Ground Beef Stroganoff – Cooking Up Memories

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty, creamy, and comforting dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This budget-friendly alternative to traditional beef stroganoff delivers all the rich flavors without the high cost or long cooking time. With tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce, this dish pairs beautifully with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s an excellent meal for the whole family and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Flour
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Egg noodles or preferred accompaniment
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: If serving with egg noodles, cook them according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the chopped onion. Cook until softened, then add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
4. Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring continuously to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Add Flavor: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
6. Incorporate the Beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mixing well into the sauce.
7. Finish with Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Cook gently until warmed through, but do not let it boil to prevent curdling.
8. Serve: Spoon the stroganoff over egg noodles or your preferred base, garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute mushrooms for the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sauce (without noodles) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Reheat it gently before serving over freshly cooked noodles.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or heavy cream can be used as substitutes for sour cream while maintaining the creamy texture.

Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh mushrooms provide a better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain them well before adding.

How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Reduce the heat before adding sour cream and stir it in gently. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding it.

What’s the best type of beef broth to use?

A low-sodium beef broth works best to control the salt level in the dish. You can always add more salt if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or spinach make great additions to add color and nutrition.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, use dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream as a substitute.

What kind of pasta works best with this dish?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use penne, fettuccine, or even mashed potatoes as a base.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients, making sure to use a large enough skillet for even cooking.

How can I make this dish richer?

Add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end for extra richness.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade classic!

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