Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff

This ground beef stroganoff recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting meal that's ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish has become my go-to solution for pleasing everyone at the dinner table with minimal effort.

I first made this stroganoff during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet hearty. My family was so impressed by how flavorful it was despite the short cooking time that it immediately earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Even my mushroom-skeptical child cleans their plate every time!

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef: The foundation of this dish. Choose 85/15 or 90/10 for best flavor without excess grease
• 1 small onion finely chopped: Adds essential aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness when cooked down
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish without the risk of burning fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the natural onion flavor without adding excess moisture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the sauce
• 1 packet brown gravy mix: Creates that rich brown gravy base quickly without hours of simmering
• 1 cup cold water: Dissolves the gravy mix perfectly when cold rather than hot
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Provides instant creaminess and mushroom flavor in one convenient ingredient
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and rich creaminess that makes stroganoff distinctive
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley: Brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles: The perfect pasta for holding the hearty sauce in each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Water for Noodles:

Bring a large pot of water to boil while you prepare the beef mixture. This parallel cooking saves significant time and ensures everything finishes together perfectly.

Brown the Beef Mixture:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Add the diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until beef is completely browned and onions have softened. The browning creates rich flavor compounds that form the foundation of your stroganoff.

Drain Excess Fat:

Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove excess fat, leaving just enough to keep things moist and flavorful. This prevents a greasy sauce while maintaining rich beefy flavor.

Create Gravy Base:

In a separate bowl, whisk the gravy mix with cold water until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the ground beef. Starting with cold water prevents lumps from forming in your gravy.

Add Creamy Elements:

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until everything is well combined and smooth. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits which add tremendous flavor to your sauce.

Simmer and Develop Flavors:

Allow the mixture to simmer on medium to medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld while the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. During this time, cook the egg noodles according to package directions, adding a teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.

Drain Noodles:

Once the noodles are tender but still slightly firm, drain them thoroughly but do not rinse. The starchy exterior helps the sauce cling to each noodle.

Combine and Serve:

Mix the drained noodles with the beef mixture, sprinkle with dried parsley, and stir until everything is evenly coated. The hot noodles will absorb some of the sauce, creating the perfect consistency.

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The cream of mushroom soup is my secret weapon in this recipe. While some might consider it a shortcut ingredient, I find it adds a depth of flavor and creaminess that would take much longer to develop from scratch. When I serve this to guests, they're always surprised to learn how quickly it comes together, assuming the rich flavor must have required hours of cooking.

Make Ahead and Storage

This stroganoff actually improves with a little time, making it perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken considerably in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to three months. I recommend slightly undercooking the noodles if you know you'll be freezing the dish to prevent them from becoming too soft when reheated.

Easy Substitutions

No egg noodles? This sauce works beautifully with almost any pasta. Try fettuccine, rotini, or even rice in a pinch. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. If using poultry, add an extra tablespoon of butter or olive oil to compensate for the lower fat content.

Dairy-free alternatives work surprisingly well here. Replace the sour cream with dairy-free sour cream or full-fat coconut milk plus a splash of lemon juice for tanginess. There are also several excellent dairy-free cream soup options available now in most grocery stores.

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Serving Suggestions

A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette creates the perfect balance to the rich stroganoff. I prefer something with a bit of acidity like a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.

For an extra special touch, serve with a side of garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce. The contrast between the crunchy bread and creamy stroganoff is absolutely divine.

A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the savory flavors beautifully if serving to adults. For a family-friendly meal, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate between bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Also, ensure that your gravy mix and cream of mushroom soup are certified gluten-free.

→ Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?

Yes, you can sauté fresh mushrooms and use heavy cream or a homemade mushroom sauce as a substitute for canned soup.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

This meal pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots for a complete dinner.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove and cook the noodles fresh before serving.

→ Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

If you prefer, you can use plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a substitute for sour cream.