Name: One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch; 1 ¾ cups milk; 1 ¼ cups beef stock; 1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe because it brings together comfort and simplicity in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I first created this recipe to replace the boxed versions my family adored, and since then, it has become a staple in our home. Creamy, savory, and packed with rich flavors, this dish proves you don’t need complicated meals to feel truly satisfied. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup as easy as the cooking.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

What excites me most about this One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how perfectly the flavors balance — the tender ground beef melds beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of tender egg noodles. I’m a huge fan of dishes that deliver both comfort and depth without requiring hours in the kitchen, and this recipe nails it. The savory notes from the beef and beef stock combined with garlic and onion powders create a flavor profile that’s hearty yet nuanced.

From my experience, the true magic lies in its ease of preparation. I can throw everything into a skillet and, in under 20 minutes, have a wholesome, satisfying meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something quick but still crave that home-cooked feel. Plus, it’s versatile enough to impress casual family dinners or to cozy up on a chilly evening. This isn’t just any stroganoff; this is simplicity and flavor, all wrapped into one easy pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan on a white marbled surface holds three layers: the bottom layer is a creamy beige sauce with small black pepper pieces, half covered by a middle layer of cooked, crumbled dark brown ground meat on the left side, and a top layer of yellow twisted egg noodles on the right side. A red spoon is partly stirring the noodles and meat, resting on the lower right part of the noodles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is how the simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a key role in the dish’s texture, color, and flavor, making it both balanced and delicious.

1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that gives the dish its savory depth.
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley: Adds a fresh herbaceous note and a little color.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, fragrant undertone.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory richness.
1 ¾ cups milk: Creates a luscious base for the creamy sauce.
1 ¼ cups beef stock: Infuses the dish with meaty, umami goodness.
1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles: Tender and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
½ cup sour cream: The secret to that dreamy, tangy creaminess.
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the whole dish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring often, until it’s browned and crumbly—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks so it’s evenly cooked. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.

Step 2: While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix will thicken your sauce and add tons of flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Pour the cornstarch mixture, milk, beef stock, and egg noodles directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Once it boils, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking, and cook until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened—approximately 5 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix just until combined to keep the sauce silky and smooth. At this stage, your stroganoff is ready to serve!

Servings and Timing

This One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe makes enough to comfortably serve 4 people, which is perfect for a family dinner or having leftovers for lunch. It only requires about 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, so you’re looking at a total time of roughly 20 minutes. There’s no need for any resting or cooling time—you want to serve this dish hot to enjoy the creamy sauce and tender noodles at their best.

How to Serve This One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

A white plate with a red line near the edge holds a creamy pasta dish made of short twisted noodles covered in a light brown sauce with small pieces of ground meat and sliced mushrooms mixed evenly throughout. Next to it is a black pan filled with more of the same pasta, showing the sauce glossily coating the noodles and meat, with a wooden spoon resting in the pan, partially covered in sauce. Below the pan and plate is a towel with a checkered pattern of white, beige, and orange, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this stroganoff, I love to keep things simple and comforting. It shines all on its own, but if I want to elevate it, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast that balances the creaminess perfectly. Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are fantastic side choices too, bringing color and crunch to the plate.

For a final flourish, I often sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or chives on top before serving—it brightens the dish and makes it irresistibly inviting. You can present it in deep bowls to keep the heat in, and I find a generous portion of about one and a half cups per person satisfies even hearty appetites.

As for drinks, a light red wine like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the beef and creamy sauce. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a cold iced tea complements the meal without overpowering the flavors. I usually serve this dish hot, straight from the stove, which lets you enjoy every luscious bite at its best. It’s the perfect cozy meal for weeknights, casual family dinners, or even when hosting friends who love comfort food.

Variations

I love how flexible this One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is, and I’m always experimenting with different twists. If you want to lighten it up, swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt works wonderfully, adding tang and a little extra protein without sacrificing creaminess. For a dairy-free or vegan take, you could try using plant-based ground “beef,” coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the milk, and a vegan sour cream alternative—just be mindful that the flavors will shift a bit but remain delicious.

If you want to change up the noodles, wide egg noodles are classic, but using gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini can cater to dietary needs with great texture. Sometimes I like stirring in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to enhance the depth of flavor and add some earthy notes, which pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

For a different cooking method, you can adapt this recipe into a slow cooker by browning the beef separately, then combining all ingredients except sour cream and Parmesan in the crock pot and cooking on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the sour cream and cheese at the end. It’s fantastic for those busy days when you want dinner ready whenever you get home.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always recommend storing any leftover One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe in airtight containers to keep it fresh. It’s best stored in the refrigerator and should be eaten within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. Using shallow containers helps the dish cool quickly and evenly, which preserves texture and taste better.

Freezing

This stroganoff can be frozen if you want to keep it longer, though I find the texture of the noodles changes slightly once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer to do so gently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or beef stock if it feels too thick. Microwave reheating works too, but doing it in short intervals while stirring in between keeps the noodles from drying out. Avoid overheating to maintain that creamy texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives that work well in this recipe. Just be mindful they might release less fat, so you may want to add a bit of oil when cooking and adjust seasoning to boost flavor.

Is it necessary to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef?

Draining the fat helps prevent the dish from becoming greasy, especially if you’re using higher-fat ground beef. However, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can leave some fat in. I usually drain most and reserve a little for cooking the noodles.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or even rice noodles to keep it gluten-free. Just adjust cooking time according to the noodle package instructions and keep an eye on the sauce thickness.

How can I make this stroganoff more vegetable-packed?

I love adding mushrooms, spinach, or peas toward the end of cooking to boost nutrition and flavor. You can sauté mushrooms along with the beef or stir in spinach at the last minute until just wilted for a fresher, heartier dish.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your sauce gets too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk or beef stock to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water gradually while stirring.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. It’s become one of my go-to dinners because it combines speed, simplicity, and comforting flavor in a way that just hits the spot every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become your new favorite weeknight classic too!