This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy and savory meal pairs perfectly with tender egg noodles. It’s not only budget-friendly but also versatile enough for various occasions—whether it’s a family weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and pantry staples, you can create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Creamy Texture: The rich sauce coats the noodles beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
- Family Favorite: Its comforting taste appeals to both kids and adults, making it a go-to recipe for many households.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Ground Beef Stroganoff efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking both the beef and the sauce, allowing for easy mixing.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps in your creamy sauce.
- Pot for boiling noodles: Ensures your egg noodles are cooked perfectly while preparing the rest of the dish.
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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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 until al dente. Drain them and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks 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 while stirring continuously until smooth (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Reduce heat to low. Add cooked noodles and browned beef into the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined. Gently mix in sour cream until fully incorporated. Serve hot with your favorite vegetable or garlic toast for an extra touch!
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh crunch and balances the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil and roast until tender for a flavorful side.
Over Rice
- White Rice: A simple bed of fluffy white rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve your stroganoff over nutty brown rice.
On Toast
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread works wonderfully as a base, soaking up the savory sauce.
- Sourdough Toast: Thick slices of sourdough bread add a delightful tang and texture.
As a Casserole
- Baked Stroganoff Casserole: Combine leftover stroganoff with cheese and bake for a comforting casserole dish.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
Achieving the best Ground Beef Stroganoff is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Choose Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining flavor.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or milk; if too thin, simmer longer.
- Incorporate Mushrooms: Adding sautéed fresh mushrooms enhances both texture and taste.
- Add More Seasoning: Taste as you cook; sometimes, an extra pinch of salt or pepper makes all the difference.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve your Ground Beef Stroganoff right after cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Stroganoff
Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef Stroganoff enhances its comforting flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the rich sauce perfectly.
- Green Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the meal’s richness.
- Caesar Salad: This classic salad offers crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing, providing a nice contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of flavor and color to your dinner plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts give a delightful caramelized taste that pairs well with stroganoff.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf can serve as a healthy alternative while adding interesting textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ground Beef Stroganoff, certain pitfalls can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong pasta: Opting for pasta types that don’t hold sauce well can lead to a dry dish. Stick with egg noodles or similar pasta for the best results.
- Not draining excess fat: Failing to drain excess fat from the ground beef may result in a greasy sauce. Always drain the meat after browning it.
- Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to season your sauce can make it bland. Be sure to add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful dish.
- Overcooking the sauce: Cooking sauce too long can cause it to become thick and unappealing. Stir frequently and cook just until thickened.
- Adding sour cream too early: Mixing sour cream into a hot sauce can cause it to curdle. Always add it at the end and mix gently.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Freeze in single portions or family-sized servings using freezer-safe containers.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stroganoff in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer a serving into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until warm. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, creamy dish featuring ground beef cooked with noodles and a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners!
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option while maintaining great flavor.
What should I serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff?
This dish pairs wonderfully with vegetables like steamed broccoli or garlic toast on the side.
How do I make Ground Beef Stroganoff healthier?
Consider using lean ground beef, substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, or adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Can I double this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe holds up well as leftovers and is perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Stroganoff is not only budget-friendly but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with extra veggies or alternative meats, this dish is sure to please your family. It’s quick enough for busy nights yet hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table!
Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This creamy and savory dish features tender egg noodles enveloped in a rich sauce made from ground beef, creating a satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Not only is this recipe budget-friendly, but it’s also versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite vegetables or making it lighter by swapping out ingredients. Serve it alongside fresh veggies or crusty garlic bread for an elevated dining experience.
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
- Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Slowly whisk in milk and stir in spices until smooth.
- Mix cooked noodles and browned beef into the sauce until well combined. Stir in sour cream gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sauté mushrooms along with the ground beef. To make it healthier, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use lean ground beef.
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