Ground Beef Stroganoff – Quick & Easy Family Comfort Dinner

Ground Beef Stroganoff is the kind of dinner that feels like a cozy hug after a long, busy day. It’s rich, creamy, and ready in just about 30 minutes — perfect for those nights when you’re juggling homework help, work emails, and trying to remember where you left your sanity (probably next to the laundry pile). This dish combines tender ground beef with a luscious mushroom sauce and a dollop of sour cream, all spooned over buttery egg noodles.

The result? A hearty, family-favorite comfort meal that brings everyone to the table fast. And the best part? You can easily tweak it to suit your crew’s taste — swap in turkey, throw in some veggies, or spice it up with paprika. With Ground Beef Stroganoff, dinner’s not just done — it’s deliciously done.

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What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a simplified twist on the classic Russian dish Beef Stroganoff, which traditionally uses strips of beef. This version uses ground beef instead, making it budget-friendly and super quick for busy weeknights. The creamy mushroom gravy, flavored with garlic, onions, and Worcestershire sauce, brings a nostalgic, comforting flavor that’s hard to beat.

The sauce thickens beautifully, coating every strand of egg noodles with that savory goodness. It’s like old-school comfort meets modern convenience — no need for fancy cuts or complicated steps. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for a meal that warms both your belly and your mood. If you love creamy, cozy dishes like my Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta or Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, you’re going to adore this one.

Reasons to Try Ground Beef Stroganoff

There are plenty of reasons this Ground Beef Stroganoff deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. First, it’s incredibly quick — you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes, faster than you can say “takeout regret.” Second, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters love it because it’s creamy, hearty, and just plain comforting.

Third, it’s adaptable — out of beef? Try ground turkey or chicken. Want to sneak in some veggies? Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach. And lastly, it’s affordable. You can stretch one pound of ground beef into a satisfying meal for the whole family. Pair it with a green salad or a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got a balanced meal that feels special without any fuss.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12-ounce) package egg noodles

Instructions to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

If you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spare, this Step-by-Step Ground Beef Stroganoff guide has you covered. We’re talking creamy, hearty, and absolutely family-approved — all made in one pan. Let’s walk through this together so your dinner turns out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Heat the Pan and Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This helps sear the meat beautifully and locks in flavor. Add your ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally for about 6–7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left and your kitchen smells amazing. If there’s any excess grease, carefully drain it off — you want that rich, creamy sauce to cling to the beef, not swim in oil.

Pro tip: If you love easy ground beef dinners, try my Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles next — it’s another quick skillet favorite.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor

Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Toss in one tablespoon of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. This short burst of heat wakes up the garlic’s aroma without burning it. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir until everything’s evenly coated. This Step by Step move is essential — the flour acts as the base that thickens your sauce later, giving it that luscious, velvety texture Stroganoff is famous for.

If you’ve ever made a creamy dish like my Creamy Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot, you’ll recognize how flour and fat come together to form that smooth, crave-worthy sauce base.

Step 3: Stir in the Saucy Goodness

Now it’s time for the magic! Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (that’s where all the flavor hides). Then add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Bring it to a gentle simmer — not a boil — and cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll see it transform before your eyes, turning into a rich, glossy gravy that’s practically begging to coat those noodles. This Step by Step simmering process lets the flavors meld perfectly without overcooking.

Shortcut tip: If you prefer homemade sauces, check out my Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup for inspiration on making creamy, flavorful broths from scratch.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Combine

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender (al dente is best), drain them and give them a quick toss with a little butter to keep them from sticking.

Add the cooked noodles directly into your skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Gently stir to combine so every noodle gets a generous coating of that silky sauce. This Step by Step combination is where the magic happens — that perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.

If you’re a fan of one-pot meals, you might love my One Pot Taco Spaghetti, which follows a similar quick-and-easy process with a fun twist.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish Like a Pro

Now comes the best part — serving! Spoon generous portions of Ground Beef Stroganoff onto plates or into cozy bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of black pepper for a pop of color and freshness. If you want to dress it up, add a spoonful of extra sour cream or even a few sautéed mushrooms on top.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Trust me, this Step by Step recipe is one of those dishes that tastes even better than it smells — and it smells incredible.

Bonus tip: For a hearty meal pairing, serve your Stroganoff with my Caribbean Chicken and Rice or Best Smothered Chicken and Rice. Both are rich, comforting sides that bring out the savory notes of the beef.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its rich, creamy flavor. Try a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add color and nutrition. Garlic bread or a slice of warm baguette makes an excellent companion for soaking up that delicious sauce. And if you’re going for full-on comfort mode, serve it with mashed potatoes or buttered peas. Looking for another cozy pairing? My Amazing Sicilian Chicken Soup makes a great starter on chilly nights.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef Stroganoff

1. Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease — you want that silky sauce, not a puddle of oil.
2. Don’t skip the flour; it’s what gives the sauce body and makes it cling beautifully to the noodles.
3. Add the sour cream at the end so it doesn’t curdle from too much heat.
4. Want extra flavor? Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of red wine.
5. If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a little extra beef broth or milk.
6. And here’s a mom hack — double the recipe and save half for later. It reheats like a dream.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency. If you’re using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each one to avoid overcooking. You can also freeze the sauce separately (without noodles) for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly before serving over fresh pasta.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?
Sure — substitute it with homemade mushroom sauce or cream cheese for a similar texture.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and swap in a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a solid substitute — just add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Stroganoff is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and tastes like something you spent all day making (even though it only took 30 minutes). Whether it’s a chilly evening, a busy school night, or you just need something that feels like home, this dish checks all the boxes. If you loved this one, check out my Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni for another rich and cozy pasta night idea. So grab your skillet, get that beef sizzling, and bring a little comfort to your kitchen tonight.

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