Ground Beef Stroganoff

There’s something magical about a dish that comes together quickly yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this Quick & Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s rich, savory, and the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a little extra comfort on your plate.

I’ve made countless variations of stroganoff over the years. Some with steak, others with fancy ingredients. But honestly? This ground beef version is one of my absolute favorites. It’s affordable, uses pantry staples, and still delivers all that creamy, hearty flavor you expect from a good stroganoff. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family. My kids love it, my husband always goes back for seconds, and I love how little cleanup there is afterward.

What makes this recipe extra special is how the rich sour cream and mushroom gravy coat the perfectly browned ground beef. When spooned over tender egg noodles, it becomes a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Let’s dive into exactly how to make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients list. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already:

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ cup diced yellow onion

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves)

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Cooked egg noodles (for serving, optional)

This recipe keeps things simple, but delivers on flavor in a big way. The combination of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream creates that signature creamy stroganoff sauce, while the ground beef makes it weeknight-friendly and budget-conscious.

STEP 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef as it browns. You want the meat fully cooked and nicely crumbled, with the onions softened and fragrant.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step. Allowing the beef to brown properly enhances the flavor of your stroganoff. Browning equals flavor!

Once the beef is cooked through, carefully drain off any excess grease. This helps keep your sauce from becoming overly greasy later on. Set the cooked beef aside for now.

STEP 2: Make the Roux

With the ground beef set aside, return your empty skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add the salted butter and let it melt completely. Then sprinkle in the flour.

Whisk the flour and butter together until they form a smooth, golden paste—this is your roux, which will help thicken the sauce and give it that luscious texture.

Tip: Keep whisking to ensure the flour absorbs all the butter and cooks slightly. You want a smooth base with no lumps.

STEP 3: Add the Beef Broth

Now, slowly pour in the beef broth while continuously whisking. This is important—adding the broth gradually while whisking helps prevent lumps and creates a silky, smooth sauce.

Once all the broth is incorporated, turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. You’ll notice it becoming glossy and rich—exactly what we want.

Finishing Your Ground Beef Stroganoff to Creamy Perfection

Now that we’ve built a flavorful base with the browned ground beef and smooth roux, it’s time to bring it all together into the creamy, comforting stroganoff sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. These next steps are where the magic really happens, and they’re just as simple and straightforward as the first part.

STEP 4: Stir in the Sour Cream and Cream of Mushroom Soup

Once your broth mixture has thickened slightly, reduce the heat back down to medium. Now it’s time to add the two ingredients that really define stroganoff: sour cream and cream of mushroom soup.

Add both the sour cream and the cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Use your whisk to gently stir the mixture until it’s completely smooth and well combined. The sauce should be thick, creamy, and rich with a beautiful velvety texture.

Tip: Make sure your sour cream is at room temperature before adding it in. This helps it incorporate more smoothly into the hot sauce and prevents curdling.

STEP 5: Season to Taste

With the sauce fully combined, it’s time to season. Start with a good pinch of salt and pepper, then taste as you go. Everyone’s taste buds are a little different, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

If you find that the sauce is a little too thick for your preference, simply stir in a splash of extra beef broth until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Pro Tip: The cream of mushroom soup already brings some saltiness to the dish, so be careful not to over-season at the start. It’s always easier to add more than to try to fix an overly salty sauce.

STEP 6: Return the Ground Beef to the Sauce

Now that your sauce is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, it’s time to bring back the star of the show: the ground beef. Add the cooked beef mixture back into the skillet, stirring gently to ensure that every bit of beef is coated with the luscious sauce.

Allow the mixture to cook for a couple more minutes, just until everything is heated through and well blended. The ground beef will soak up all that incredible flavor from the sauce, making every bite absolutely delicious.

STEP 7: Serve Over Egg Noodles

Your Ground Beef Stroganoff is now ready to serve! Traditionally, stroganoff is paired with tender egg noodles, and I highly recommend sticking with them. They do a fantastic job of soaking up the creamy sauce and add the perfect texture to each bite.

Simply spoon the stroganoff over a generous serving of cooked egg noodles and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting meal.

Optional Variations and Serving Ideas

While this classic version is always a hit, there are plenty of ways you can customize your Ground Beef Stroganoff to fit your taste or dietary needs:

• Serve over rice or mashed potatoes if you want a change from noodles.

• Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Add sautéed mushrooms for extra mushroom flavor and texture.

• Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy, protein-packed twist.

• Serve with steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli for a complete meal.

Extra Tips for Success

Here are a few more helpful tips to ensure your stroganoff turns out perfect every single time:

• Drain the beef well after browning to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.

• Whisk thoroughly when making the roux and adding the broth to avoid lumps.

• Adjust the sauce consistency by adding a bit more beef broth if it gets too thick.

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic will work in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Ground Beef Stroganoff: FAQ and Final Thoughts

By now, your kitchen is probably smelling amazing, and you’re just about ready to dive into your delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff. But before you do, let’s cover a few of the most common questions I get about this recipe. These quick answers will help ensure your stroganoff turns out perfect every single time, whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Ground Beef Stroganoff reheats beautifully. You can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
You can freeze it, but keep in mind that sauces with sour cream can sometimes separate when thawed and reheated. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

What type of ground beef should I use?
I recommend using ground beef that’s 85% lean. This gives you enough fat for great flavor without making the dish too greasy. Just remember to drain off the excess fat after browning.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of canned soups, you can make a simple homemade mushroom sauce with fresh mushrooms, a bit of butter, flour, and beef broth. This will give you a more homemade taste while keeping the same creamy texture.

What if I don’t have egg noodles?
Egg noodles are traditional, but this stroganoff works well with other options like rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux and make sure your beef broth and cream of mushroom soup are gluten-free as well. There are many gluten-free options available in most grocery stores.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
While the classic stroganoff is dairy-heavy, you can experiment with dairy-free sour cream and cream of mushroom substitutes. Look for plant-based options in the dairy section or health food stores.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

There’s a reason Ground Beef Stroganoff has stood the test of time—it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with comforting flavors that everyone loves. This version takes all the richness of the classic dish and simplifies it with ground beef and pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences, switch up the proteins or sides, and even sneak in a few extra veggies if you like. Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to leave a comment, share your favorite variations, or ask any questions you might have. Cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly—delicious. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite of your Ground Beef Stroganoff!

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic stroganoff with the convenience of ground beef. The rich sour cream and mushroom gravy pairs perfectly with tender ground beef and is delicious served over egg noodles for an easy weeknight meal.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground beef

½ cup diced yellow onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1–2 cloves)

3 tablespoons salted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups beef broth

1 cup sour cream

10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooked egg noodles (for serving, optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with diced yellow onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and crumbled.

Drain the ground beef to remove excess grease and set the beef aside. Return the empty skillet to the stove over medium heat.

Add salted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely.

Once melted, add the flour to the butter and whisk together, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and form a roux.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking vigorously to remove any lumps. Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Reduce the heat to medium and whisk in the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of additional beef broth to reach the desired consistency.

Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and stir until the meat is reheated and evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles and enjoy.

Notes

Draining the beef after browning prevents the sauce from becoming greasy. Whisking the roux thoroughly while adding the broth ensures a smooth, lump-free gravy. Adjusting the thickness with extra beef broth allows you to control the consistency based on your preference. While egg noodles are traditional, the stroganoff can also be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables for a lower-carb option.