Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a delightful, budget-friendly dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. This recipe features tender egg noodles enveloped in a creamy sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The easy preparation and rich taste set it apart from typical weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Ground Beef Stroganoff takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for hectic evenings.
- Family Favorite: The creamy texture and rich flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a meal everyone enjoys.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home, ensuring you can make this dish anytime.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and simple pantry staples keeps costs low while providing a hearty meal.
- Leftover Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Ground Beef Stroganoff experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Whisk: Ensures that your sauce remains lump-free as you combine ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Provide accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
This budget-friendly and comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff is ready in just 30 minutes. With tender egg noodles coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
For the Stroganoff
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon until fully browned (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
– Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
– Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir over medium heat until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy (about 5-7 minutes).
– Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked noodles and browned beef back into the skillet, stirring until well combined.
Gently stir in sour cream until fully incorporated. Serve hot with your favorite vegetable or garlic toast.
Enjoy this comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff with your loved ones!
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal and impress your family or guests.
Pair with Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the stroganoff.
- Roasted Carrots – Sweet, caramelized carrots complement the savory flavors of the dish beautifully.
- Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach provides a fresh contrast and enhances the nutritional value of your meal.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce, making every bite delicious.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls are great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Fresh Salad Options
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce paired with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing side that cuts through the heaviness of the stroganoff.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to your meal.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
To make sure your Ground Beef Stroganoff turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips. Following them can help you achieve that creamy and flavorful texture everyone loves.
- Bold choice of beef – Use lean ground beef for less grease, ensuring a cleaner taste in your stroganoff.
- Bold seasoning adjustment – Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your taste preferences for better flavor balance.
- Bold roux technique – Cook the roux until it’s golden brown; this adds depth to the sauce’s flavor.
- Bold sour cream incorporation – Stir in sour cream gently at low heat to maintain its creaminess without curdling.
- Bold noodle timing – Cook noodles just until al dente; they will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Bold storage advice – Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for reheating later.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Stroganoff
When serving Ground Beef Stroganoff, pairing it with delightful sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that complements the stroganoff’s flavors.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf offers a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with the rich sauce.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus – Tender asparagus roasted with garlic gives a crunchy texture contrast and vibrant color.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the creamy dish beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob adds a fun element to your meal and is easy to prepare alongside.
- Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or cheese as an alternative way to enjoy stroganoff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Ground Beef Stroganoff, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the roux: Not making a proper roux can lead to a lumpy sauce. Always whisk the flour with melted butter until smooth before adding liquids.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim for just browned meat—about 6-8 minutes is ideal.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can fall flat. Be sure to add enough salt and spices to enhance the flavors of your Ground Beef Stroganoff.
- Ignoring pasta cooking instructions: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Always follow package directions for cooking times to achieve the perfect texture.
- Using high-fat beef: Fatty ground beef can make the dish greasy. Opt for lean ground beef for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Ground Beef Stroganoff lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date.
Reheating Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring every minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of Ground Beef Stroganoff. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.
How do I thicken my sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a bit more flour mixed with water or let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired thickness.
What sides go well with Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Popular sides include steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad that complement this rich dish nicely.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
Is there a vegetarian option available?
For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute for ground beef.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Stroganoff is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. With its creamy sauce and tender noodles, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize by adding veggies or swapping out ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. This quick recipe features tender egg noodles coated in a rich beef sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add beef broth, stirring until thickened. Then whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in seasonings and return cooked beef and noodles to the skillet, mixing well. Gently fold in sour cream.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
