Easy Hamburger Beef Stroganoff
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Who has the time to whip up a fancy restaurant dish when you can make a soul-satisfying beef stroganoff that’s as easy as pie — without the pie-making drama? Grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful mess of beef, mushrooms, and creamy goodness.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, let’s talk about the star of the show: this is beef stroganoff made with ground beef. Seriously, if you think beef stroganoff is only reserved for special occasions or requires some culinary wizardry, let me save you the trouble. This recipe is idiot-proof; even I didn’t mess it up, and that says a lot. Not only is it quick, but it’s also super forgiving. If you burn the garlic, just shrug it off and add a little more sour cream. Trust me, no one will notice.
And guess what? You can throw it over some egg noodles or rice, and it’ll taste like you slaved away in the kitchen for hours. Your secret is safe with me. Plus, this dish screams comfort food. I mean, who doesn’t love creamy, beefy pasta magic on a chilly evening?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Now that your mouth is watering and your taste buds are doing a happy dance, let’s gather up our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need for this culinary adventure:
- 1 lb ground beef: Because what’s stroganoff without beef?
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds flavor and makes you feel like a real chef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: More flavor. More fun.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: The more, the merrier!
- 1 cup beef broth: Liquid gold, my friend.
- 1 cup sour cream: Because creamy is king.
- 2 tbsp flour: To thicken things up, you know?
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Gotta give it that umami kick.
- 1 tsp paprika: Spice is nice, right?
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because we all need a little seasoning in our lives.
- Egg noodles or rice, for serving: Your choice, but you can’t go wrong!
That’s it! Just a handful of ingredients, and you can impress anyone who walks through your door.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Grab that skillet and let’s make some magic happen. Follow these super simple steps, and you’ll be feasting in no time.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. If cooking meat had a popularity contest, this step would win.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until soft. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell like a little slice of heaven.
Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender. Don’t skimp on this; the mushrooms are your flavorful little buddies.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. We want that sauce thick and luscious, not watery and sad.
Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Lumpy sauce is a no-go. Trust me, nobody wants that.
Stir in sour cream, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. You’ll feel like a rock star at this point.
Simmer for about 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Get ready for those comforting vibes to kick in.
Serve over egg noodles or rice. Grab a bowl, pile on that creamy goodness, and get ready to dig in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, let’s chat about common oopsies. We’ve all been there, so consider this a little cheat sheet to keep you on track.
Overcooking the onions and garlic: Burnt garlic makes every dish taste like regret. Keep an eye on it and let them cook until soft, not charred.
Skipping the beef broth: Sure, you might think sour cream is enough, but then you’ll end up with a weird paste instead of a sauce. Trust the broth.
Not simmering long enough: If you rush this, you’ll have a watery mess. Give it a few minutes to thicken up and taste divine.
Ignoring seasoning: Without salt and pepper, your stroganoff could taste like cardboard. Season like you mean it!
Alternatives & Substitutions
Maybe you’re feeling wild and want to make a few changes. Here are some suggestions for swapping things up without turning into a complete culinary disaster.
Ground turkey or chicken: If you want to lighten things up, these bastions of lean protein will work just fine.
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: This can add a nice zingy twist, plus it’s healthier, so why not show off a little?
No mushrooms? No problem!: You could toss in some spinach or even broccoli. Just don’t go too heavy or your stroganoff will turn into a salad.
Add some cheese: Seriously, how can adding cheese ever be a bad thing? Throw in some cheddar on top, and you’ve got yourself a party.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Okay, so by now you’re probably filled with all sorts of questions about your newfound stroganoff skills. No worries, I got you covered.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is life.
What if I don’t have beef broth? You can totally substitute with chicken broth, or even vegetable broth if you’re feeling fancy. Just don’t skip it.
Can I make this ahead of time? Totally! Just be advised that the longer it sits, the thicker it can get. You might need to add a splash of broth before reheating.
Is this dish kid-approved? Oh for sure! Kids love anything creamy and cheesy. You’ll be their hero, at least until dessert comes around.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, but I can’t guarantee how the sour cream will hold up post-thaw. Just eat all the leftovers and avoid that problem, okay?
Can I make this vegetarian? You can use beef-less ground meat and veggie broth. But where’s the fun without the beef?
Final Thoughts
You did it! You crafted a delightful, creamy hamburger beef stroganoff that looks way too fancy for how easy it was to make. Now go impress someone—or even better, yourself—with your new culinary skills.
So the next time someone asks you what’s for dinner, you can confidently say stroganoff! Because why not? You’ve earned it today, champ! Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, beefy bite of your delicious creation.
Print
Easy Hamburger 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 comforting beef stroganoff made with ground beef, mushrooms, and creamy goodness, perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until soft.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Stir in sour cream, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the onions and garlic and ensure to use beef broth for the best flavor.