Ground Beef Stroganoff: Your Quick, Creamy, and Cozy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner!
Some nights, you just need a meal that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug. A dish that’s rich, satisfying, and reminiscent of homemade goodness, but without demanding hours in the kitchen. On those evenings, our Ground Beef Stroganoff is your absolute hero – a quick, creamy, and incredibly cozy dinner that’s ready to serve in just about 30 minutes!
Forget complicated techniques or long simmering times. This recipe takes the beloved, classic flavors of beef stroganoff – tender meat, luscious sauce, and hearty noodles – and simplifies them into a one-pan (mostly!) wonder perfect for busy family nights. Imagine savory ground beef mingling with a deeply flavorful mushroom and onion base, all enveloped in a velvety, tangy cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s comfort food at its finest, delivered with impressive speed.
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to even the pickiest eaters with its familiar flavors and comforting texture. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites and comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you ever opted for takeout. Get ready to add this reliable, delicious, and super-fast recipe to your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients:
- 6 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice, such as penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning beef)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (full-fat for best results)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot for cooking noodles
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for the stroganoff sauce)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Egg Noodles (Start First!):
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. They cook quickly, usually in 7-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef & Veggies (While noodles cook):
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. If your ground beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms have released their liquid.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute, cooking the flour to create a roux (a thick paste). This helps thicken the sauce and remove any raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, a little at a time, continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken further.
4. Finish with Sour Cream & Combine:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding sour cream, as it can curdle.
- Add the drained egg noodles directly into the skillet with the ground beef stroganoff sauce. Toss gently until the noodles are fully coated.
5. Serve Hot!
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a testament to how quickly you can create a deeply satisfying, creamy, and cozy meal from scratch. It’s perfect for those busy family nights when comfort and speed are equally important. Enjoy every delicious, heartwarming bite!