If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s a quick and easy dish that combines tender egg noodles, rich and savory ground beef, and a luscious creamy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and satisfying without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal that everyone around your table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but each component plays a vital role in delivering the classic flavors and creamy texture that define stroganoff. From the hearty ground beef to the smooth sour cream, every ingredient adds a unique touch that makes this dish shine.
- 6 ounces egg noodles: They’re tender and perfect for soaking up that dreamy sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty foundation full of comforting flavor.
- ¼ cup butter: Essential for making the roux, which thickens the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ cup flour: Helps create a silky, thickened sauce that clings to the noodles.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and savoriness, elevating the beefy taste.
- 1 ¼ cup milk: Creates a creamy base that lightens the sauce while keeping it rich.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and aromatic notes.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and mild spicy undertone.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Offers a little kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dish perfectly seasoned.
- ¼ cup sour cream: The silky finishing touch that gives stroganoff its signature tang and richness.
How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re tender but not mushy. Drain them and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. This step ensures your noodles absorb just the right amount of sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat so your dish isn’t greasy but stays moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux—a thickening base for your sauce. Keep whisking for about a minute so the flour loses its raw taste and starts to cook, setting you up for a perfectly smooth sauce.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming and starts turning your roux into a flavorful gravy. Cook it for a few minutes until it thickens into a luscious sauce that’s full of rich beef flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Milk and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the milk to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings bring incredible depth and balance with their subtle, savory hints. Keep stirring gently as the sauce thickens to just the right consistency.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Beef with Sauce
Add the cooked noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together carefully so the noodles are cozily coated with that silky, aromatic sauce, making every bite deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream
Turn the heat to low and fold in the sour cream. This adds a wonderful tang and extra creaminess without curdling. Stir gently until everything is fully blended and heated through—then it’s time to serve this comforting dish straight from the skillet.
How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this stroganoff to the next level. Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You might also sprinkle a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish that melts delightfully into the dish.
Side Dishes
While the 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a meal all on its own, pairing it with light, crunchy sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans brings a wonderful balance to the meal. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli, also complement it nicely by adding texture and a subtle earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your stroganoff in individual shallow bowls, topped with the garnish of your choice, and a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Alternatively, try layering it over mashed potatoes for a cozy twist or stuff it into baked bell peppers for a creative presentation that’s both colorful and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this stroganoff, but since it contains sour cream and noodles, it’s best to freeze it before adding the sour cream. Store the beef sauce and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding the sour cream fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating to bring back its creamy texture. Avoid using high heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling of the sour cream.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, but the flavor will be a bit milder. You might want to season it a little more robustly to keep that rich taste you love in stroganoff.
What type of sour cream should I use?
Regular full-fat sour cream gives the best creamy texture and tangy taste. Low-fat options can work but may alter the richness of the sauce slightly. Avoid fat-free versions as they can curdle when heated.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and check that your beef broth is gluten-free. Gluten-free noodles are also widely available and make a perfect substitute.
Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk. Replace sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream or a smooth cashew cream. The dish will still be flavorful and creamy but with a slightly different taste profile.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the ground beef before making the sauce can deepen the flavor beautifully. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill sprinkled on top also add a lovely dimension to the dish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a quick, hearty meal that feels like a celebration of home-cooked comfort, this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe hits every note. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a family or impressing friends. So grab those ingredients and give it a try — you’ll be amazed by how fast and delicious dinner can come together!
Print
30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender egg noodles with savory ground beef in a rich sour cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers classic stroganoff flavors in less than half an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 6 ounces egg noodles
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the noodles. Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Make the roux. Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour continuously to form a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Add beef broth. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking, allowing the mixture to thicken and become smooth.
- Incorporate milk. Slowly stir the milk into the skillet, continuing to cook until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season the sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce, stirring well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Combine beef and noodles. Add the browned ground beef and cooked noodles into the sauce, gently mixing to coat everything thoroughly.
- Finish with sour cream. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the sour cream until fully blended, then serve the stroganoff hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can substitute whole milk with half-and-half.
- If preferred, use fresh garlic and onion instead of powder for more robust flavor.
- Drain the fat thoroughly after browning the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
