After a hectic day filled with endless to-do lists, there’s nothing more soothing than the aroma of a homemade meal wafting through the kitchen. That’s when I turned to my trusty recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff, a cozy dish that takes mere minutes to whip up. Imagine tender egg noodles slathered in a rich, creamy sauce — it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill stroganoff; gone is the canned cream of mushroom soup, replaced by fresh ingredients that bolster flavor and cut down on sodium. I can’t help but smile when I serve this dish to family and friends; it consistently earns rave reviews. Just 30 minutes from kitchen to table, this meal will become your go-to for satisfying cravings without the hassle, helping you break free from the fast-food cycle.
So, whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just someone who loves a good, homemade meal, let’s dive into this comforting recipe that proves quick and delicious can indeed go hand in hand!
Why is Ground Beef Stroganoff so beloved?
Hearty Comfort: This Ground Beef Stroganoff (without Cream of Mushroom Soup) is the ultimate cozy dish!
Quick & Easy: Whip up this meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: Say goodbye to processed soups! Home-cooked flavors shine bright with fresh mushrooms and savory sauce.
Family-Friendly Appeal: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Versatile Options: Customize with various proteins or noodles to fit your family’s cravings and dietary needs!
Rich Flavor: Savor the creamy sauce that envelops al dente egg noodles—comfort food at its finest!
Ground Beef Stroganoff Ingredients
For the Sauce
- Ground Beef – Use 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and lean meat.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing vegetables; can substitute with butter for extra richness.
- Yellow Onion – Adds sweet and savory depth; white onion is a fine substitute.
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms – Provides earthy flavor and texture; fresh is best—avoid canned.
- All-Purpose Flour – Used for thickening the sauce; gluten-free flour can be substituted.
- Beef Broth – Base for the sauce; low-sodium options are recommended for a healthier dish.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness; half-and-half or a plant-based alternative can be used for a lighter version.
- Sour Cream – Essential for tanginess; Greek yogurt provides a healthier option if desired.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle sharpness; yellow mustard can serve as a replacement.
- Garlic – Enhances overall flavor; use fresh garlic whenever possible for the best taste.
- Black Pepper – For seasoning; adjust to your taste preferences.
- All-Purpose MSG Seasoning or Salt – Enhances savoriness; reduce if using salt based on dietary needs.
For Garnish
- Parsley – Fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor; dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds depth and a smoky note; can be omitted if unavailable.
This Ground Beef Stroganoff (without Cream of Mushroom Soup) is sure to delight your taste buds with its hearty, homemade goodness!
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
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Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onions for about 2 minutes until they become softened and translucent.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Brown the Beef: Transfer the mushroom mixture to a bowl. In the same skillet, add the ground beef, browning it for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and the edges are crispy for deeper flavor.
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Boil the Noodles: While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Create the Sauce: Return the mushroom mixture to the skillet and reduce the heat. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to create a paste, letting it cook briefly.
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Add Broth and Cream: Gradually stir in the beef broth, bringing it to a simmer. Once it’s thickened, add the heavy cream and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Mix in the Flavors: Off the heat, stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and MSG or salt. Ensure everything is well combined for a creamy and flavorful sauce.
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Serve and Garnish: Serve the delicious beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flair.
Optional: A side salad pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the stroganoff.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ground Beef Stroganoff
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Browning the Beef: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the beef. Proper browning enhances flavor and creates that delightful crust.
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Sour Cream Caution: Always stir in sour cream off the heat. This prevents curdling, ensuring a silky sauce for your Ground Beef Stroganoff.
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Extra Veggies: Looking to sneak in some nutrients? Toss in frozen peas or shredded carrots with the mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
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Storage Savvy: Store any leftovers in airtight containers and aim to consume within 4 days to keep meals fresh and tasty.
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Noodle Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to switch up the noodles! Whole wheat or gluten-free varieties work beautifully while adding a healthy twist to your dish.
How to Store and Freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in increments in the microwave or on the stove for best results.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For best flavor and texture, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain creaminess. Stir well to ensure even heating without curdling the sour cream.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Ground Beef Stroganoff at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
Make Ahead Options
This Ground Beef Stroganoff (without Cream of Mushroom Soup) is perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container. Portion out the cooked ground beef separately, as it can remain fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sautéed mixture and beef in the skillet, then follow the remaining steps to make the sauce. This ensures all components maintain their rich flavors and textures, making dinner a breeze and just as delicious as when you first prepared them!
What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff (without Cream of Mushroom Soup)?
Picture your dinner table overflowing with warmth and delight as you share a meal with loved ones. The comforting aroma of beef stroganoff beckons, ready to transport everyone home.
- Buttery Garlic Bread: The perfect vehicle for that rich sauce! Crunchy outside and soft inside, it enhances the meal’s comforting theme.
- Classic Side Salad: A mix of fresh greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy stroganoff beautifully.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crisp texture provide a delightful contrast to the smooth sauce, enhancing your overall dining experience.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective; the bright green florets add a pop of color while contributing wholesome nutrients to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy delight that complements the beef stroganoff perfectly. The two together create a satisfying, hearty meal fit for the whole family.
- Sauteed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans with a splash of lemon brighten the plate with fresh flavors that beautifully transition from the richness of the stroganoff.
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well, enhancing the savory notes of the dish while adding a touch of sophistication.
- Chocolate Mousse: Finish on a sweet note! Its light, airiness contrasts wonderfully with the meal’s heartiness, leaving everyone in sweet bliss.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Variations
Customize your dish with these delightful twists that will surely impress your family and friends!
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Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey for a leaner version while retaining all the savory goodness of the original dish.
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Vegetarian Option: For a meatless twist, substitute ground beef with crumbled tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for depth in flavor.
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Pasta Alternatives: Experiment with different types of noodles like whole wheat, zucchini noodles, or gluten-free pasta for a fun texture change!
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Extra Veggies: Add in a handful of frozen peas, chopped spinach, or shredded carrots to increase nutritional value and vibrant color.
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Kick of Heat: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up for those who crave a little kick!
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Saucy Flavor Boost: Enhance the sauce with a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce for a rich, complex flavor that’ll leave everyone craving more.
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Creamy Spin: For even more creaminess, swap heavy cream with mascarpone or add a dollop of crème fraîche at the end for an elegant finish.
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Herb Infusion: Infuse the sauce with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a delightful aromatic experience that elevates each bite!
Ground Beef Stroganoff (without Cream of Mushroom Soup) Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using an 85/15 ground beef ratio. This gives you a good balance of juiciness without being overly greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can opt for 90/10, but remember it might not be as flavorful.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s important to let the stroganoff cool completely before sealing it to maintain its creaminess. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stove in short increments, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Yes, you can! Portion out the beef stroganoff into airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container because the sauce may expand while freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it creamy.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you find that your sauce has become too thick, no worries! Simply stir in a bit of beef broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This will help bring back some creaminess without losing flavor.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Certainly! If you’re cooking for someone with dairy allergies, you can substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with appropriate plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and a dairy-free yogurt. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden allergens. Also, kids and pets should avoid consuming any foods high in salt or spice—serve them a portion without added seasonings!
What if I can’t find cremini mushrooms?
If cremini mushrooms aren’t available, don’t fret! Button mushrooms work perfectly as a substitution—it’s all about what you can find and your personal taste. Just make sure you slice them fresh to get that earthy flavor that complements the ground beef beautifully.
Savory Ground Beef Stroganoff Without Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onions for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Transfer the mushroom mixture to a bowl. In the same skillet, add ground beef and brown for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
- While the beef cooks, boil water in a large pot. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Return the mushroom mixture to the skillet, reduce heat, and sprinkle flour over the beef to create a paste.
- Gradually stir in beef broth, bringing to a simmer. Once thickened, add heavy cream and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Off the heat, stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and MSG or salt until well combined.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with parsley and smoked paprika if desired.