Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce over hearty noodles. It’s the perfect comfort food, easy to make, and ideal for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this guide will take you step by step through the process of making an irresistible Ground Beef Stroganoff. Read on to discover all the tips and tricks you need to create a meal that your family and friends will ask for again and again.

What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a twist on the classic Russian dish, beef stroganoff, which typically uses tender strips of beef. This version swaps out the traditional beef cuts for ground beef, making it quicker to prepare while keeping all the delicious flavors intact. The dish features a creamy, savory sauce made from sour cream, beef broth, onions, and mushrooms, served over egg noodles or rice. It's affordable, easy to cook, and can be adapted with various ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Stroganoff

To get started with this classic dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups (240 g) mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini work well)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (full fat or light)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles or rice for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These ingredients come together to create the creamy, savory sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef that makes this dish so irresistible.

Ingredients List for Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to specific dietary needs, consider these substitution ideas and variations:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian dish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice, and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative made from coconut or cashew, and replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef Stroganoff is an incredibly versatile recipe, making it easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or specific dietary preferences. Here are a few more variations and substitutions you can try:

• Mushrooms: Not a fan of mushrooms? You can leave them out entirely, or try using bell peppers or zucchini for a different flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb: Instead of serving over noodles or rice, serve the stroganoff over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
• Herbs and Spices: While this recipe uses simple seasoning with salt and pepper, you can add depth with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
• Wine: For an extra layer of richness, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white or red wine after cooking the beef, before adding the broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Ground Beef Stroganoff from scratch:

1. Cook the Egg Noodles: Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside once done.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onions and garlic until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while continuing to stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
5. Combine the Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Finish with Sour Cream: Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Plate the cooked egg noodles, and spoon the beef stroganoff mixture over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Cook Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Ground Beef Stroganoff involves a few essential steps to get the best results. Here's a simplified overview:

1. Brown the Beef: Always cook your ground beef thoroughly before combining it with other ingredients. Breaking it up as you cook ensures even browning.
2. Create Depth with Vegetables: Sautéing onions, garlic, and mushrooms adds layers of flavor to the dish. You want to cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown, which releases their natural umami flavor.
3. Thickening the Sauce: Using flour or a gluten-free thickener creates a rich, velvety sauce. Make sure to cook the flour for at least a minute before adding liquid to avoid a raw flour taste.
4. Finishing with Sour Cream: Adding the sour cream off the heat prevents it from curdling and keeps the sauce silky smooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Beef: Ground beef can become dry if overcooked. Be sure to remove it from the heat as soon as it’s browned.
• Curdling the Sour Cream: Add the sour cream at the end and stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Always taste and season as you cook, especially before serving, to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty dish that doesn’t require a lot of fuss to look appealing, but with a few touches, you can make it look just as good as it tastes:

1. Serve Over Egg Noodles: Pile the stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles for a classic presentation. Rice or mashed potatoes also work well.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness to cut through the richness of the sauce.
3. Rustic or Elegant Presentation: For a rustic feel, serve the stroganoff directly from the skillet at the table. For a more formal meal, plate it in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool around the noodles.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is best served hot, right after cooking. You can offer sides like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to complement the richness of the dish. Bread rolls or garlic bread are also excellent accompaniments to soak up any extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Stroganoff

If you’re serving Ground Beef Stroganoff for a special occasion, consider these presentation ideas:

• Individual Bowls: Serve the stroganoff in individual bowls with a garnish of parsley or chives.
• Family-Style Platter: For a cozy family meal, present the stroganoff in a large serving dish with noodles underneath and beef stroganoff on top, ready to be passed around.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add the sour cream just before serving.
• Freezing: Ground Beef Stroganoff freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
• Adding More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots for a more nutritious dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Add the sour cream when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It has a similar tang but fewer calories. Just be sure to add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef Stroganoff?
A: Absolutely! Just omit the sour cream before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight, reheat, and then stir in the sour cream.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a timeless dish that’s perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings. It's quick, affordable, and adaptable, making it a great go-to recipe for any night of the week. Whether you're making the traditional version or trying out some substitutions and variations, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Happy cooking!

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