Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Welcome to the world of Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff, where deliciousness meets minimal effort. This dish is like that reliable friend who always shows up to the party with snacks—always comforting and sure to please. So let’s dive in and cook something that’ll get you high-fives from the fam or just some serious happiness for your taste buds.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s face it, cooking can be a bit of a chore sometimes. We’ve all been there, staring at the fridge like it owes us money. But this Ground Beef Stroganoff? It’s practically idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it’s super satisfying. You can whip it up in around 30 minutes. Just enough time to catch up on your favorite show and maybe contemplate life choices—like why you waited until dinner to open that bag of chips.
Plus, this dish has that creamy, dreamy sauce that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And have I mentioned how versatile it is? You can make it tonight or throw it together for guests. Either way, you’re a superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we roll up our sleeves and get cooking, let’s gather our treasure trove of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 ounces egg noodles (because what else would you use, spaghetti?)
- 1 pound ground beef (the star of the show)
- 1/4 cup butter (life is too short for margarine)
- 1/4 cup flour (to make it all thick and saucy)
- 1 cup beef broth (a must for that rich flavor)
- 1 1/4 cups milk (because we’re keeping it creamy)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for all the flavor lovers)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (because onions are life)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (spice things up a bit)
- 1 teaspoon salt (you don’t want bland)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (the final touch of magic)
Got it all? Awesome! Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now comes the fun part—the cooking! It’s time to channel your inner chef and follow these easy peasy steps.
Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Make sure they are al dente, not mushy. No one wants a soggy noodle.
While the noodles are dancing in the boiling water, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure to drain the excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy dish, trust me.
Reduce the heat to medium once the beef is cooked through. Add the butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring. This thickens up your sauce and makes it more fabulous.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth until it’s smooth like your favorite smoothie. Gradually add the milk while whisking until well combined.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Your kitchen should start smelling divine right about now.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it bubble for 5-8 minutes while stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens—watch it thicken and transform into a glorious sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. It’s like giving your sauce a silky makeover.
Drain your cooked noodles and toss them with the stroganoff sauce. Serve immediately and admire your culinary prowess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s not kid ourselves; we’ve all made a cooking mistake or two. Here are some rookie blunders to avoid so you can shine like the kitchen superstar you are:
- Not cooking the noodles properly. Overcooked noodles lead to mushy situations that no one wants.
- Skipping the draining step for the beef. Excess grease can ruin the dish and come back to haunt you.
- Ignoring the simmer step. If you don’t let your sauce thicken, you’ll end up with something closer to soup rather than stroganoff.
- Trying to rush it. Good things take time—even if that time is only 30 minutes. Patience pays off.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, what if you find yourself in a pinch or realize you have zero sour cream in the fridge? No problem. Here’s how you can mix it up:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef if you wanna keep things leaner.
- Vegetable broth works magically in place of beef broth for a vegetarian variation.
- Out of sour cream? Use Greek yogurt. Yes, it’s a healthy swap and still creamy.
- No flour on hand? You can cornstarch to thicken. Just add a tablespoon mixed with cold water to the simmering sauce.
You get where I’m going with this—flexibility is the name of the game. You do you!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Alright, let’s talk about some burning questions you might have about this glorious dish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Go for the real deal.
Is this recipe good for meal prep? Absolutely! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.
Can I freeze this dish? You bet! Just make sure to leave the noodles out until you reheat. Nobody wants mushy noodles when they pull this out of the freezer.
How spicy is this stroganoff? Not spicy at all! If you want some kick, feel free to add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? Use fresh garlic instead. Just dice up a clove or two and toss it in when you’re browning the beef.
Can I use a different type of noodles? Sure thing! Any pasta you love will do. From penne to fusilli, it’s all good.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve conquered Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff, and if I do say so myself, you deserve a gold star. So grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite. This dish is here for you, ready to make your day just a bit better. Happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and hearty recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat and drain excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and once melted, sprinkle in the flour to form a roux, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth, then gradually add the milk while whisking.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 5-8 minutes while stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Drain cooked noodles and toss them with the stroganoff sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Great for meal prep and can be frozen. Flexible with substitutions for ingredients.