When it comes to quick, easy, and satisfying meals, Ground Beef Stroganoff checks all the boxes. This classic dish is the perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and can be ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a dish that both kids and adults love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or simply use what you already have in your pantry. From the rich, tangy sauce to the tender egg noodles and savory ground beef, every bite is satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you likely already have on hand:
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
- 1/4 cup Butter: Adds richness to the dish.
- 1/4 cup Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1 1/4 cup Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder and 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder: For added depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper and 1 teaspoon Salt: To season the dish perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream: Gives the sauce its signature tangy richness.
Optional Additions
While this recipe is perfect as-is, you can always customize it to fit your taste:
- Mushrooms: Add up to 1/2 cup of fresh white button or cremini mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: A great substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Garlic Toast or Vegetables: Pair with a slice of garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff
This dish comes together quickly and easily in just a few steps:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes). If using beef with a higher fat content, drain any excess grease before transferring the cooked beef to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Slowly add the milk, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy (about 5–7 minutes).
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 7: Add Sour Cream
Gently mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the sauce. This step adds a tangy richness that takes the dish to the next level.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Serve your Ground Beef Stroganoff hot with your favorite side dish—whether it’s roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty garlic bread.
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef minimizes excess grease, keeping your sauce smooth and creamy.
- Stick to 6 Ounces of Pasta: Using more than this may result in not having enough sauce to coat the noodles properly.
- Double the Recipe: This dish reheats beautifully, so consider making extra for leftovers—your family will thank you!
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add mushrooms, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, or experiment with different seasonings for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this Ground Beef Stroganoff provides approximately:
- Calories: 662 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 42g
- Sodium: 1160mg
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Ground Beef Stroganoff is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug on a plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still crave that homemade touch. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender noodles and savory beef, creating a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank or taking hours to prepare.
So next time you’re looking for an easy dinner idea that will please everyone at the table, give this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe a try. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
PrintGround Beef Stroganoff
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is budget-friendly, family-friendly, and the definition of comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: Not specified
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not specified
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 1/4 cup Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside for later.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until all the pink is gone and the beef is fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour the beef broth into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Gently stir in the sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated into the sauce. The sour cream will add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
- Serve the dish hot, paired with your favorite vegetable or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef: Because this recipe has a creamy sauce, I use lean ground beef and don’t usually have to drain any grease from the pan. If you use ground beef with a higher fat content, strain off the fat before adding more ingredients.
- Pasta: Any pasta will work with this recipe, but do not use more than 6 ounces, or there will not be enough liquid to coat the noodles. My preference is wide egg noodles.
- Sour Cream: This recipe calls for either full-fat or light sour cream. Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream.
- Mushrooms: This recipe does not call for mushrooms, but they would be a delicious addition. You should add no more than 1/2 cup of fresh mushrooms. White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are great options. I don’t recommend canned mushrooms.
- Double the Recipe: My number one tip is to double the recipe. It rewarms well, and everyone asks for seconds!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 662 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 164 mg