30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, ultra-comforting meal that brings big flavor with minimal fuss, let me introduce you to my tried-and-true 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff. Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a family-favorite dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings or casual weekend cravings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is comfort food perfection—a short lineup, but every item plays a starring role. Each one builds on another for that signature creamy, savory, and just-slightly-tangy flavor we crave in a homemade 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff.

• Egg Noodles: The tender, slightly chewy texture of wide egg noodles makes them the ideal base for catching all that silky stroganoff sauce.
• Ground Beef: Quick to cook and loaded with flavor; use lean beef if you want to lighten things up, or regular for even richer taste.
• Butter: The secret to a rich, buttery roux that forms the foundation of your creamy sauce.
• Flour: Just the right amount to thicken the sauce into a dreamy consistency that clings to every bite.
• Beef Broth: Infuses savory, slow-cooked flavor in minutes—don’t skip it!
• Milk: Adds creaminess and smooths out the sauce; whole or 2% both work well here.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry powerhouse seasonings deliver classic stroganoff flavor without the chopping.
• Pepper & Salt: For a balanced, savory finish—taste as you go to suit your palate.
• Sour Cream: Whisked in at the end for that signature tangy richness that defines stroganoff!

Variations

Don’t be shy about making this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff your own! With just a few tweaks, you can tailor it for dietary needs, preferences, or simply to use up what you have on hand.

• Switch Up the Protein: Try ground turkey, pork, or chicken for a lighter spin (or use half beef/half mushrooms for a meat-mushroom blend).
• Go Mushroom Crazy: Sauté sliced fresh mushrooms with the beef for classic earthy depth—white, cremini, or even shiitake add lovely flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use GF egg noodles and swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Choose plant-based butter, unsweetened oat or almond milk, and a vegan sour cream to keep things creamy without the dairy.

How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your egg noodles and cook according to the package directions—they should be firm but tender, just right for holding up to the creamy sauce. Drain well and set aside, ready for their starring role.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While your noodles are bubbling away, heat a generously sized skillet over medium. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and stir occasionally until it’s beautifully browned with no pink left (about 6–8 minutes). Spoon off any extra fat—this keeps the whole dish lighter and creamier. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet (no need to wash, those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. You’re building a soft blond roux here—the foundation of that velvety stroganoff sauce.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth and Milk

Now, slowly drizzle the beef broth into your roux, whisking non-stop to prevent any lumps from forming. The sauce will begin to thicken and smell amazing. Gradually stir in the milk, and keep whisking gently until the sauce turns gloriously smooth and creamy (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir everything together, making sure the seasonings blend evenly so every bite of 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is perfectly flavorful.

Step 6: Combine & Finish

Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked noodles and browned beef to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until the meat and pasta are coated with that dreamy sauce and heated through. Finally, swirl in the sour cream and stir until it melts into the sauce—this is where true stroganoff magic happens!

Step 7: Serve Hot!

Dish up your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff immediately, while it’s steaming hot and creamy. Add your favorite simple veggie or a thick slice of garlic toast for a full, soul-satisfying meal.

How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

Bring color and freshness to each plate with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley or dill—both add a lovely herbal note that pops against the rich sauce. For some extra indulgence, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of extra sour cream works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This classic pairs dreamily with a crisp green salad, garlicky steamed green beans, or buttered peas. And if you’re feeling carb-happy, a thick slice of rustic sourdough or garlic toast is always a winning choice for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn weeknight dinner into something a bit more fun by serving the stroganoff in individual bowls or ramekins, garnished with lots of herbs and maybe a twist of fresh-cracked pepper. Or serve “family-style” right from the skillet for an inviting, homestyle touch—it looks cozy and encourages everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff cool to room temperature first. Then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days—a handy bonus for quick lunches or busy nights later in the week!

Freezing

This dish actually freezes well, especially if you leave out the sour cream when freezing (just stir it in after reheating for the freshest flavor). Store cooled stroganoff in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your stroganoff gently in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. Or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring often to keep things creamy and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this easy, crowd-pleasing 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff becomes a new staple in your kitchen too. It’s fast, flexible, and always hits the spot—just the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again when you need warmth, comfort, and a meal your whole crew will cheer for. Give it a try tonight and let me know how your table loves it!

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