Ground Beef Stroganoff

This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a quick and easy family favorite that combines tender ground beef, creamy sour cream, and rich cheddar cheese over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients like beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and frozen peas, this dish delivers a savory, hearty meal in under 45 minutes. Whether you choose to bake it for extra cheese perfection or make it entirely on the stovetop, this beef stroganoff is a delicious, satisfying option for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• ¾ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients ahead of time. Allow sour cream to sit at room temperature near the stove to help it melt smoothly. If possible, shred cheese from a block for better meltability. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Beef: Season ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the beef over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 3 more minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the flour loses its raw smell.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits, known as fond, to enhance the flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Incorporate Dairy: Stir in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheese. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sour cream isn’t fully incorporated right away, continue to stir until it melts into the sauce.
7. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to ensure they are slightly undercooked. Drain the noodles and add them directly into the sauce, stirring well to combine.
8. Bake (Optional): If your skillet is oven-safe, top the stroganoff with the remaining cheese. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
9. Stovetop Method (Alternative): To skip the oven, cook the noodles for the full time on the stovetop, add them to the sauce, and top with cheese. Cover the pot to melt the cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, rich, and creamy dish that’s packed with flavor. With the perfect balance of savory beef, tangy sour cream, and the richness of cheese, it’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether baked for extra texture or cooked entirely on the stovetop, this recipe offers versatility to suit your kitchen preferences.

Tips

• Cheese Choice: Freshly shredded cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Prevent Grease: Drain the beef after browning to keep the dish from being too greasy.
• Room Temperature Sour Cream: Allowing the sour cream to warm up slightly helps it incorporate better into the sauce, preventing curdling.
• Pasta Cooking: Boil the noodles a minute less than al dente, as they will continue to cook in the sauce and in the oven, ensuring they don’t become mushy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a lighter take.
• Cheese Substitutes: You can use any other melty cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use dairy-free sour cream and cheese.
• Add Mushrooms: For a more traditional stroganoff taste, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the stroganoff and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
• Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Just use your preferred gluten-free pasta, following the package instructions for cooking.
• Can I freeze this? Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the stroganoff.
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes a great side for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• For a lighter alternative, pair with a side of roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli.