Ground Beef Stroganoff
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy dish that fills the home with rich aromas after a long day. Ground Beef Stroganoff is that delightful meal, merging hearty beef, silky sour cream, and savory mushrooms into a dream come true for dinner! It’s not just delicious; it’s a nostalgic journey that many of us cherish from our childhood. If you’re looking for a recipe that embodies cozy family dinners, you’ve stumbled upon a true gem.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick and straightforward, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Uses readily available ingredients, meaning there’s no last-minute grocery run required.
- Versatile enough to pair with noodles, rice, or even bread, making it adaptable for various palates and dietary needs.
This simple dish promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, delivering both flavor and comfort in every bite.
Simple Way to Prepare Ground Beef Stroganoff
Making Ground Beef Stroganoff at home is a straightforward journey that results in a luscious meal bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the steps that will have your family eagerly gathered around the table in no time.
Ingredients Needed
To create this comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and let it brown fully. Make sure to drain any excess fat, leaving behind flavorful bits.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms into the skillet where the beef was cooked. Sauté them until softened, giving them a delightful opportunity to soak up those meaty flavors.
Incorporate Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic for that aromatic heartiness, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is coated evenly. This step helps create a rich, velvety sauce later on.
Pour in Broth and Season: Gradually add the beef broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Follow this by pouring in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, as well as salt and pepper, letting it come to life.
Simmer and Thicken: Increase the heat slightly until the mixture begins to simmer. Allow it to cook for about five minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Finish with Cream: Lower the heat and gently stir in the sour cream until everything is perfectly blended. This ingredient transforms the dish, making it creamy and indulgent.
Serve Hot: Plate over your choice of cooked egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes, and prepare to enjoy a sumptuous meal that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Storage Tips for Ground Beef Stroganoff
After enjoying this delightful dish, you might wonder how to store any leftovers. Here’s how to keep your Ground Beef Stroganoff fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at a temperature of 40°F or below.
- Freeze: If you want to store it longer, freeze for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until warmed through.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Classic Pairing: Serve the stroganoff over soft egg noodles, allowing their texture to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Comfort Food Twist: For a heartier option, mashed potatoes create a rich base that compliments the sauce perfectly.
- Add Veggies: Pair with a side of steamed green beans or a garden salad to add a refreshing element to your meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
For those eager to perfect their dish, here are some helpful tips:
- Use lean ground beef to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- For extra texture, try adding a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms.
- To enhance the sauce’s flavor, consider including a splash of white wine in step five when adding the broth.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your Ground Beef Stroganoff, here are a couple of interesting variations or ingredient swaps:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter protein, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for beef. They’ll still deliver a satisfying flavor when seasoned well.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free option, swap in a plant-based ground meat alternative and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to maintain richness and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! Ground Beef Stroganoff can be prepared in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when it’s time to serve. The flavors even deepen as it sits.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! While traditional stroganoff features beef, chicken thighs can provide a delicious twist. Cook them until tender, and follow the same method for sauce preparation.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To amp up the heat, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce into the mixture. Adjust to your personal preference for heat.
Nutritional Info
While comfort food is often associated with indulgence, Ground Beef Stroganoff can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional profile per serving, assuming it’s served over egg noodles:
- Calories: Approximately 350–400
- Protein: About 25 grams
- Fat: Roughly 15 grams (varies depending on beef leanness)
- Carbohydrates: Around 35 grams
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Creating your own Ground Beef Stroganoff at home is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing a comforting, hearty dish that will surely become a cherished favorite in your household. The combination of savory beef, mushrooms, and that creamy sauce is hard to beat! With its simple preparation and fantastic flavors, there’s no reason not to whip this up for your next family dinner. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to dig into a bowl of nostalgia and warmth. Happy cooking!
Print
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 warm, creamy dish combining ground beef, sour cream, and mushrooms, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and brown fully. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Gradually add beef broth while stirring; add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Increase heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Lower heat and stir in sour cream until blended.
- Serve hot over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For a leaner option, use lean ground beef. Add fresh herbs for added flavor.