Ah, Ground Beef Stroganoff! Just saying it warms my heart and takes me back to cozy nights spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table. I remember her stirring away at a simmering pot, that rich, savory aroma wafting through the air while we all eagerly anticipated dinner. It became a staple in our home, a perfect blend of simplicity and comfort that never failed to bring smiles around the table.
What I love most about this dish is how it can transform a regular weeknight dinner into something special – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s easy to whip up and takes hardly any time at all, which is ideal for us busy bees. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our spatula, and delve into this delightful recipe!
What’s in The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Let’s break down the star players in this comforting dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: The foundation of this dish! I usually go for lean ground beef, around 80/20, which gives a nice balance of flavor without being overly greasy.
Egg Noodles: These hold the stroganoff’s creamy sauce so perfectly. You can also swap them for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if that’s your vibe!
Onion: Diced finely, they add depth and sweetness to the mix. Nothing like the smell of onions sizzling in olive oil to bring everyone to the kitchen!
Garlic: The more, the merrier! I love the pungent aroma that fresh garlic brings to the dish—it’s a flavor game changer.
Mushrooms: Freshly sliced button or cremini mushrooms are key to that earthy flavor. They also add a lovely texture.
Beef Broth: This adds richness to our sauce and makes everything come together in harmony. I use low-sodium broth to keep it healthier.
Sour Cream: The star ingredient for that creamy finish! It adds a wonderful tang that balances the robust flavors beautifully.
Flour: Just a touch to help thicken our stroganoff and give it a luxurious feel.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little dash goes a long way for adding depth of flavor. Trust me on this one!
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that enhances the overall taste; plus, it’s a perfect pairing with beef.
Olive Oil: A good splash to sauté the veggies—don’t skip it!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste!
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that not only looks pretty but adds a fresh note right before serving.
Is The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff Good for You?
This delightful dish, while comfortingly rich, also has some perks when it comes to health!
Lean Ground Beef: Is a fantastic source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy and overall health. Just make sure you’re mindful of the portions!
Mushrooms: Are low in calories and high in nutrients, offering antioxidant benefits that are great for your immune system.
Egg Noodles: Provide carbohydrates for energy. Opting for whole-grain varieties gives you a fiber boost!
The only thing to consider is that this dish can be rich due to the sour cream, so perhaps save it for treat nights or special occasions—but hey, who am I to judge? Life is all about balance, right?
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tbsp flour
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe serves about 4 hungry souls, or in my case, two with generous leftovers!
How to Make The Best Ground Beef Stroganoff?
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, throw in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
4. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
6. Gradually stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, letting it thicken for about 5 minutes.
7. Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream until it’s all smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Dig in and enjoy every delicious mouthful!
Comforting Tips and Variations!
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, here are a few variations I love:
– **Creamy Dream:** Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness (if you’re feeling indulgent).
– **Veggie Delight:** Toss in some peas or spinach for an extra nutritional punch!
– **Mushroom Mania:** Try different types of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for a unique flavor.
– **Spice It Up:** For a touch of heat, toss in red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce.
If you find yourself with leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully! Just rewarm on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life.
I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the warmth and joy that this classic dish brings!
