The Ultimate Lazy Beef Stroganoff Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Lazy Beef Stroganoff
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Lazy Beef Stroganoff recipe is designed for busy individuals and families who crave a hearty, satisfying dish without the fuss. This simplified version of the classic stroganoff utilizes ground beef, making it incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, savory pasta dish that will become a weeknight staple.
Recipe Overview
This recipe delivers all the traditional flavors of beef stroganoff but cuts down on prep and cook time. Instead of using steak or more time-consuming beef cuts, we use ground beef, which cooks quickly and is readily available. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of beef broth, milk, and sour cream, creating a rich and satisfying texture. Frozen peas add a touch of freshness and color, while egg noodles provide the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
This Lazy Beef Stroganoff is perfect for those nights when you need a quick, comforting meal on the table. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a family-friendly dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef: The star of the show, providing a hearty and savory base.
- 1 tablespoon corn starch: Helps to thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth.
- 2 cups milk: Contributes to the creamy sauce, adding richness and moisture.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Provides a savory depth of flavor, complementing the ground beef.
- 8 ounces large egg noodles: The perfect pasta for soaking up the delicious stroganoff sauce.
- 2 cups frozen peas: Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
- ½ cup sour cream: The final touch that creates the signature creamy, tangy flavor of stroganoff.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Lazy Beef Stroganoff:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a deep pan or large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Once cooked, drain any excess grease using a paper towel and spatula.
- Add Cornstarch and Seasoning: Add the cornstarch, salt, and pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. This step helps to create a thicker sauce later on.
- Pour in Liquids: Pour the beef broth and milk into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Make sure there are no clumps of cornstarch.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stirring until they are mostly covered by the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Add Peas and Sour Cream: Turn the heat to low. Stir in the frozen peas and let them simmer for 3-4 minutes, until heated through. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined. The sour cream adds the final touch of creaminess and tanginess that makes stroganoff so delicious.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lazy Beef Stroganoff hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of extra sour cream, if desired. Enjoy your quick and easy comfort food!
Tips and Variations
Want to customize your Lazy Beef Stroganoff? Here are some tips and variations to try:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the ground beef for a more traditional stroganoff flavor.
- Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have egg noodles, try using rotini, penne, or any other short pasta shape.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheese Please!: A sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the stroganoff before serving elevates this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or thyme for added aroma and flavor.
- Garlic & Onion: Add minced garlic or diced onion to the ground beef as it browns for a deeper flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Lazy Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even better:
- Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the creamy stroganoff.
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Serve as a warm, comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Nutritional Information
Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 567 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 128mg
- Sodium: 851mg
- Potassium: 714mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 774 IU
- Vitamin C: 23mg
- Calcium: 196mg
- Iron: 4mg
Please note: This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Why This Recipe Works
This Lazy Beef Stroganoff recipe is a winner because it combines convenience, flavor, and comfort. The use of ground beef significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The simple ingredient list ensures that you can easily find everything you need at your local grocery store. The result is a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
This stroganoff is also highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences. Whether you add mushrooms, spice it up with red pepper flakes, or experiment with different herbs, this recipe is a great starting point for creating your own signature version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food, this Lazy Beef Stroganoff recipe is the perfect choice. With its creamy sauce, hearty ground beef, and tender egg noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dinner that’s ready in under an hour!
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, making it a great option for families looking to save time and money without compromising on taste. So, go ahead and give this Lazy Beef Stroganoff recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy!