30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is pure weeknight comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender egg noodles, hearty bits of juicy ground beef, and a dreamy, creamy sauce that comes together in a flash—all finished with a tangy swirl of sour cream. It’s rich, satisfying, and simple enough for even the busiest evenings, packing all that classic stroganoff flavor you crave without any fuss. So grab your skillet, and let’s get dinner on the table—fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component for this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff has an important role to play. These ingredients keep things delightfully simple, but each brings its own magic to the dish, from hearty texture to a deliciously creamy finish.
- Egg Noodles: Their wide, silky texture soaks up the creamy sauce and gives the dish its classic mouthfeel.
- Ground Beef: The main protein, cooked until browned and flavorful—perfect for busy nights and hearty appetites.
- Butter: Melted in the skillet, this adds richness and helps make a velvety roux.
- Flour: Whisked with butter, it thickens the sauce to the ideal creamy consistency.
- Beef Broth: Brings deep, meaty flavor and creates the luxurious base for your sauce.
- Milk: Makes the sauce extra silky and lends a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Garlic Powder: Adds gentle warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the sauce with sweet, savory undertones—no chopping required!
- Pepper: For just the right pop of mild heat to cut through the creaminess.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of this easy stroganoff, so nothing tastes bland.
- Sour Cream: Swirled in at the end, it delivers that signature tang and smooth finish everyone loves in stroganoff.
How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in your egg noodles and cook them according to package directions—usually about 8-10 minutes for perfectly tender noodles. Once they’re ready, drain them and set aside for the magic to happen later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While those noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up as it sizzles away. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until all traces of pink are gone and the meat is deliciously browned. Drain off any excess fat, then transfer the beef to a plate for a few minutes—you’ll bring everything together soon.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In that same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s happily bubbling, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes. You’re building a roux here—a classic French technique that’s the secret to thick, glossy sauce in every bite of 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth and Thicken
Pour in the beef broth nice and slow, whisking as you go to keep things silky smooth. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens up—this takes about 3-4 minutes and is your sign that the base of your sauce is coming together.
Step 5: Whisk in the Milk
Slowly add the milk to your thickened roux, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes more, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thick enough to coat the back of your spoon. The transformation is truly satisfying!
Step 6: Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure those seasonings are beautifully distributed, infusing every bite of sauce with classic, comforting flavor.
Step 7: Bring it All Together
Lower the heat and return the noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in that luscious sauce and heated through—watching the dish come together is half the fun of making 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Step 8: Add the Sour Cream
Gently dollop in the sour cream and fold it into the mixture. It’ll melt into the sauce, adding that special creaminess and tang that makes stroganoff so irresistible.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your steaming hot 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff straight from the pan. Pair with your favorite vegetable or a crisp slice of garlic toast for a meal that’s both quick and memorable.
How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is a classic, adding fresh color and a subtle herbal note to every plate. You could also try a dusting of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth, or even a few snipped chives for a gentle oniony bite. Don’t underestimate the visual and flavor boost a bright garnish can add to your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Side Dishes
This stroganoff is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or tender roasted vegetables takes dinner up a notch. For a cozy, carby treat, serve it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even steamed green beans—the sauce is just begging to be mopped up!
Creative Ways to Present
Stroganoff doesn’t have to be ordinary—try serving it in individual bowls topped with a swirl of sour cream and snipped herbs, or go family-style in a big serving dish. For potlucks or special nights, you can bake it in a casserole dish with a layer of cheese on top and pop under the broiler for a bubbly twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for fantastic lunches the next day. Aim to enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste and freshness.
Freezing
Want to make your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead for another night? It freezes really well! Spoon cooled stroganoff into freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the noodles might soften a bit more upon reheating, but all that flavor will still be there.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave single portions in short bursts (stirring in between), or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir in a spoonful of fresh sour cream right before serving to revive that creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles or pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, any short pasta (like rotini or penne) works in a pinch. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it’ll soften a little in the sauce.
Is there a way to make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff lighter?
For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or lean ground beef, substitute low-fat milk, and swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You’ll get a bit of tang and creaminess, with fewer calories.
Can I add vegetables to the stroganoff?
Vegetables are welcome here! Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach in the skillet after browning the beef. They’ll add color, nutrients, and even more flavor to your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well and still gives a tangy note. Crème fraîche or even a little cream cheese mixed with lemon juice can step in, too.
How do I keep the sauce creamy if reheating?
The trick is to reheat gently and add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge. Mixing in a fresh spoonful of sour cream right before serving will bring back that glorious creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to mean hours at the stove. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—so there’s really no reason not to add it to your weeknight line-up. Give it a go, and you’ll be hooked on having a homemade classic ready in a flash!
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30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A classic and comforting 30-minute Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe that is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Creamy and savory, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
6 ounces
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Butter:
1/4 cup
Flour:
1/4 cup
Beef Broth:
1 cup
Milk:
1 1/4 cups
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Onion Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Sour Cream:
1/4 cup
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Make Roux: Melt butter in the skillet, add flour, and whisk for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in milk gradually, cook until thickened and creamy.
- Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt to the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add noodles and beef to the sauce, stir to combine.
- Add Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Stroganoff, Beef Stroganoff Recipe, Easy Stroganoff, Weeknight Dinner
