Some evenings just call for a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Ground beef stroganoff fits that bill perfectly—rich, creamy, and a little bit nostalgic without demanding hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen filled with the earthy aroma of mushrooms and the savory scent of browned beef. I was juggling a few things at once—half-listening to a podcast and trying not to burn the garlic. Somehow, the sauce came together just right, thick and velvety, clinging to the noodles in the most comforting way. It was the kind of meal that made me forget the chaos of the day, even if just for a little while.

There’s something about the combination of tender mushrooms and the tangy sour cream that feels like a quiet celebration of simple ingredients doing their best work. I didn’t measure everything perfectly, which I think added a little personal touch—it was more about the feeling than the exact recipe.

It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
The creamy sauce feels indulgent but comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy techniques, just honest comfort food.
The flavor balance isn’t overly rich, so it won’t weigh you down after dinner.

If you’re worried about the sour cream curdling, just remember to take the pan off the heat before stirring it in. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Print Recipe

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

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

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are softened, about 6 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Serve the stroganoff sauce over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Don’t stress about special equipment here—just a good skillet and a pot for noodles will do. I usually serve this with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to cut through the creaminess. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of spinach or swap the ground beef for ground turkey when I’m feeling lighter, but I haven’t tested those swaps thoroughly yet.

FAQ:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, leftovers keep well in the fridge for a couple of days, and reheating gently on low heat with a splash of broth helps keep the sauce smooth.
What if I don’t have cremini mushrooms? Button mushrooms can work fine, just slice them similarly.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free? I haven’t tried it, but substituting sour cream with a coconut or cashew-based cream might be worth exploring.

Give this ground beef stroganoff a try next time you want something cozy without fuss. Your evening deserves it.