30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you adore hearty comfort food but your weeknights are a whirlwind, you’re about to fall head over heels for this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff. Think creamy, rich mushroom-less sauce, perfectly tender noodles, and the kind of flavor that wraps you up in a culinary hug—all on the table in half an hour flat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is delightfully straightforward—each addition has a tasty purpose, from the cozy creaminess of sour cream to the ultra-savory beef and fragrant seasonings. The result? A stroganoff that’s unfussy and fabulous!

• Egg Noodles: The classic base—wide egg noodles absorb every bit of creamy sauce, delivering that iconic stroganoff texture.
• Ground Beef: Heartiness and fast cooking rolled into one; use lean or regular for your preferred richness.
• Butter: Adds luxurious depth to the sauce and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce so it hugs every twist of noodle.
• Beef Broth: Amps up the savory element and gives that classic stroganoff foundation.
• Milk: Coupled with broth, it makes the sauce velvety-smooth without being overwhelming.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle hint of garlicky goodness in every bite.
• Onion Powder: Delivers background flavor you crave, with no chopping required.
• Black Pepper: Lends a touch of warm spice to balance the richness.
• Salt: Makes all those robust flavors pop.
• Sour Cream: The final swirl—this works its magic to add signature tang and silkiness.

Variations

One of the loveliest things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Consider this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff your personal blank canvas—try these swaps to fit your pantry or dietary needs!

• Swap the Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based crumbles to make it vegetarian.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux—you won’t miss a thing!
• Lighten It Up: Reduced-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt offers the same tang with fewer calories.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in finely chopped mushrooms, peas, or spinach for more color, flavor, and nutrition.

How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Set a pot of water to boil and cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re perfectly al dente, drain and set them aside—you want them ready to soak up every drop of delicious stroganoff sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the noodles are boiling, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s deeply browned and no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes). Drain off any extra fat and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the now-empty skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for around two minutes, forming a pale golden roux—this is what thickens and gives the sauce its signature, lush texture.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth & Milk

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, then gently whisk in the milk. Keep stirring for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce is oh-so-creamy and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Make sure the seasonings are well dispersed so you get balanced flavor in every bite of this quick weeknight stroganoff.

Step 6: Combine Noodles & Beef

Reduce the heat to low and add your cooked noodles and browned beef straight into the skillet. Toss everything together until piping hot, making sure every noodle is cloaked in that creamy stroganoff sauce.

Step 7: Finish With Sour Cream

Finish by gently stirring in the sour cream. This last step gives your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff its iconic silkiness and tang. Heat through, but don’t boil, to keep everything velvety-smooth. Serve right away and dig in!

How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and cuts through the creaminess, while a little extra black pepper or even a dusting of smoked paprika is always welcome atop a big bowl of 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a crisp green side—try simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or a light arugula salad. Rustic garlic bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last drop of that velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve your stroganoff in individual bowls with a swirl of sour cream and a sprig of dill, or pile it over baked potatoes for a cozy twist. Mini Dutch ovens or a big serving platter family-style make dinner feel like a weeknight celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff are a dream—simply cool completely, then pop in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The sauce freezes best if you haven’t added the noodles yet; freeze sauce and cooked beef together, thaw overnight, then reheat and toss with fresh noodles for a just-made meal.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat or microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if needed to revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff in your own kitchen—there’s just something special about a meal that’s fast, family-pleasing, and so generous with comfort. Pour yourself a bowl, gather your people, and enjoy every spoonful!

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