Beef stroganoff is a rich and creamy comfort food traditionally made with sautéed beef and mushrooms, served over noodles. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a quicker, more affordable version by using ground beef, which brings the same delicious flavor but with less effort and cost. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal.
Why Ground Beef?
Using ground beef instead of traditional cuts of beef not only reduces the cooking time but also makes the dish more accessible to those on a budget. The ground beef version of stroganoff has become a popular alternative due to its ease and versatility. Plus, it can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste.
If you’re looking for more ideas using ground beef, check out this recipe for what to make with a lot of ground beef.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff
To make this hearty meal, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but adds flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream (or an alternative such as Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- Egg noodles (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For those curious about pairing ground beef with potatoes, you may enjoy learning how to cook meat and potatoes together.
Steps to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
Here’s how to prepare this quick and easy meal:
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onions, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are golden.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the flour, then slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
- Finish with sour cream: Lower the heat, then stir in the sour cream. Simmer until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Spoon the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, and enjoy!
For another easy, satisfying dinner idea, you can explore this ground beef and potato recipe.
Tips for the Best Stroganoff
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the dish.
- Avoid curdling the sour cream by adding it off the heat and stirring gently.
- Thicken the sauce with a bit more flour or cornstarch if you prefer a heartier consistency.
Popular Variations
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
FAQs About Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
Can I Make Beef Stroganoff Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Can I Freeze Beef Stroganoff?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. When reheating, make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce.
Conclusion
Ground beef stroganoff is a delicious, time-saving alternative to the classic recipe, offering all the rich flavors in less time and with fewer ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. For more ground beef inspiration, feel free to explore additional recipes like meat and potatoes combination benefits.