Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles is a timeless comfort food classic that combines savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce into one cozy, satisfying meal. Originating from the Russian dish “Beef Stroganov,” this version offers a simplified, budget-friendly twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor or richness.

What makes this dish so beloved is its perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and tangy elements — the beef and mushrooms deliver umami depth, the sour cream brings a smooth tanginess, and the noodles soak up all that luscious sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend evening, this recipe is the kind of meal that brings warmth to your table and smiles to everyone’s face.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of comfort food — it’s rich, hearty, and comes together easily in one pan. Unlike traditional beef stroganoff that uses expensive cuts of beef, this version with ground beef is budget-friendly and approachable for everyday cooking.

The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the egg noodles, and every bite is full of flavor from the caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of garlic. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a must-try because it’s:

• Easy and approachable — Ready in under 40 minutes!
• Budget-friendly — Uses everyday ingredients like ground beef and mushrooms.
• Comforting and hearty — Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• Customizable — Easily adaptable with different proteins or seasonings.
• One-pan friendly — Less cleanup, more flavor!

If you’re craving something rich and soul-soothing, this dish is exactly what you need.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~510 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Russian-inspired

Ingredients

For the Stroganoff Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work best)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For Serving:

• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
• Additional parsley or grated Parmesan (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add egg noodles and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Drain, toss with a little butter to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil (if needed) over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer beef to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add a little butter if needed.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown — about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

1. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat evenly.
2. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer — the sauce will thicken as it cooks (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 5: Add the Beef Back

1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Stir in Sour Cream

1. Turn off the heat (important — sour cream can curdle if overheated).
2. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Combine with Egg Noodles

1. Add the cooked egg noodles directly into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff hot, straight from the pan, for the ultimate comfort meal.
Here are some serving ideas:

• Over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes
• With a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Add a crusty bread roll or garlic toast to soak up the creamy sauce
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a touch of color and flavor

It’s also wonderful with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overheat the sour cream — add it off heat to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
• Brown the beef properly for maximum flavor before adding it back to the sauce.
• Mushrooms are key — they add depth and richness, so don’t skip them!
• Want extra creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.
• Use wide egg noodles — they hold the sauce perfectly.

Variations

1. Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Vegetarian Stroganoff: Use lentils, tofu crumbles, or extra mushrooms instead of beef.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles and cornstarch instead of flour to thicken.
4. Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little kick.
5. Luxury Upgrade: Stir in a splash of dry white wine to the sauce before adding beef broth.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly on the stove until warm and creamy again.

Note: For best results, store the noodles separately from the sauce if freezing to prevent sogginess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan (for noodles)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a lighter alternative — just add it off heat to prevent curdling.

Q2: My sauce turned out too thick. What should I do?
Simply stir in a bit more beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — make the sauce ahead and reheat it before tossing with fresh noodles.

Q4: What can I serve instead of egg noodles?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower rice are great options.

Q5: Can I skip the mushrooms?
You can, but they add great flavor. Substitute with zucchini or bell peppers for a twist.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles is the definition of weeknight comfort — simple, rich, and endlessly satisfying. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, yet it tastes like something you’d order in a cozy restaurant.

The creamy sauce, tender beef, and buttery noodles create the perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.