Introduction
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a dish that never fails to tantalize our taste buds with its rich, savory flavors and comforting warmth. This classic recipe, which has been a staple in many cuisines around the world, is a perfect blend of beef, mushrooms, and sour cream, all coming together in a delicious harmony. The origin of Ground Beef Stroganoff can be traced back to Russia, where it was first created in the 19th century, and since then, it has become a beloved dish globally, with its popularity enduring through the years.
The appeal of Ground Beef Stroganoff lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its ease of preparation, making it a favorite among home cooks. With common, accessible ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, let’s dive into the world of Ground Beef Stroganoff and explore what makes it so special.
In this recipe, we’ll be using ground beef as the main protein, which is not only affordable but also packed with flavor. We’ll also be adding mushrooms to give it an earthy taste and sour cream to add a rich and creamy texture. With these ingredients, we’ll create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is a winner in many ways. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time. The dish is also very comforting, with the combination of ground beef, mushrooms, and sour cream creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Additionally, the ingredients used are common and accessible, making it a great option for home cooks who want to whip up a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of garlic and onion to your taste, and even add other ingredients like dill or paprika to give it an extra boost of flavor. With this recipe, you’ll have the freedom to experiment and make it your own. For more recipe ideas, check out our Creamy Mushroom Risotto or Ground Beef and Rice Skillet recipes.
So, whether you’re a busy home cook or an experienced chef, this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, comforting flavor, and customization options make it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 cup cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp butter
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to use ground beef that’s at least 80% lean, as this will help to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute if you prefer.
For the mushrooms, you can use either button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, depending on your personal preference. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead, although the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
In terms of spices, you can adjust the amount of paprika and thyme to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic and onion. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
Equipment Needed
To make this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment. These include a skillet or frying pan, a cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon or spatula. You’ll also need a oven to cook the dish, although this is optional.
Make sure to choose a skillet that’s large enough to hold all the ingredients, as this will help to prevent the dish from becoming too crowded. A stainless steel or cast iron skillet is ideal, as these retain heat well and can be used at high temperatures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the sour cream and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the ground beef mixture over cooked noodles, garnished with chopped parsley or dill, if desired.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you cook the dish, make sure to keep an eye on the color and texture of the ingredients. The ground beef should be browned and cooked through, while the mushrooms should be tender and lightly browned. The sauce should be thick and creamy, with a rich, beefy flavor.
To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to stir the sauce constantly as it thickens, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent it from burning. You can also add a little more beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick, or cook it for a few more minutes if it’s too thin.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking Ground Beef Stroganoff is overcooking the ground beef. This can make the dish tough and dry, rather than tender and flavorful. To avoid this, make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s just browned, then remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Another mistake is not stirring the sauce enough, which can cause it to burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. To prevent this, make sure to stir the sauce constantly as it thickens, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent it from burning.
If you find that your sauce is too thin, you can cook it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a little more sour cream or beef broth to thicken it up. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
Storage & Freezing
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a great dish to make ahead of time, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it, simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze it.
When you’re ready to reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in a skillet or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also add a little more beef broth or sour cream to thin out the sauce if it’s become too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people ask about Ground Beef Stroganoff:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. - Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian or vegan by substituting the ground beef with mushrooms or tofu, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin?
A: To prevent the sauce from becoming too thin, make sure to cook it until it’s reduced by half, and stir it constantly as it thickens. You can also add a little more sour cream or beef broth to thicken it up. - Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it. - Q: How do I reheat this dish?
A: To reheat this dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in a skillet or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly. - Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free beef broth and gluten-free noodles.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its rich, savory sauce and tender ground beef, it’s a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re a busy home cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. For more comfort food ideas, check out our Classic Beef Lasagna recipe.
So why not give it a try? With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying a delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff in no time. And don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I’d love to see how you make this dish your own!
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes!
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the sour cream and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the ground beef mixture over cooked noodles, garnished with chopped parsley or dill, if desired.