Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces Egg Noodles; 1 pound Ground Beef; 1/4 cup Butter; 1/4 cup Flour; 1 cup Beef Broth; 1 1/4 cup Milk; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 cup Sour Cream

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This 30 minute ground beef stroganoff hits all the cozy comfort spots without making you sweat it out over a stove for hours. It comes together fast, tastes like you actually tried, and cleans up in a blink. Perfect for weeknight heroics or impressing your roommate with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Want a quick spin on similar recipes while you wait for the water to boil Check this out easy version for extra ideas.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It is fast and forgiving so you can chat on the phone while you cook and still not mess it up.
Ground beef means cheap protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor like a sponge.
The creamy sauce feels decadent but uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
It is idiot proof IMO. Seriously even if you burn toast sometimes you will nail this.
You get cozy bowl vibes without the commitment of a ten step recipe or weird specialty ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 ounces Egg Noodles
1 pound Ground Beef
1 4 cup Butter
1 4 cup Flour
1 cup Beef Broth
1 1 4 cup Milk
1 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Salt
1 4 cup Sour Cream

Yes the measurements look basic and sensible. Keep the sour cream cold until the end for best tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a pot of water to boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Once cooked set aside for later.
While the noodles are cooking heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook breaking it up with a spoon until all the pink is gone and the beef is fully browned about 6 to 8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
In the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour the beef broth into the roux whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken about 3 to 4 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk continuing to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens again about 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
Stir in the garlic powder onion powder black pepper and salt ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
Gently stir in the sour cream mixing until fully incorporated into the sauce. The sour cream will add a rich tangy flavor to the dish.
Serve the dish hot paired with your favorite vegetable or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining the beef properly. Excess fat makes the sauce greasy not luxurious. Drain it people.
Overcooking the noodles. They will keep cooking a bit in the sauce so aim for al dente.
Rushing the roux. If you do not whisk the butter and flour long enough you will taste raw flour. Gross.
Adding the sour cream to boiling sauce. High heat can make it split. Stupid but true. Turn the heat down first.
Skipping seasoning. Salt and pepper are not optional. Taste and adjust like a responsible chef.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No egg noodles No sweat Use pasta shells or fettuccine instead. They work great and soak up sauce well.
Out of sour cream Try Greek yogurt but fold it in gently and do not let it boil. It gets tangy and still creamy.
Want a lighter version Swap half the butter for olive oil and use low fat milk. Still tasty just a bit leaner.
Make it mushroomy Add sliced mushrooms when you brown the beef and let them caramelize. Totally classic move.
Vegetarian option Use crumbled tofu or canned lentils in place of beef and use vegetable broth. You will lose some meaty depth but gain heartiness.

FAQ

How long will leftovers last in the fridge

About 3 to 4 days. Cool quickly then store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk.

Can I freeze this

Sure you can. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to preserve texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter

Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Butter adds flavor and richness that margarine just fakes.

Do I have to brown the beef first

Yes brown it first to build flavor. You get fond on the pan and a better tasting sauce. Skipping this is cutting corners.

Can I add veggies

Absolutely Toss in peas spinach or roasted bell peppers near the end. They brighten the dish and add color.

What if my sauce is too thin

Simmer it a bit longer to reduce or whisk a little slurry of flour and cold water then stir it in. Do this gradually or you will over-thicken.

Is this kid friendly

Yep Most kids love creamy noodles and ground beef. Serve with a side of steamed carrots or apples and you are golden.

Final Thoughts

You did it You made comfort food fast and it actually tastes like you spent more time on it than you did. This recipe is perfect for busy nights lazy dates or when your fridge drawer looks like a sad sad place. Play with toppings add herbs if you like or keep it classic. Either way you get a hearty bowl that feels like a hug.

Key tip Finish with a little extra black pepper or a sprinkle of parsley if you want it to look fancy without trying. FYI a squeeze of lemon can brighten heavy dishes if you must be dramatic.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You earned it

Conclusion

If you want to compare techniques or get a more mushroom heavy take check out this version from The BEST Beef Stroganoff Recipe. For another solid ground beef perspective and helpful photos take a look at Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe from Natasha s Kitchen.