This creamy and rich beef stroganoff, made with ground beef and served over egg noodles, is a quick and easy dish for busy weeknights. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, simple to prepare, and can be garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Making homemade stroganoff is easier than you think! This quick and simple ground beef stroganoff uses only six ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Table of Contents
What Is Beef Stroganoff?
Beef stroganoff is a classic Russian dish featuring tender beef in a rich, creamy sauce. It is said to have been created in the 1800s by chefs serving the Stroganov family. Traditionally, the dish is prepared with mushrooms and is commonly served over rice or egg noodles.
Is stroganoff Russian or French?
Beef Stroganoff is a well-known Russian dish featuring tender beef fillet sautéed in a creamy sour cream sauce, often combined with onions and mushrooms. The dish is named after Count Alexander Stroganoff, who lived in Odessa during the late 19th century. It has since become a globally popular meal, commonly served with rice or egg noodles.
What do you eat beef stroganoff with?
- Pair your dish with mashed or fried potatoes, pasta, rice, or noodles to absorb the delicious sauce. In the U.S., egg noodles or rice are typical choices, while long pasta like pappardelle is often preferred elsewhere.
- For a refreshing contrast, serve with sharp pickles or crunchy cabbage slaw to cut through the sauce’s richness.
- Add vegetables to the sauce, such as roasted asparagus, broccoli, or peas, for extra texture and flavor.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or coriander to brighten the dish.
What Makes This Beef Stroganoff Recipe So ‘Simple?’
Traditional beef stroganoff uses steak, a roux-based sauce, and sautéed mushrooms. However, this simplified version streamlines the process by using ingredients like ground beef and canned cream of mushroom soup. These shortcuts reduce both the cooking time and the number of steps, making it quicker and easier to prepare.
Can You Freeze Beef Stroganoff?
Unfortunately, cooked egg noodles don’t freeze well. It’s best to leave out the noodles to freeze this ground beef stroganoff. Store the beef and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw the mixture on the stove when ready to serve, and stir in freshly cooked egg noodles.
More tips for how to make beef stroganoff
- To prevent tough, chewy beef in stroganoff, brown the meat quickly over high heat until it gains a slight color, then finish cooking it in the sauce for just a few minutes to keep it tender.
- After adding the crème fraîche, gently simmer the sauce. Cooking it for too long or at too high a temperature may cause it to split.
- To freeze stroganoff, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan until thoroughly hot.
Eliarecipes Community Tips and Praise
“My family absolutely loved this!” says Harper T. “I followed another reviewer’s advice and added a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, which really boosted the flavor. I also tossed in a small can of mushrooms for extra texture. Thank you for sharing this recipe!”
“This was quick and easy to prepare,” raves another community member from Eliarecipes. “It’s great to have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. I’ll definitely be making this again!”
“This turned out really good,” says Evelyn W. “I made a few tweaks by doubling the meat and using some beef broth with flour to thin the sauce. I also added a can of cream of onion soup for extra flavor.”
Ingredients
- 8 oz package of egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10.5 oz can of fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: While the beef cooks, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and boil. Cook the egg noodles for 7-9 minutes, until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Drain excess fat from the beef. Stir in the condensed soup and garlic powder, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked noodles, mixing well, then stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Best Cuts of Beef – Use a high-quality, quick-cooking cut like boneless rib eye (scotch fillet), boneless sirloin, or beef tenderloin. Avoid cuts like beef round steak (topside), skirt, flat iron, or hanger steak, which can be tough. Pork is also a great alternative to stroganoff.
- Tenderizing Economical Beef – If you’re using a less expensive cut of beef, tenderize it using the Chinese “velveting” method, which softens the meat and keeps it juicy.
- Flour – Any type of flour will work. I prefer plain white (all-purpose) flour, but you can use 1 tbsp of cornstarch or cornflour if you need a gluten-free option.
- Serving Suggestions—Short pasta works best for this dish because it’s easier to eat. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta—anything to soak up that rich gravy.
- Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. However, avoid simmering too long once the beef is added, which can overcook the meat.
- Storage – Stroganoff can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen. To reheat, thaw completely and heat gently, ensuring the beef doesn’t overcook.
- Nutrition – This recipe yields 4 hearty servings or 5 smaller ones. Nutritional info excludes pasta.
Conclusion
Beef Stroganoff is a classic, comforting dish that combines tender beef, a rich and creamy sauce, and flavorful ingredients like mushrooms and onions. Typically served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it offers a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you choose a traditional recipe with steak or a quicker version using ground beef, Beef Stroganoff is a timeless favorite that balances savory flavors with creamy textures, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion.