I love how this Ground Beef Stroganoff delivers cozy and creamy comfort with minimal effort—ready in just 30 minutes, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I grew up enjoying slow-simmered stroganoff, but this version gives me that same rich taste in a fraction of the time. The classic pantry-friendly ingredients—ground beef, egg noodles, sour cream—come together in a lush, velvety sauce without needing canned soup. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit at my dinner table.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Egg noodles (6 oz)
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Ground beef (1 lb)
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Butter (¼ cup)
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All-purpose flour (¼ cup)
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Beef broth (1 cup)
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Milk (1¼ cup)
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Garlic powder (½ tsp)
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Onion powder (½ tsp)
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Black pepper (1 tsp)
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Salt (1 tsp)
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Sour cream (¼ cup)
directions
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I bring a pot of water to boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package; then I set them aside.
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While the noodles cook, I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes, drain any excess fat, then transfer it to a plate.
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In the same skillet, I melt the butter and whisk in the flour for about 2 minutes, creating a roux.
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Gradually I whisk in the beef broth and cook until the mixture thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
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Next, I whisk in the milk and stir over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
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I season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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I reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked noodles and browned beef, stirring to combine and heat through.
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I fold in the sour cream until the sauce is fully incorporated, then I serve it hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Total time: 30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook)
Variations
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Mushroom lover’s twist: I like to add sliced mushrooms while browning the beef for an earthy flavor.
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Worcestershire boost: I stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, savory note.
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Protein swap: I sometimes switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up.
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Creamier version: I use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.
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Herb lift: I finish the dish with fresh parsley or a pinch of thyme to brighten the flavor.
storage/reheating
I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in a saucepan over low heat. A splash of milk stirred in while reheating brings the sauce back to life. This dish also freezes well—I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I freeze leftover stroganoff?
Yes, I freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. After thawing in the fridge, I reheat it gently with a bit of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Can I make it without milk?
I can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk. The flavor changes slightly, but it still turns out delicious.
Will the sour cream curdle if reheated?
To avoid curdling, I reheat slowly over low heat and stir well. I’ve found that adding the sour cream just before serving also helps.
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, I sometimes use rotini, penne, or even spaghetti. I just make sure not to add more than 6 oz so the sauce doesn’t get stretched too thin.
How can I deepen the flavor?
I add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or sautéed onions and garlic to enhance the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This easy Hamburger Stroganoff is one of my favorite go-to comfort meals. It’s creamy, flavorful, and on the table in just 30 minutes. Whether I’m feeding a family or just myself, I know I can count on this dish to deliver a warm, satisfying dinner every time.
Print
The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff that’s ready in 30 minutes. Made with pantry staples like sour cream, egg noodles, and beef broth, it’s a perfect weeknight comfort meal without canned soup.
Ingredients
- Egg noodles (6 oz)
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Butter (¼ cup)
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup)
- Beef broth (1 cup)
- Milk (1¼ cup)
- Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Onion powder (½ tsp)
- Black pepper (1 tsp)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Sour cream (¼ cup)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions; set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux; cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Whisk in the milk and continue to stir over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until creamy.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cooked noodles and browned beef; stir to combine and heat through.
- Fold in the sour cream until fully incorporated and serve hot.
Notes
- Add mushrooms when browning the beef for extra depth.
- Use Worcestershire sauce for enhanced umami.
- Swap beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Heavy cream can be used instead of milk for a richer texture.
- Top with parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg