30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This hearty and creamy 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich, tangy sour cream sauce all tossed with egg noodles, it delivers deep, satisfying flavor without the fuss. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in half an hour—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, filling, and family-approved.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Favorite: Everything cooks in one pan and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. No complicated steps, no unnecessary cleanup.
• Rich and Comforting: The creamy mushroom and beef sauce is packed with umami goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and inexpensive ground beef—delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
• Family-Friendly and Flexible: Kid-approved and easy to tweak for different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep things flavorful without excess grease. Browning it well adds rich depth to the sauce.
• Onion: Diced onion provides a sweet, aromatic base that complements the beef beautifully.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish a savory punch—don’t skip it!
• Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms add texture and a deep umami flavor. Slice them thin so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Beef broth: This is the backbone of the sauce—choose low-sodium to control seasoning and let the natural flavors shine.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory note that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
• Dijon mustard: Just a touch enhances the richness and adds subtle depth.
• Sour cream: This gives the sauce its creamy consistency and tangy finish. Don’t add it too early—wait until the end to keep it smooth.
• Egg noodles: Classic for stroganoff. They soak up the sauce beautifully and cook fast.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to get it just right.
• Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up at the end.

Variations

• Switch the Meat: Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version. Want to go vegetarian? Use lentils or finely chopped mushrooms instead.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or kale for extra nutrition.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream with the sour cream for even more lusciousness.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Break it up as it cooks, then drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are browned and tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stir in the Sour Cream

Once the noodles are cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Heat gently until warmed through—don’t boil or it may curdle.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the beef properly: Let it sear undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to develop deeper flavor.
• Use room temperature sour cream: This helps it blend smoothly without curdling when added to the hot pan.
• Keep an eye on the noodles: If they’re absorbing too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water as they cook.
• Let it rest: Give the stroganoff a few minutes off the heat before serving so the flavors settle and the sauce thickens slightly.

How to Serve

Ground Beef Stroganoff is cozy and complete on its own, but it’s also great with a few extras:

Serve with:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a crisp contrast.
• Crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.

For a twist:

Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or even rice if you’re out of noodles—still delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze it, but the sour cream may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze before adding the sour cream, then stir it in fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! Use full-fat for the best texture, and stir it in at the very end just like sour cream.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can! Use a plant-based sour cream alternative and check that your noodles are egg-free. The flavor will be a little different but still tasty.

Do I have to use egg noodles?
Not at all. Any short pasta will work—think rotini, penne, or even fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking time and adjust as needed.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Don’t let the sour cream boil. Keep the heat low when you add it, and make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is everything you want in a quick dinner—simple, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether it’s a last-minute meal or part of your weekly rotation, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Grab your skillet and make this your new weeknight favorite!

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