Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Posted on November 19, 2025

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors with minimal effort. This creamy hamburger gravy is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. The combination of hearty ingredients creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love, while being budget-friendly ensures you can enjoy it without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and savory flavor, even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for variety.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this dish won’t strain your wallet.
Easily Customizable: Add vegetables like mushrooms or peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need to make your Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large skillet
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Why These Tools Matter

Large skillet: Provides ample space to cook ground beef evenly without overcrowding.
Whisk: Ensures smooth incorporation of flour into the butter, preventing lumps in your sauce.
Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
Knife: A sharp knife simplifies cutting onions and garlic, making prep time quicker.

Ingredients

This is the best Ground Beef Stroganoff. It’s a flavor-filled creamy hamburger gravy that is best served over egg noodles. Budget friendly, family friendly!

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves)
3 Tablespoons salted butter
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooked egg noodles (for serving, optional)

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef along with 1/2 cup diced yellow onion and 1 teaspoon minced garlic until thoroughly cooked and crumbled.

Step 2: Drain the Meat

Drain the ground beef to remove excess grease from the pan. Return the pan to the stove over medium heat (don’t add the ground beef back in yet). Add 3 tablespoons of salted butter and allow it to melt.

Step 3: Prepare the Roux

Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pan. Whisk continuously until the flour absorbs the butter completely.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in 1 1/2 cups of beef broth while whisking vigorously to remove any lumps. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Creamy Ingredients

Reduce the temperature back to medium. Whisk in 1 cup of sour cream and a 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup until thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Season Your Sauce

Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep tasting until seasoned just how you like it. If it becomes too thick, simply add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine Everything Together

Return the cooked ground beef back into the mixture until heated through.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve over cooked egg noodles and enjoy your delicious Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff!

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your family’s preferences. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your meal experience.

Over Egg Noodles

Serve the stroganoff over warm cooked egg noodles for a classic presentation. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful.

In a Bread Bowl

For a fun twist, hollow out a bread roll and fill it with the stroganoff. This not only adds an exciting visual element but also offers a tasty way to enjoy every last bit of the dish.

With Rice

Pair the stroganoff with steamed white or brown rice. The rice acts as a base that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

On a Baked Potato

Top a baked potato with the ground beef stroganoff for a hearty and comforting meal. The fluffy potato absorbs the flavors perfectly.

As a Stuffed Pepper Filling

Use bell peppers as vessels by stuffing them with the stroganoff mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender for a nutritious and colorful serving option.

How to Perfect Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

To elevate your Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff, consider these helpful tips for achieving that perfect flavor and consistency.

Choose Quality Meat: Use lean ground beef for a healthier dish while still enjoying rich flavors.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions will enhance the overall taste compared to dried versions.
Adjust Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, add more beef broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Season Smartly: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to fit your preferences for seasoning.
Incorporate Veggies: Add mushrooms or spinach into the mix for additional texture and nutrition.
Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Serving side dishes with your Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff can enhance its appeal and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

Steamed Broccoli: This green vegetable adds color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the stroganoff.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides an excellent way to scoop up any leftover sauce and adds delightful crunch.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette complements the creamy nature of stroganoff, providing contrast in textures.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots will add depth of flavor while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with beef stroganoff.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw brings freshness to the table, balancing out the heaviness of the main dish.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn offers sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser during family dinners.
Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles as an alternative base instead of traditional egg noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are common pitfalls and how to dodge them:

Boldly Skip the Browning: Not browning your ground beef properly can lead to an underwhelming flavor. Always ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and crumbled for a rich taste.
Boldly Ignore Seasoning: Forgetting to season your dish can make it bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper until it satisfies your palate.
Boldly Overlook the Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, it will be hard to enjoy. Add a bit more beef broth if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
Boldly Rush the Cooking Time: Skipping simmering time may prevent flavors from developing. Allow the mixture to cook at medium heat to enhance richness.
Boldly Use Low-Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality beef broth or sour cream can impact taste. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for best results.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Portion into smaller containers for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in intervals of 1–2 minutes, stirring between each session until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, adding broth if needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef in a rich sauce served over egg noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners.

How do I customize Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff?

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like mushrooms or peas, or substituting different types of meat such as turkey or chicken.

Can I make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

What should I serve with Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to modify ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights!