Get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious classic – Ground Beef Stroganoff! This easy recipe will take you to the heart of Russian cuisine. It has a creamy texture and savory flavors. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a nostalgic dish.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Rich, creamy, and bursting with savory flavor, Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food. With tender ground beef and a luscious sour cream sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Follow this recipe to create a hearty and satisfying Stroganoff that will delight your family.
Ingredients
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
For Serving:
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil (if needed) and sauté the onions until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until tender and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine and Finish
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked ground beef.
- Add the sour cream and Dijon mustard (if using), stirring until smooth and creamy. Heat gently until warmed through but do not boil, as this can curdle the sour cream.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
5. Serve
- Serve the Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Stroganoff
- Ground Beef Choice: Opt for 85-90% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Sour Cream: Use full-fat sour cream for a richer sauce. If using light sour cream, be careful not to boil it to prevent curdling.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or peas for a colorful twist.
- Wine Addition: A splash of white wine or brandy can elevate the flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze Stroganoff (without noodles) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Ground Beef Stroganoff with these sides for a complete meal:
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or steamed asparagus.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.
- Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the rich history and origins of the Ground Beef Stroganoff dish
- Discover the essential ingredients for creating an authentic, flavorful Stroganoff
- Learn step-by-step instructions for making the perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff at home
- Uncover tips and tricks to enhance the flavors and texture of your Stroganoff
- Discover versatile serving suggestions and side dish pairings to complete your meal
What is Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish from Russia. It’s made with tender ground beef and a creamy sauce. The sauce includes sour cream, mushrooms, and spices.
Over time, people have changed the recipe. But the main flavors stay the same.
Origin and History of the Dish
The dish started in 19th-century Russia. It was first made with thin beef strips. It was named after the Stroganov family, who loved cooking.
As it traveled the world, it changed. Now, it often uses ground beef instead of thin cuts.
Classic Ingredients and Variations
- The basic recipe has ground beef, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and sour cream. It also has paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- There are many variations. Some use chicken or turkey instead of beef. Others add different mushrooms or vegetables like peas or carrots.
- Some recipes add white wine or brandy for extra flavor.
The key to a great Ground Beef Stroganoff is its creamy sauce. It makes the dish comforting and tasty.
Reasons to Love Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground beef stroganoff is loved for many reasons. It’s a comforting meal perfect for busy nights. The creamy sauce and tender beef make it a favorite.
Ground beef is key to this dish. It’s affordable and easy to find. This makes the dish accessible and tasty.
- The popularity of ground beef stroganoff stems from its comforting and satisfying nature, making it a go-to meal for many families.
- The rich, creamy sauce and tender ground beef create a truly delicious and satisfying dining experience.
- Ground beef is an affordable and versatile protein that can be easily incorporated into the dish, making it a practical option for home cooks.
Ground beef stroganoff is great for any occasion. It’s a dish that brings joy and warmth. Its lasting popularity shows its true value.
“Ground beef stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food – rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.”
Ingredients for the Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
To make the best ground beef stroganoff, start with the right stuff. Choose ground beef that’s 85-90% lean. This mix of flavor and texture is key. You’ll also need other important things to make this classic dish.
Ground Beef: Choosing the Right Cut
For the best ground beef for stroganoff, focus on the fat content. Go for 85-90% lean. This makes the beef tender and tasty without being too greasy. Stay away from too fatty beef to avoid an oily mess.
Other Essential Ingredients
- Fresh mushrooms: Sliced or diced, they add an earthy, savory element to the stroganoff recipe components.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions are the perfect aromatic base for the dish.
- Garlic: Minced or crushed garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sour cream: This ingredient creates the signature rich, creamy texture of the stroganoff sauce.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce is essential for the essential stroganoff ingredients.
By picking these ground beef stroganoff ingredients carefully, you’re on your way to a delicious, authentic dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ground Beef Stroganoff
Making ground beef stroganoff at home is simple. Just follow this easy guide. You’ll soon enjoy a homemade version of this classic dish.
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- After the beef is cooked, drain any extra fat from the skillet. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mushroom mixture, stirring to coat the ingredients. Cook for 1 minute to allow the flour to toast and develop flavor.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Lower the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the ground beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
This easy how to make ground beef stroganoff guide lets you enjoy a delicious, homemade stroganoff recipe any night. The easy stroganoff cooking instructions make it simple. You’ll love the comforting taste.
“Ground beef stroganoff is the ultimate in comforting, creamy goodness. This recipe makes it simple to enjoy this classic dish at home.”
Tips for Enhancing the Flavor
The basic Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is already tasty. But, there are ways to make it even better. Using top-notch ingredients and adding wine or Worcestershire sauce can make a big difference. These steps will help you make a Stroganoff that wows everyone.
Choosing the right ground beef is key. Look for a mix of chuck and sirloin. This mix gives the best taste and tenderness. Don’t pick 100% lean beef. The fat makes the Stroganoff moist and juicy.
Sautéing mushrooms and onions in butter or oil is a smart move. It makes them sweet and adds depth to the dish.
- Adding red wine or Worcestershire sauce can make the flavors richer. They match well with the beef and mushrooms.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can change the game. They add a fresh, herbaceous touch.
- Be bold with spices. A little paprika, garlic powder, or nutmeg can elevate the flavor.
By using quality ingredients and a few tricks, you can make a Stroganoff that’s truly special. These tips will help you make a dish that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a tasty and cozy dish. It goes well with many sides. Serving it over egg noodles or white rice is classic. These help soak up the creamy sauce.
Pairing with Pasta or Rice
Here are some great choices for best pasta or rice for stroganoff:
- Egg noodles – A classic choice, they add a nice texture.
- Wide or medium egg-based pasta – Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle are great.
- Basmati or long-grain white rice – These are fluffy and soak up flavors well.
Complementary Vegetable Sides
To balance the ground beef stroganoff, try these vegetable sides:
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Sautéed green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
These stroganoff side dish ideas add color and crunch. They also balance the creaminess of the Stroganoff.
“The key to a perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. Complementary side dishes play a crucial role in achieving this harmony.”
Ground Beef Stroganoff for Meal Prep
Stroganoff meal prep is a big help for busy cooks. This dish is tasty and keeps well in the fridge or freezer. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
Making stroganoff in advance makes it even better. The sauce gets creamier and the beef gets tastier. It’s easy to thaw and reheat without losing flavor.
Ground beef stroganoff is great for meal planning. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for days. It’s also easy to freeze for later.
Stroganoff meal prep is perfect for any meal. It’s rich, creamy, and easy to make in bulk. It’s a must-have for your meal planning.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Ground Beef Stroganoff can be enjoyed for days. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh.
To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. If it’s dry, add broth or milk. This makes it creamy again.
Storing and reheating how to store leftover stroganoff and reheating ground beef stroganoff keeps it tasty. A little care makes your Stroganoff last longer and stay delicious.
