If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, you are going to fall in love with this Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic creamy mushroom and beef flavor combo without a long, complicated process. Imagine tender wide egg noodles drenched in a luscious sauce packed with browned ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a touch of tangy sour cream—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Plus, it’s simple enough to make any night of the week but delicious enough to impress friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, each bringing something essential to the table. Together, they create a perfect harmony of textures and rich, hearty flavors that make the Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe truly special.
- 12 ounces dried wide egg noodles: The perfect base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a smooth richness.
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory kick that’s essential.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a satisfying texture without greasiness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the beef perfectly.
- 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A lovely herbaceous touch that complements the mushrooms and beef.
- 6-ounce can tomato paste: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce’s foundation.
- 10-ounce can condensed beef consommé: Infuses the dish with intense umami and beefy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Balances the richness with just a gentle tang.
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms: Earthy, tender mushrooms that elevate the dish and add texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: The creamy finish that gives the stroganoff its characteristic tang and velvety texture.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: A burst of color and fresh flavor to brighten every bite.
How to Make Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preparing the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente—meaning they should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite. Drain them and set them aside. The noodles are your perfect canvas for all the rich flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they become soft and fragrant. Then, add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This step builds the base flavor, so patience here means maximum tastiness. After browning, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from turning greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour, coarse salt, and dried Italian herbs over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly—this will help thicken your sauce later. Then, stir in the tomato paste, condensed beef consommé, white wine vinegar, and sliced cremini mushrooms. The tomato paste and consommé deepen the savory flavor, while the vinegar adds a subtle brightness that keeps the sauce lively.
Step 4: Simmer Until Mushrooms Are Tender
Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help everything meld together. During this time, the mushrooms will soften and absorb the savory sauce, infusing every bite with their earthy goodness.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This final touch makes the stroganoff rich but also gives it the classic tang that makes this dish so comforting. Spoon the creamy beef and mushroom sauce over your warm noodles, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and enjoy the full experience of this Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the creamy sauce wonderfully. You can also consider a light sprinkle of paprika for a subtle smoky color or some cracked black pepper to add a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with bright, crisp sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic and lemon juice offer a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep it traditional, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the stroganoff in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs on top. You can also plate it over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta instead of noodles for a twist. If you’re feeling fun, try stuffing halved bell peppers with the stroganoff filling and bake them for a playful, handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a convenient meal to enjoy on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this stroganoff freezes quite well. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion, and freeze the noodles separately if possible for the best texture upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the sour cream from curdling. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work, but keep in mind that they are leaner and milder in flavor. You might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the savory notes.
What can I substitute for the condensed beef consommé?
If you don’t have beef consommé on hand, a rich beef broth or stock concentrated by simmering down works well. You can also mix beef broth with a splash of soy sauce for added umami.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute. Just be aware these swaps alter the flavor slightly but still keep the creamy texture.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free wide noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Double-check your beef consommé or broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
How do I get the sauce extra creamy and smooth?
Make sure to stir in the sour cream off the heat to avoid curdling. Using full-fat sour cream also helps achieve the ideal creamy richness. If you’d like, a little cream cheese or heavy cream can be added for an extra luscious touch.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It brings all the classic flavors of a traditional stroganoff in a fraction of the time, perfect for weeknights when you want something warm, hearty, and satisfying without the fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and watch it become a favorite in your home—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s beautifully simple and delicious every single time.
Print
Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sour cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces dried wide egg noodles
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 10-ounce can condensed beef consommé
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be used as a base for the stroganoff.
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Beef: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in all-purpose flour evenly to help thicken the sauce, followed by coarse salt and dried Italian herbs. Incorporate tomato paste, condensed beef consommé, white wine vinegar, and sliced cremini mushrooms, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure mushrooms become tender and the sauce thickens nicely.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream until fully combined and heated through to create a creamy stroganoff sauce. Serve immediately over cooked wide egg noodles and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the final dish.
- Make sure to cook the noodles al dente as they will continue to absorb sauce when served.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk sour cream; for a lighter version, choose low-fat sour cream.
- White wine vinegar adds brightness; if unavailable, a mild apple cider vinegar can be used.
- Fresh mushrooms can be substituted if cremini are unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
