30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, creamy dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is going to be your new weeknight hero. This recipe captures all the cozy flavors you love in traditional stroganoff but swaps in ground beef for a simpler, faster version without compromising on taste or texture. Rich, silky sauce clings to tender egg noodles, and a hint of tangy sour cream rounds out each bite, making this dish perfect any night of the week when you want something hearty but fuss-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s building that silky sauce, adding depth of flavor, or delivering perfect noodle comfort that everyone will love.

• 6 ounces Egg Noodles: These hold the creamy sauce wonderfully and provide the perfect tender bite.
• 1 pound Ground Beef: The flavorful base that keeps this stroganoff quick and easy without losing heartiness.
• ¼ cup Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luscious roux for the sauce.
• ¼ cup Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to that irresistible creamy consistency.
• 1 cup Beef Broth: Infuses deep, savory flavor that elevates the dish to full comfort food status.
• 1 ¼ cup Milk: Creates the creamy body of the sauce, balancing richness with smoothness.
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Brings gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Pepper: Offers a mild kick to brighten all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances every ingredient, making sure no flavor is left behind.
• ¼ cup Sour Cream: Finishes the stroganoff with a tangy, creamy touch that makes all the difference.

How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles according to the package directions. The noodles should be tender but still firm to the bite, so they’ll hold up perfectly when mixed with the rich sauce later. Drain and set aside for the final assembly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s no longer pink and begins to brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step not only cooks the beef but builds the meaty flavor base that makes this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff so satisfying. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate for now.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour in and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. This creates the roux, the thickening agent that will give the sauce its irresistible creamy texture without lumps. This classic technique is where the magic begins.

Step 4: Add Beef Broth and Thicken

Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to thicken and bubble gently, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks that rich, savory depth that makes you want to savor every bite.

Step 5: Whisk in Milk and Seasonings

Add the milk gradually, stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This silky sauce is the heart of your stroganoff. Once thickened, whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt to layer in bold, balanced flavor.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Beef

Turn the heat down to low, then add your cooked egg noodles and browned beef back into the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything in the luscious sauce, ensuring each noodle is deliciously covered.

Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream

Finally, stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. This ingredient is the secret weapon that amps up the creaminess and adds a bright, tangy note that makes your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff truly unforgettable. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and freshness on top of your creamy stroganoff. A light sprinkle of paprika can add a beautiful visual warmth and a hint of smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beef. Garnishes are the final flourish that can make your dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This stroganoff shines on its own but pairing it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad adds balance and variety to your meal. A side of crusty garlic bread or a simple buttered roll is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stroganoff in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You can also layer it in a casserole dish topped with grated cheese and bake briefly for a bubbly finish that’s perfect for gatherings. Little touches like these make your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff extra memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stroganoff keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option for quick lunches or another cozy dinner. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before storing.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Pack it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. To prevent texture changes, consider cooking the noodles separately and freezing the sauce and beef mixture on its own.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure an even warm-up. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the creamy sauce. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner, lighter option and works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time since it can dry out faster than beef, and you might want to add a bit more seasoning to maintain richness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream to keep that creaminess intact.

Can I prep any of this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the beef and sauce mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the noodles fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

What type of noodles work best for this stroganoff?

Traditional egg noodles are classic because they hold sauce well and have a tender bite, but feel free to try wide pappardelle, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference or dietary needs.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To deepen the flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions when browning the beef. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred into the sauce also adds wonderful complexity.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff, it will instantly become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights that call for comfort food with minimal effort. The creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender noodles and savory beef is pure home-style happiness in a bowl. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to effortless deliciousness today!

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