turkey or chicken. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed since leaner meats can be less flavorful.

• Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

• Add more vegetables: For added nutrition, throw in some peas, spinach, or bell peppers while cooking the mushrooms. They’ll add color and extra flavor.

• Customize the creaminess: For a richer sauce, use more heavy cream or even cream cheese to make the sauce thicker and creamier.