Ground Beef Stroganoff

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

This creamy beef stroganoff comes together fast but tastes like it simmered all day. Brown ground beef really well - those crispy bits add tons of flavor. Make a quick sauce starting with butter and flour, then add beef broth until it's smooth and creamy. Stir in egg noodles that you've cooked just until tender, then fold in a dollop of sour cream at the end. The sour cream makes it extra rich and tangy. Top with fresh parsley and lots of black pepper. Pure comfort food in about 30 minutes. Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to complete the meal.
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Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:54:34 GMT
A close-up view of a bowl of creamy beef stroganoff served over egg noodles, garnished with parsley and a dollop of sour cream. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl of creamy beef stroganoff served over egg noodles, garnished with parsley and a dollop of sour cream. | cookingkeys.com

This refined interpretation of classic stroganoff emerged through careful development of flavor profiles and preparation techniques.

Initial experimentation focused on achieving optimal balance between premium ground beef and enriched sauce components, while maintaining traditional comfort elements.

Multiple iterations refined the methodology, particularly regarding sauce development and pasta integration.

The distinctive combination of seasoned beef and enhanced cream sauce creates exceptional depth, while maintaining proper consistency.

Each preparation enhanced understanding of proper ingredient ratios and temperature control.

Why This Stroganoff Stands Apart

This creation achieves distinction through its precise balance of premium ingredients and refined preparation methods.

The careful selection of lean ground beef provides proper texture and flavor depth, while cultured dairy products ensure exceptional sauce development.

Each component serves specific purpose in flavor enhancement and textural development.

The sauce preparation technique creates superior consistency while maintaining proper incorporation.

Temperature control during preparation ensures optimal results in both protein cooking and sauce emulsion.

This preparation proves equally suitable for casual dining or refined service, offering versatility while maintaining quality.

Essential Components

  • Primary Elements:
    • premium ground beef, selected for optimal fat content
    • enriched egg noodles, proper thickness for sauce adherence
    • European-style butter for superior sauce development
    • unbleached flour for proper roux formation
    • selected beef stock, reduced sodium variety
    • whole milk for proper sauce consistency
    • cultured sour cream for enhanced flavor depth
    • precise spice blend for optimal seasoning
  • Equipment Requirements:
    • heavy-gauge cooking vessel
    • proper temperature monitoring devices
    • calibrated measuring implements
    • appropriate stirring implements
A flat lay arrangement of uncooked egg noodles, ground beef, butter, milk, and a small jar of black pepper on a light countertop. Pin it
A flat lay arrangement of uncooked egg noodles, ground beef, butter, milk, and a small jar of black pepper on a light countertop. | cookingkeys.com

Creation Process

Initial Preparation
Begin with proper mise en place, ensuring measured ingredients at appropriate temperatures. Prepare pasta with specific timing for optimal texture development.
Protein Development
Execute proper browning technique for ground beef, ensuring even cooking while maintaining moisture. Monitor temperature throughout process.
Sauce Formation
Create proper roux using precise butter-flour ratio. Incorporate liquids gradually while maintaining proper whisking technique. Monitor sauce development for proper consistency.
Integration Phase
Combine elements systematically, ensuring proper temperature control throughout process. Execute final incorporation of cultured dairy with specific technique.
A serving of egg noodles topped with creamy ground beef and a dollop of sour cream in a black bowl, with uncooked pasta in the background. Pin it
A serving of egg noodles topped with creamy ground beef and a dollop of sour cream in a black bowl, with uncooked pasta in the background. | cookingkeys.com

Technical Insights

Temperature control proves essential throughout preparation process.

Understanding protein cooking techniques significantly impacts final texture.

Proper roux development affects sauce consistency considerably.

Monitoring heat levels during dairy incorporation prevents separation.

Each component requires careful attention to maintain proper balance while ensuring optimal flavor development.

Pasta cooking timing creates significant impact on final texture.

Variations and Adaptations

This foundational recipe accepts numerous sophisticated adaptations while maintaining core methodology.

Various protein selections create intriguing flavor profiles.

Alternative dairy components allow for fascinating taste variations.

Different pasta varieties provide opportunities for texture diversity.

Each adaptation requires specific adjustments to maintain proper consistency and flavor integrity.

Premium additions enhance complexity while complementing base flavors.

A pot filled with cooked egg noodles and ground beef in a savory sauce. Pin it
A pot filled with cooked egg noodles and ground beef in a savory sauce. | cookingkeys.com

Service Considerations

Professional presentation elevates this preparation to sophisticated status.

Temperature consideration during service impacts texture significantly.

Understanding proper portioning enhances guest experience.

Strategic garnish placement maximizes visual impact.

Creating balanced accompaniments maintains professional appearance while ensuring proper meal composition.

Storage protocols between service periods significantly impact quality maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why make a roux first?

The butter-flour roux thickens the sauce and prevents lumps. Cooking it briefly removes raw flour taste and ensures smooth sauce.

→ Can I use different pasta?

Yes, but stick to 6 ounces or less to maintain proper sauce ratio. Wide egg noodles are traditional but any pasta works.

→ Why use lean ground beef?

Lean beef means less fat to drain, which keeps the creamy sauce from becoming greasy. Higher fat beef works but needs draining.

→ Can I add mushrooms?

Yes, add up to 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms. White button or cremini work best. Avoid canned mushrooms for better texture.

→ How do I prevent lumpy sauce?

Whisk constantly when adding broth and milk to the roux. Add liquids gradually and keep stirring for smooth results.

Conclusion

A classic comfort food dish featuring ground beef, egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef in a rich sauce made with butter, broth, and sour cream. Ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
~
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6 oz egg noodles.
02 1 lb ground beef.
03 1/4 cup butter.
04 1/4 cup flour.
05 1 cup beef broth.
06 1 1/4 cup milk.
07 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
10 3/4 teaspoon salt.
11 1/4 cup sour cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook egg noodles according to package directions, set aside.

Step 02

Brown ground beef in skillet until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain if needed.

Step 03

Melt butter, whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.

Step 04

Gradually add broth then milk, whisking until thickened. Add seasonings.

Step 05

Add noodles and beef to sauce, stir to combine.

Step 06

Stir in sour cream until incorporated. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Use lean beef to reduce draining.
  2. Don't exceed 6 oz pasta.
  3. Can add fresh mushrooms.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pasta pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 662
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 30 g