Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With tender ground beef in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce served over pasta, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and hearty. This recipe will walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, plus helpful tips to ensure your stroganoff turns out perfectly every time. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious dish, along with variations, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid!

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What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a twist on the classic Beef Stroganoff, a Russian dish traditionally made with strips of beef. In this variation, ground beef is used as the protein, making the recipe more affordable and quicker to prepare. The dish consists of ground beef cooked in a savory sauce made with onions, garlic, mushrooms, and sour cream, which is often served over egg noodles or rice. It’s a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a rich and creamy flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

To make a flavorful and creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and fat)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini work best)
• 2 cups beef broth or stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat is best for creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• 12 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup heavy cream (for an extra rich sauce)
• ¼ cup white wine (to deglaze the pan and add depth to the flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
• 1 cup frozen peas (for added color and nutrition)

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef Stroganoff is highly customizable, so feel free to make adjustments based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

1. Protein Substitutions: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each meat brings its own unique flavor to the dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
2. Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, use plant-based ground beef substitutes or increase the amount of mushrooms and add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
3. Dairy-Free: Swap out sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute.
4. Pasta Options: Instead of egg noodles, serve your stroganoff over mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or pasta, and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickening agent like arrowroot powder.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Ground Beef Stroganoff is straightforward and doesn’t require too much time or effort. Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Noodles: Begin by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they soften and release their moisture. The mushrooms should be tender and slightly browned by the end of this step.
5. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the meat and mushroom mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Then, gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Season the Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and any additional seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper if you’re using them. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add the Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream. This step is crucial for ensuring the sauce stays creamy without curdling. Mix until everything is well combined, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Combine with Noodles: Finally, toss the cooked egg noodles with the beef and mushroom sauce. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

How to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Ingredients: Assemble all your ingredients to ensure you have everything on hand before you start cooking.
2. Cook Noodles or Base: Start boiling water for your egg noodles, or prep rice or mashed potatoes if you’re opting for those instead of noodles.
3. Prepare Veggies and Meat: Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms. Set these aside as you brown the ground beef in your skillet.
4. Create the Sauce: Once the beef is browned, mix in your sautéed veggies, mushrooms, and seasonings before thickening with flour and broth. Stir in sour cream off heat to finish the sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish: Toss the noodles with your creamy sauce mixture, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Curdled Sauce: Adding sour cream while the skillet is still on the heat can cause it to curdle. Be sure to remove the pan from heat before stirring it in.
2. Overcooking Mushrooms: Mushrooms should be cooked until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture.
3. Lumpy Sauce: To avoid lumps in the sauce, whisk the flour in with the meat mixture thoroughly, and add the broth slowly while stirring.
4. Bland Stroganoff: Don’t forget to season your dish properly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and don’t shy away from adding more Worcestershire sauce or mustard for an extra kick.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a rich and hearty dish, so pairing it with the right sides and presenting it well can elevate the dining experience. Here are a few serving and presentation ideas:

1. Serve over Noodles: The classic way to enjoy stroganoff is over wide egg noodles, but it also works well with rice or mashed potatoes.
2. Add Color: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it with a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or a simple garden salad.
3. Rustic Presentation: Serve stroganoff in a deep dish or shallow bowl for a cozy, rustic presentation. Sprinkle a bit of paprika or a few slices of sautéed mushrooms on top for added appeal.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Once your Ground Beef Stroganoff is ready, you can serve it in various ways depending on what you prefer. Traditionally, it’s served over a bed of egg noodles, but you can also try other bases like rice or mashed potatoes. If you want a lighter alternative, serve it over spiralized vegetables or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Make sure to top the dish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a touch of freshness.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff

For a beautiful presentation, consider these ideas:

1. Garnish Generously: Garnish your stroganoff with bright green herbs like parsley or chives to bring a fresh contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish.
2. Use a Stylish Serving Dish: Serve the stroganoff in a large, shallow bowl or a stylish platter to make it visually appealing.
3. Texture Contrast: You can sprinkle a bit of crispy fried onions on top to give the dish a crunchy texture, which contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips

1. Use Quality Beef: Opt for ground beef with a bit of fat, like 80/20, to ensure a flavorful sauce. Leaner beef may result in a less rich dish.
2. Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Let your mushrooms brown and release their moisture completely before moving on to the next step. This step adds a lot of flavor.
3. Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust seasoning. A little extra mustard or Worcestershire sauce can go a long way in enhancing the overall flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Yes, you can freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the noodles. Reheat it gently to avoid curdling the sour cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ground Beef Stroganoff can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it slowly over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Is Ground Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses flour as a thickener, but you can substitute it with cornstarch or another gluten-free thickening agent to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special family meal. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender ground beef, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, the comforting flavors of this dish are hard to beat. Plus, with plenty of room for variations and customization, you can make this recipe your own! So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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