Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff

There's something about a big bowl of creamy beef stroganoff that just feels like home. Tender egg noodles coated in a rich, creamy sauce with seasoned ground beef make this one of those dinners everyone gets excited about.

Traditional beef stroganoff is often made with expensive cuts of steak, but this budget-friendly version swaps in lean ground beef without sacrificing flavor. It's hearty, comforting, and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

I love recipes like this because they use simple pantry ingredients while still tasting like a meal you've spent hours making. Serve it with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad for an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• One skillet meal
• Rich, creamy, and comforting
• Great for leftovers
• Family favorite

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• ½ cup sour cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, if using. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the mushrooms have softened.
4. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring until smooth.
6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the sour cream.
9. Add the cooked egg noodles and toss until everything is evenly coated.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of beef broth or milk while reheating.

Budget-Friendly Tips

• Skip the mushrooms if your family doesn't enjoy them.
• Add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
• Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream.
• Ground turkey also works well for a lighter version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce reheats beautifully. If it becomes too thick in the refrigerator, simply add a splash of broth or milk when warming it up.

Can I freeze beef stroganoff?

You can freeze the meat sauce before adding the sour cream and noodles. When ready to serve, thaw, warm the sauce, stir in the sour cream, and toss with freshly cooked noodles.

Do I have to use mushrooms?

No! They're completely optional and the recipe is still delicious without them.

What should I serve with beef stroganoff?

Roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a fresh side salad all pair perfectly with this meal.

This Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff is one of those timeless comfort food recipes you'll come back to again and again. It's rich, hearty, budget-friendly, and simple enough for even the busiest weeknights.