There’s something deeply satisfying about that moment when a rich, creamy sauce meets tender beef and mushrooms, all cozying up on a bed of egg noodles. This ground beef stroganoff hits just that spot — it’s the kind of meal you want after a day that’s felt a little hectic, or when you’re craving something warm but don’t want to fuss over complicated steps.

I remember the first time I made this dish; I was juggling a call and trying to stir the sauce at the same time — so it ended up a little thicker than planned, but honestly, it just made it feel more indulgent. The kitchen smelled like a mix of garlic and smoky paprika, and the way the sour cream blended in at the end gave it that velvety finish that makes you pause mid-bite. Somewhere between the sizzling mushrooms and the soft noodles, I realized this could become a go-to comfort food, even on the busiest evenings.

Comforting without hours in the kitchen — ready in about 35 minutes.
The creamy sauce feels indulgent but comes together with simple pantry basics.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy techniques, just good flavors.
Ground beef makes it budget-friendly and easy to adapt with what you have.

Even if you’re new to making stroganoff, this recipe is forgiving enough to encourage a little experimentation. You might find yourself tweaking the seasoning or adding extra mushrooms next time — or maybe swapping in another herb you like.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Print Recipe

A quick and comforting ground beef stroganoff made with tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce served over egg noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

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1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy.
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the sauce and beef mixture.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy pan; a sturdy skillet or even a deep frying pan works great here. I usually serve this stroganoff with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness, but it’s hearty enough on its own. If you want to mix it up, sometimes I add a splash of white wine instead of some broth, or toss in a handful of frozen peas near the end—although I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly, it’s fun to try.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead? Yes, leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely, just add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Greek yogurt can work as a substitute, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Can I use other noodles? Absolutely. Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta you like will be fine.

Give this ground beef stroganoff a try next time you want a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Save it, print it, and definitely cook it soon—you won’t regret it.