When you're looking for a meal that is not only hearty but also packed with flavor, ground beef stroganoff is the perfect dish. This comforting, creamy dish combines tender ground beef, mushrooms, and onions in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s a versatile, family-friendly meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
In this article, we'll guide you through a step-by-step recipe to make the ultimate ground beef stroganoff, discuss some variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs, and answer some common questions to ensure that your stroganoff is always a success.
Ingredients
For a meal that serves 4 people, you’ll need the following:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or portobello)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For Serving:
- 12 oz (340g) egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it's helpful to prep all your ingredients. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, push it to one side of the pan. Add the onions and mushrooms to the other side of the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent, and the mushrooms are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Garlic and Flour
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken as it cooks. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, which will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream
Once the sauce is thickened and bubbling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Mix well to create a creamy, luscious sauce. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your ground beef stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Use high-quality beef broth: A flavorful beef broth will make a huge difference in the taste of the sauce. If possible, use homemade or a low-sodium, high-quality store-bought variety.
- Don’t skip the sour cream: The tanginess of sour cream is essential to the classic stroganoff flavor. If you want a healthier version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, but it’s important to use full-fat for the best texture.
- Avoid overcooking the mushrooms: Mushrooms add a great umami flavor to the dish, but they can become rubbery if overcooked. Aim to sauté them just until they are tender.
Variations
Ground beef stroganoff is a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Chicken Stroganoff: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this dish. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a more complementary flavor.
- Vegetarian Stroganoff: Omit the ground beef entirely and double the amount of mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Low-Carb Stroganoff: Skip the pasta and serve the stroganoff over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free Stroganoff: To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch, and make sure to use gluten-free noodles or serve it over mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes! Ground beef stroganoff can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if the sauce thickens too much during storage. You can also freeze the stroganoff without the sour cream and add it after reheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are the classic choice for stroganoff, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work well. You could also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a different texture.
3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're out of sour cream or prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt to keep the sauce creamy and avoid curdling. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut cream or cashew cream can be used, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
4. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the mushrooms and onions. This will add a rich depth to the sauce. Just be sure to cook the wine down for a minute or two before adding the broth.
5. How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Curdling can happen if the sauce gets too hot after adding the sour cream. To avoid this, reduce the heat to low before stirring in the sour cream, and avoid bringing the sauce to a boil once it’s been added.
6. Is ground beef stroganoff healthy?
This dish is relatively balanced in terms of protein and carbohydrates, but it can be high in fat depending on the type of ground beef and sour cream you use. For a lighter version, opt for lean ground beef, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole-wheat noodles or zoodles.
7. Can I make stroganoff in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and mushrooms before adding everything except the sour cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the sour cream just before serving.
Conclusion
Ground beef stroganoff is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that delivers comfort with every bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. With these tips, variations, and answers to common questions, you’re now equipped to make the best ground beef stroganoff whenever the craving strikes.
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