This Ground Beef Stroganoff is an easy comfort-food dinner made with savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, onions, garlic, and egg noodles coated in a rich, creamy stroganoff sauce.

Using ground beef instead of steak keeps the recipe affordable and makes it much faster to prepare. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and homemade.

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Traditional beef stroganoff is often made with strips of beef, but ground beef makes an excellent shortcut.

It browns quickly, distributes throughout the sauce, and gives you savory beef in practically every bite.

Mushrooms and onions are cooked until tender before garlic, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings create the base of the sauce. Sour cream is stirred in at the end for that signature creamy stroganoff finish.

Serve it over tender egg noodles for a simple family dinner.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Affordable ground beef dinner
• Rich and creamy sauce
• Tender mushrooms and onions
• Easy weeknight meal
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Uses everyday ingredients
• Easy to customize
• Great for leftovers
• No canned cream soup needed

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground beef – An 85–90% lean ground beef provides plenty of flavor without making the sauce excessively greasy.

Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles are classic for stroganoff and hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Mushrooms – Cremini or white button mushrooms both work.

Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and savory depth.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor.

Butter – Helps brown the mushrooms and enriches the sauce.

Flour – Thickens the beef broth into a creamy sauce.

Beef broth – Creates the savory base.

Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami.

Dijon mustard – A small amount balances the richness without making the sauce taste strongly of mustard.

Paprika – Adds warmth and subtle flavor.

Sour cream – Gives stroganoff its classic creamy tang.

Salt and black pepper – Season to taste.

Fresh parsley – Optional, but adds freshness and color before serving.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

1. Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and break it into irregular crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Transfer the beef to a plate temporarily.

3. Cook the Mushrooms and Onion

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and the onion has softened.

4. Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds.

5. Add the Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions.

Stir continuously for approximately 1 minute.

This removes the raw flour taste and helps create a smooth sauce.

6. Make the Stroganoff Sauce

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring.

Add:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Paprika
• Black pepper

Stir until smooth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

7. Return the Beef

Add the browned ground beef back to the skillet.

Simmer for approximately 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

8. Add Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding the sour cream, as excessive heat can cause it to separate.

9. Add the Noodles

Add the drained egg noodles directly to the skillet.

Gently toss until the noodles are completely coated in the creamy beef and mushroom sauce.

10. Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Finish with chopped parsley and a little freshly ground black pepper.

Serve warm.

✨ Variations

Ground Beef Stroganoff Without Mushrooms

Simply leave out the mushrooms and add a little extra onion.

Extra-Creamy Stroganoff

Add an additional ¼ cup sour cream.

Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Replace the beef with ground turkey for a lighter variation.

Ground Chicken Stroganoff

Ground chicken also works well with the creamy mushroom sauce.

Spicy Beef Stroganoff

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Stroganoff with Greek Yogurt

Plain full-fat Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream. Add it over low heat.

Ground Beef Stroganoff with Rice

Skip the egg noodles and spoon the beef stroganoff over steamed rice.

🔥 Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff

Brown the beef properly. Let it develop some darker browned edges instead of constantly stirring it.

Don’t crowd the mushrooms. Give them time to brown instead of steaming.

Cook the flour for a minute. This prevents a raw flour flavor in the finished sauce.

Add broth gradually. Stirring while adding the broth helps prevent lumps.

Use full-fat sour cream. It creates a richer sauce and is less likely to separate.

Lower the heat before adding sour cream. This is especially important for a smooth sauce.

Don’t overcook the noodles. Slightly firm noodles hold up better when mixed into the sauce.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop.

Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has become too thick.

Individual portions can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Freezing

The beef and mushroom sauce can be frozen, but sour cream sauces may change texture slightly after thawing.

For best results, freeze the beef sauce before adding the sour cream and noodles.

Freeze for up to approximately 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and then stir in fresh sour cream.

❓ FAQs

What is beef stroganoff?

Beef stroganoff is a savory beef dish traditionally served in a creamy sauce, often with mushrooms and onions.

Can I use ground beef for stroganoff?

Absolutely. Ground beef makes stroganoff faster, affordable, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

What kind of mushrooms should I use?

Cremini mushrooms provide a deeper flavor, but regular white button mushrooms work perfectly well.

Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff without sour cream?

Yes. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be substituted, although the flavor will differ slightly.

Why did my sour cream separate?

The sauce was probably too hot. Reduce the heat before adding sour cream and avoid boiling afterward.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Prepare the beef and mushroom sauce ahead, refrigerate it, and gently reheat before adding sour cream and freshly cooked noodles.

What should I serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff?

It’s filling on its own, but green beans, roasted broccoli, peas, or a simple green salad work well alongside it.