Hearty One-Pan Ground Beef Stroganoff: An Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate simple comfort food, renowned for its rich flavors and incredible ease of preparation. This classic dish is made with readily available pantry ingredients, coming together in a single pan for a quick, yet completely delicious and hearty meal. Imagine tender ground beef enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned and served over wide, satisfying egg noodles – all without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something deeply flavorful and filling.
If you love the convenience and deliciousness of one-pot meals, you’ll also enjoy my sausage gnocchi, chicken and veggie rice dinner, and ground beef stir fry. These recipes are not only amazing for their simplicity but are also budget-friendly, making them perfect staples for any busy household.
🔍 Quick Look: Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Get a quick overview of what makes this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe a winner:
- ⏰ Ready In: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- đź›’ Recipe Ingredients: Features simple, accessible ingredients like ground beef and egg noodles.
- 🍽️ Servings: Yields 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prepping.
- 👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy – suitable for cooks of all experience levels.
- 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes, it’s freezer friendly and stores wonderfully for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- đź“ŤBefore You Make This: Feel free to use all beef broth if chicken broth isn’t available. Ground turkey can also be a fantastic lean alternative to ground beef.
For more quick, easy, and flavor-packed high-protein meal ideas, explore my 5 cheap and healthy high protein recipes, which offer a variety of delicious options similar to this ground beef dish.
Enhance any of these simple dinner recipes with delightful side dishes such as roasted potatoes, a refreshing antipasto salad, or perfectly seasoned garlic dinner rolls for a truly complete meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
Ground Beef Stroganoff isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Its hearty nature and robust flavors make it incredibly satisfying and surprisingly versatile. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a fast favorite in your kitchen:
- Made with Well-Known, Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items at a specialty store. This recipe relies on everyday ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. Simplicity is key to a stress-free cooking experience.
- It Can Be Made on a Budget: Ground beef is an economical protein, and when combined with staple ingredients like broth, sour cream, and egg noodles, this dish offers incredible value without compromising on taste. It’s a smart choice for feeding your family without breaking the bank.
- Made in Just Over an Hour with Tons of Flavor: From start to finish, this dish comes together efficiently, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something deeply flavorful. The rich, savory notes develop beautifully in a short amount of time, thanks to clever layering of ingredients.
- Makes for Great Leftovers: Ground beef stroganoff often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for packed lunches or a quick dinner reheat later in the week. This makes meal planning a breeze!
- Savory Beef Recipe, All Made in One Large Skillet: The magic of this recipe lies in its one-pan preparation. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also significantly reduces cleanup. All the delicious savory beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce come together in a single vessel, infusing every component with rich, cohesive flavor.
Ground beef truly is a super versatile ingredient, proving its worth in countless recipes beyond stroganoff. You can transform it into satisfying simple beef tacos, a deconstructed beef egg roll in a bowl, or even a fun appetizer like loaded baked queso. Its adaptability makes it a kitchen hero for endless culinary creations.
Made With Love,
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff:
Creating a truly exceptional Ground Beef Stroganoff relies on a few key ingredients that build its signature creamy, savory profile:
- Broth:Â For the most complex and robust flavor, I highly recommend using a combination of both beef broth and chicken broth. The beef broth provides a deep, rich foundation that complements the lean ground beef, while a touch of chicken broth adds a subtle brightness and rounds out the overall taste beautifully. If you only have one type, beef broth on its own will still yield a delicious result.
- Sour Cream:Â This is absolutely essential for achieving that classic tangy, creamy sauce that defines Stroganoff. Sour cream not only adds a wonderfully rich texture but also contributes a signature bright and slightly tart flavor that perfectly balances the savory beef. Ensure you stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
- All-Purpose Flour:Â Adding a small amount of all-purpose flour is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency. When mixed with the cooked ground beef and aromatics, it creates a roux-like base that helps the liquids transform into a smooth, velvety meat sauce that clings beautifully to the wide egg noodles.
- Ground Beef: While the recipe title highlights ground beef, you can opt for different fat percentages. Leaner ground beef (like 90/10 or 93/7) is great for reducing excess grease, but a slightly higher fat content (like 80/20) can add more flavor and richness. Ground turkey is also a fantastic lighter alternative.
- Mushrooms and Onions: These aromatics are fundamental to Stroganoff’s flavor profile. SautĂ©ing sliced white or cremini mushrooms until deeply golden brown releases their earthy umami, while chopped onions (and garlic!) provide a sweet and pungent depth that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Egg Noodles: The traditional companion to Stroganoff, wide egg noodles are wonderfully tender and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Their soft texture offers a delightful contrast to the hearty meat.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and precise quantities.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a rich and satisfying Ground Beef Stroganoff, all in one pan!
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and have released most of their moisture. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside on a separate plate.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the same pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook for about 7 minutes, or until it’s about 80% cooked through. At this point, you’ll likely have accumulated some grease. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to ensure your sauce isn’t overly oily.
- Add Aromatics: Return the pan to the heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and become translucent, and the ground beef is completely cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in your seasonings, including paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the beef is well coated. Then, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Mix well and cook for about one minute, allowing the flour to lightly toast and coat the meat, which will later help thicken the sauce.
- Deglaze with Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening any browned bits (fond) that are stuck. These bits are packed with flavor! Continue to cook, stirring, until the liquid has mostly evaporated, leaving a rich, concentrated base.
- Simmer with Beef Broth and Noodles: Now, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the reserved cooked mushrooms and the uncooked egg noodles directly into the pan. Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat, stirring a few times throughout the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, forming a thick sauce.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not return to a boil after adding sour cream, as it can curdle. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff!
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip: Don’t Skip the Flour!
The all-purpose flour might seem like a small addition, but it’s incredibly important for achieving the perfect consistency in your stroganoff sauce. It acts as a thickening agent, creating a velvety, rich sauce that beautifully coats every strand of noodle and piece of beef. Skipping it could result in a thin, watery sauce, so make sure to include it for that authentic, comforting texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Making a batch of Ground Beef Stroganoff means you’ll likely have delicious leftovers, and this dish stores beautifully!
Fridge: To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they have cooled down. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the stroganoff will stay fresh and delicious for 4-5 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezer: For longer storage, Ground Beef Stroganoff is freezer-friendly! Allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra broth or sour cream to restore its creamy texture after freezing.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe FAQs
The all-purpose flour included in this recipe is usually sufficient for thickening the sauce. However, if you find your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can easily create a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water (e.g., 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) until smooth. Stir this slurry into your simmering sauce a little at a time and allow it to cook for a minute or two. The sauce will thicken as it heats. Repeat if necessary until your desired consistency is reached.
Yes, if you prefer not to use sour cream, there are great substitutes! Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that provides a similar tang and creaminess, plus an added boost of protein. Cream cheese can also be used for an even richer, thicker sauce. Just be sure to whisk it in until completely smooth.
Traditionally, beef stroganoff sauce is a delightful combination of savory ingredients. It normally includes beef broth for depth, sautéed onions and mushrooms for aromatic complexity, and a thickening agent like all-purpose flour or cornstarch. The signature creamy finish comes from adding sour cream, which provides a lovely tang and rich texture. Some variations might also include Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Adding Worcestershire sauce is a common practice in many stroganoff recipes, as it can indeed add another layer of savory, umami flavor. However, whether to include it is a matter of personal preference. I find this particular version of stroganoff sauce to be perfectly flavorful and balanced without the added Worcestershire sauce, letting the natural beef and mushroom flavors shine. Feel free to experiment if you enjoy that extra kick!
For ground beef stroganoff, a lean to medium-lean ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) works best. This ensures good flavor without an excessive amount of grease. If you use a fattier ground beef, make sure to thoroughly drain the rendered fat before adding other ingredients to prevent a greasy sauce.
Absolutely! While mushrooms and onions are traditional, you can easily add other vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Sliced bell peppers, peas, or even spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. Just be mindful that adding more vegetables might require a slight adjustment to the broth quantity to maintain the desired sauce consistency.
More Delightful One-Pan Recipes to Try:
Chicken
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Beef
One Pot Skillet Lasagna
Chicken
Lemon Chicken & Orzo
Method
Sausage One-Pot Tortellini
If you liked this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe and found it a comforting and easy meal, make sure to tag me on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and share how much you enjoyed making and savoring this delicious dish! Your feedback is always appreciated!
Easy One-Pan Ground Beef Stroganoff
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IngredientsÂ
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbs all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ÂĽ cup chicken broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- ÂĽ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Âľ cup sour cream
InstructionsÂ
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Remove to a separate plate.
- Add ground beef to the pan and cook for about 7 minutes or until about 80% cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cook for a few minutes until soft and the beef is completely cooked.
- Add in the seasonings (paprika, salt, pepper) and the flour, mix well, and cook for about a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze as you go. Cook until the liquid is mostly gone.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the reserved mushrooms and the uncooked egg noodles. Cover and let simmer on low, gently stirring a few times until the noodles are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Video Tutorial
Recipe Notes & Expert Tips
- Flour is Your Friend: Do not skip the all-purpose flour! It is crucial for effectively thickening the sauce, ensuring it becomes rich, velvety, and clings perfectly to the noodles and beef.
- Sour Cream Substitutes: If you’re out of sour cream or prefer an alternative, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute, adding a similar tang and creaminess with extra protein. For an even richer sauce, try stirring in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Garnish for Freshness: For an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful visual appeal, consider topping your finished stroganoff with freshly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Adjust Broth for Consistency: The amount of broth needed can vary slightly depending on your noodles and heat. If the sauce seems too thick before adding sour cream, add a little extra broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Don’t Overcook Sour Cream: Always remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the sour cream. High heat can cause sour cream to curdle, ruining the smooth texture of your sauce.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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