Beef Stroganoff
The best beef stroganoff recipe that’s hearty, creamy, and made with simple ingredients. This classic beef stroganoff recipe is packed with savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, mushrooms, onions, and a rich creamy sauce that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
If you’re on the hunt for more easy comfort food recipes, be sure to check out my creamy Chicken Spaghetti and my sweet-and-savory Grape Jelly Meatballs, both are family favorites!
While traditional beef stroganoff is often made with flank steak, beef tenderloin, or other cuts of tender beef, this version swaps them for budget-friendly ground beef without sacrificing flavor. It’s an easy beef stroganoff recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving homemade comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Made with pantry-friendly simple ingredients.
- Rich, creamy stroganoff sauce everyone loves.
- Perfect for feeding the entire family.
- Great for meal prep and leftover stroganoff.
- Tastes even better the next time you reheat it.
What is Beef Stroganoff?
Traditional beef stroganoff is a famous Russian dish dating back to the 19th century. The original recipe featured thin strips of beef, usually a premium cut of beef like beef tenderloin, served in a rich, tangy sauce made with sour cream.
Today there are countless versions. Some recipes use flank steak, round steak, skirt steak, top sirloin, boneless ribeye, stew meat, or even chuck roast. Others rely on cream of mushroom soup for convenience.
This homemade beef stroganoff keeps things easy by using ground beef, fresh mushrooms, and a homemade creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch, no canned soup required.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 12-ounce package egg noodles
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups beef broth (or beef stock)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Special Notes
Ground Beef
Ground beef makes this recipe affordable while still creating a delicious meat mixture full of rich flavor.
Egg Noodles
Wide egg noodles are the classic choice. Cook them just until al dente so they stay tender after being mixed into the sauce.
Beef Broth
Using good-quality beef broth or beef stock creates the rich base for the savory sauce.
Mushrooms
White mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms both work wonderfully and add earthy flavor to the creamy mushroom sauce.
Sour Cream
The sour cream gives the sauce its signature richness and that little tang everyone loves.
How to Make Classic Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well and toss with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and no longer pink.
Transfer the beef to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings and browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining butter to the skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onions until softened before adding the sliced mushrooms.
Allow the mushrooms to cook in a single layer whenever possible so they develop a deep golden brown color instead of steaming.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium high heat until the sauce thickens into a rich creamy sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Stroganoff
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir until coated.
Reduce to low heat, then remove the pan from the burner before stirring in the sour cream. This keeps the creamy sour cream sauce smooth and prevents curdling.
Add the cooked egg noodles and toss until every noodle is coated in the delicious stroganoff sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Beef Stroganoff
- Don’t overcook the egg noodles—they’ll continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Browning the beef well creates a lot of flavor.
- Scrape up the browned bits from the skillet after adding the broth for even more savory flavor.
- Add the sour cream after removing the skillet from the heat to keep the sauce silky.
- Use freshly grated black pepper for the best flavor.
Recipe Variations
There are so many ways to customize this great recipe.
- Substitute beef stock for beef broth.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth.
- Splash in a little red wine or dry white wine while making the sauce.
- Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a richer color.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for an even richer dish.
What Meat is Traditionally Used?
This version uses ground beef, but traditional beef stroganoff is usually made with:
- Flank steak
- Top sirloin
- Round steak
- Skirt steak
- Boneless ribeye
- Beef tenderloin
- Chuck roast
- Stew meat
These cuts are often given a quick sear so the pieces of beef remain juicy and tender.
Can I Use Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes! Many families grew up making an old fashioned beef stroganoff recipe using cream of mushroom soup. While that shortcut is delicious, making the sauce from scratch with beef broth, mushrooms, and sour cream gives this recipe a fresher, homemade flavor.
What to Serve with Beef Stroganoff
This rich dish is satisfying on its own, but it’s also delicious with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Caesar salad
- Dinner rolls
- Steamed vegetables
Storage
Allow the stroganoff to cool completely before storing.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! A slow cooker stroganoff works especially well when using chuck roast or stew meat, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender.
Sour cream can separate if it gets too hot. Always remove the skillet from the heat before stirring it into the sauce.
Yes! This recipe reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
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Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Drain well and toss with a small amount of butter or oil to keep the noodles from sticking. Set aside.
- While the noodles cook, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Brown the beef until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then transfer the beef to a plate. Leave any drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, or until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir until it’s evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and gently toss until everything is well coated in the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
This Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe combines everything you love about homemade comfort food: tender egg noodles, flavorful ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich creamy mushroom sauce made with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again. One bite of this cozy, creamy pasta dish, and you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time.
