Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Cozy Weeknight Dinner Made Simple

Some nights call for fancy meals, but most nights? I just want something quick, cozy, and satisfying without juggling 50 ingredients. That’s where Ground Turkey Stroganoff swoops in like a weeknight superhero. It’s hearty, creamy, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for when you’re racing between soccer practice drop-offs, work emails, and the eternal question: “What’s for dinner, Mom?”

I first fell in love with stroganoff back in my early married days, when I attempted the classic beef version. Spoiler alert: it turned out lumpy, and my husband asked if it was “soup.” Fast forward a few years and a handful of experiments later, this turkey version has become our family favorite. Bonus? It feels lighter while still tasting indulgent.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Stroganoff

• Quick & easy – Dinner on the table in 30 minutes.
• Family-approved – My kids actually fight over who gets the last bite of noodles.
• Comfort food vibes – Creamy sauce + tender noodles = happiness in a bowl.
• Budget-friendly – Ground turkey is usually easier on the wallet than beef.

What Does Ground Turkey Stroganoff Taste Like?

Imagine a silky, creamy sauce clinging to tender egg noodles, with savory ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, and just a hint of paprika. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day (but secretly only took 30 minutes).

It’s not overly heavy, which is why I love using ground turkey—it keeps the meal hearty without that post-dinner slump.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Turkey Stroganoff

The beauty of this Ground Turkey Stroganoff recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No hard-to-find spices or fancy gadgets—just wholesome staples that come together to make something magical. Let’s walk through each one:

• Ground turkey (1 lb.) – The star of the show! Ground turkey makes this stroganoff lighter than the traditional beef version while still keeping it hearty and filling. I love using lean turkey for weeknight dinners because it’s affordable and so versatile. If you enjoy turkey recipes, you might also love my Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili.
• Butter (2 Tbsp.) – A little butter adds that rich, comforting flavor that makes stroganoff taste like pure comfort food. It also helps the onions and mushrooms caramelize beautifully.
• Onion (1 small, about ½ cup chopped) – Sweet, aromatic onions form the base of the sauce, creating layers of flavor. Dice them small so they practically melt into the creamy gravy.
• Mushrooms (7 oz. baby bellas or white mushrooms, thinly sliced) – Mushrooms are essential for that classic stroganoff depth. Baby bellas (also called cremini) add an earthy richness, but white mushrooms work too.
• Olive oil (1 Tbsp.) – This keeps the turkey juicy as it cooks. It also balances the richness of the butter with a lighter touch.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Because what’s comfort food without garlic? It adds that irresistible aroma and kick of flavor.
• Paprika (1 tsp.) – This little spoonful gives the sauce warmth and subtle smokiness, which pairs beautifully with the turkey.
• Chicken broth (1 ½ cups) – The liquid base for the creamy sauce. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can adjust the salt myself.
• All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp.) – Whisked into the broth, flour is what makes the sauce thicken to that perfect, silky texture.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp.) – The secret ingredient! Just a splash gives the stroganoff that tangy, savory boost that ties all the flavors together.
• Sour cream (½ cup, full-fat recommended) – Creaminess galore. Sour cream gives the sauce its signature velvety texture and slightly tangy bite. Full-fat works best here so it doesn’t separate in the heat.
• Fresh parsley (2 Tbsp., finely chopped) – A sprinkle of parsley at the end brightens everything up and adds a fresh pop of color.
• Egg noodles (12 oz., cooked per box instructions) – Stroganoff wouldn’t be stroganoff without egg noodles! Their wide, curly shape is perfect for catching every drop of creamy sauce.

✨ Pro Tip: Don’t feel stuck with noodles—this ground turkey stroganoff sauce is also fantastic over mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles if you want to lighten it up.

How to Make Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Cooking Ground Turkey Stroganoff is simple, but the secret lies in layering flavors as you go. Here’s a step-by-step guide that walks you through the process:

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

In a large 12-inch non-stick pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter begins to sizzle, add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Stir often and let them cook for 7–10 minutes, until they’re golden brown and caramelized. This step is where a lot of flavor is built, so don’t rush it! Once browned, remove the onion-mushroom mix to a plate and set aside.

👉 Want more cozy recipes with mushrooms? Check out my Wild Mushroom Soup.

Step 2: Make the Slurry

While the veggies cook, grab a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth and whisk in 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. The goal is no lumps—think of this as your silky sauce starter. Set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Increase your heat to medium-high and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same pan. Add 1 pound ground turkey and season with a little salt and pepper. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until it’s browned and crumbly (about 5–8 minutes).

Once the turkey is almost done, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start smelling heavenly.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in your prepared chicken broth-flour mixture and stir well. The sauce will come to a quick simmer and start thickening. Add back the onion and mushroom mixture along with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper again to taste. Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer, uncovered, for about 3 minutes.

This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens into a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for coating noodles.

Step 5: Add the Creaminess

Turn off the heat (important so the cream doesn’t split). Stir in ½ cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste one last time and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve with Noodles

Cook 12 ounces of egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain. Spoon the creamy turkey-mushroom sauce generously over the noodles and toss lightly to coat.

Grab a fork, because your homemade Ground Turkey Stroganoff is ready to serve!

✨ Pro Tip: For a one-pot style dinner, you can add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet and stir until everything is coated in sauce. This makes it extra cozy and saves on dishes (which is always a win in my book!).

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Turkey Stroganoff

• Don’t skip the mushrooms. They bring that deep umami flavor that makes this dish shine.
• Thicken without lumps. Whisk the flour into cold broth before adding to the pan—no clumps in sight.
• Make it lighter. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt (but add it off heat so it doesn’t curdle).
• Meal prep win. Store sauce and noodles separately to keep leftovers fresh.
• Add veggies. Toss in peas or spinach for an extra nutrient boost.

Storage for Ground Turkey Stroganoff

• Store sauce and noodles in separate airtight containers.
• Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I freeze Ground Turkey Stroganoff?
Yes—just freeze the sauce (without the noodles) for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles if you’re going low-carb.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—use a plant-based sour cream and vegan butter.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Stroganoff is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and quick weeknight ease. It’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters in your house. Next time you’re stuck wondering what’s for dinner, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new family favorite.

And if you do make it, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating, drop a comment, or tag me on Instagram so I can cheer you on in your kitchen adventures.

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