Ground Beef Stroganoff

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, cozy, and easy 30-minute dinner recipe made with ground beef, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce.

You may also like my classic Beef Stroganoff or this Creamy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This easy ground beef stroganoff recipe is a quick weeknight dinner with a creamy mushroom sauce and classic sour cream flavor. It’s made in one skillet and tastes just like traditional beef stroganoff, but faster and more affordable.

Using ground beef keeps this version simple and approachable while still delivering that classic stroganoff flavor. It’s one of my favorite beef recipes for busy nights.

This version is sometimes called hamburger stroganoff because it uses ground beef instead of steak, making it more affordable and faster to prepare.

It’s one of those reliable comfort food recipes made with everyday ingredients. Ground beef stroganoff is affordable, easy to make, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying dinner. If you enjoy creamy ground beef dinners, you may also like this One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Ground beef keeps it simple and affordable while still delivering rich, classic stroganoff flavor without needing expensive cuts of steak.
• Mushrooms add deep savory flavor and enhance the richness of the creamy sauce, creating that signature stroganoff taste.
• Sour cream creates a smooth, classic sauce with a slight tang that balances the richness perfectly.
• Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard boost flavor and make the beef taste more complex and savory.
• Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and a faster, easier dinner.
• Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy and satisfying.

Quick Look at the Ingredients

• Ground beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef here because it gives the best flavor and keeps everything nice and tender. Leaner beef works too, but you may lose a little richness in the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Regular white mushrooms or cremini both work great. Just make sure to let them cook long enough to turn golden. That’s where all the flavor develops.
• Heavy cream: This makes the sauce smooth and creamy without needing anything complicated. You can use half and half if that’s what you have, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
• Sour cream: This is what gives stroganoff its classic flavor. I always stir it in at the end, off the heat, so it stays smooth and creamy.
• Beef broth: This builds the base of the sauce and adds deeper beef flavor. A good broth really makes a difference here.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a small amount adds a deeper savory flavor that makes everything taste more complete.
• Dijon mustard: You won’t really taste the mustard, but it adds a subtle tang that balances the creaminess perfectly.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a little extra depth, but regular paprika works just as well if that’s what you have.
• Cornstarch slurry (optional): If you like a thicker sauce, this helps tighten everything up without changing the flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and let it cook for a couple of minutes without stirring so it can develop some nice browning. Then break it up and continue cooking until fully browned. That deeper color adds a lot of flavor. Transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the diced onion. Cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the mushrooms and let them cook until their moisture evaporates and they start turning golden. This is where the stroganoff really starts building its rich, savory base.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Dijon mustard, then add the garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Everything should smell warm, savory, and full of flavor at this point.

Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps concentrate the flavor and creates the foundation for the creamy sauce.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, then return the beef to the skillet. Add a pinch of black pepper and let everything simmer gently so the sauce can thicken slightly and coat the beef. This is when the stroganoff really comes together into a rich, creamy sauce.

Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the sour cream. This creates a smooth creamy mushroom sauce with that classic stroganoff tang. If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and warm it briefly over low heat.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Stroganoff

• Let the beef brown properly before stirring. This adds much more flavor.
• Cook the mushrooms until golden, not just soft. This makes the sauce richer.
• Add sour cream off heat to keep the sauce smooth.
• Simmer gently, not rapidly, to prevent the sauce from separating.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor.
• Feel free to add more garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce if you want to punch the flavor up even more!

This hearty Ground Beef Stroganoff makes a perfect family dinner, but it’s also delicious enough to serve to guests. I guarantee that everyone will be fighting over the leftovers…if you’re lucky enough to end up with any!

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it without mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can simply leave them out. The stroganoff will still be rich and delicious.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and adds a similar creamy texture with a slightly lighter feel.
• Use half and half instead of heavy cream: This makes the sauce a bit lighter while still keeping it creamy.
• Add extra broth for more sauce: If you like your stroganoff extra saucy, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of beef broth.
• Use ground turkey instead: Ground turkey works great for a lighter version while still keeping that comforting stroganoff flavor.
• Add onions and garlic powder for deeper flavor: A small pinch of each can enhance the savory taste even more.
• Make it thicker: Add the cornstarch slurry at the end if you prefer a thicker, creamier sauce.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Stroganoff

This creamy stroganoff pairs perfectly with simple sides that soak up the rich sauce. My favorite option is classic egg noodles, but there are plenty of other great choices.

• Egg noodles (classic choice)
• White rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Butter pasta
• Crusty bread

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you serve with ground beef stroganoff?
Egg noodles are the classic choice because they soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. Rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta also work great. For a lighter option, serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Can I make ground beef stroganoff without sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and still gives the sauce a creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Which ground beef is best for stroganoff?
I like using 80/20 ground beef because it has enough fat to keep the meat tender and flavorful. Leaner ground beef works too, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats very well. Warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening.

How do you store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Why is my stroganoff sauce not thick enough?
The sauce will naturally thicken as it simmers and cools slightly. If you’d like it thicker, you can stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer briefly. Also, avoid adding too much broth, as that can make the sauce thinner.

Is ground beef stroganoff the same as hamburger stroganoff?
Yes, hamburger stroganoff is simply another name for ground beef stroganoff. Both use ground beef instead of sliced steak, making the recipe faster, more affordable, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor often gets even better the next day.

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth, milk, or cream to loosen it.

You can also reheat it in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each one.