Ground Beef Stroganoff (Easy, Creamy & Ready in 30 Minutes!)

I still remember the first time I made ground beef stroganoff—it was one of those nights. No plan, kids whining, and me standing at the stove in my fuzzy socks. I grabbed what I had: ground beef, noodles, and a bit of hope. Thirty minutes later? Magic. Comfort food, creamy sauce, and happy bellies. This is now one of our weekly go-to dinners.

Why I Love This Ground Beef Stroganoff

This ground beef stroganoff is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s cozy, quick, and full of flavor—without any canned soup.

Here’s why it’s always on repeat:

• Uses pantry staples
• Done in 30 minutes
• Creamy, rich sauce
• Family-approved
• Freezer-friendly
• No canned soup

Whenever I need something comforting, ground beef stroganoff never fails. It’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this quick and creamy ground beef stroganoff:

• 6 oz egg noodles – cooked 2 minutes short, don’t rinse!
• 1 lb ground beef – I use 80/20 for flavor
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth – homemade or boxed both work
• 1¼ cups milk – whole milk gives the creamiest texture
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup sour cream – or Greek yogurt if that’s what’s in the fridge

I like to keep a backup of ground beef in the freezer just for this.

Optional Add-ins & Swaps

Want to mix it up? Add mushrooms or a splash of Worcestershire. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (I do this when I’m out). You can also swap the noodles for whole wheat or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

This version of ground beef stroganoff is quick, creamy, and all in one pan. Perfect for busy nights.

1. Boil your noodles first—just until shy of done. Don’t rinse.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. No pink left? Drain it and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter. Whisk in flour. It’ll smell toasty after 2 minutes.
4. Slowly whisk in the beef broth. Let it bubble and thicken.
5. Add the milk. Whisk again until smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Add back the beef and the noodles. Let them warm up together.
8. Turn off the heat. Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt).

One-Pan Tip

If I’m feeling lazy (and let’s be honest, I often am), I’ll cook the noodles first, drain, and reuse the same pot for the whole dish. Fewer dishes = happy cook.

Recipe Variations

You can take this ground beef stroganoff in lots of directions:

• Sub in ground turkey or chicken
• Go meatless with mushrooms or lentils
• Use rice or cauliflower rice instead of noodles
• Add a dollop of tomato paste or a splash of soy sauce

I’ve even thrown in leftover veggies—it’s forgiving like that.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

This recipe makes perfect leftovers. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring and adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Stroganoff

I usually pair it with something simple and fresh:

• Garlic toast
• Glazed carrots
• Bacon broccoli salad
• Even a retro Jello salad if I’m feeling fun

And if I really don’t want to cook another thing? Just a green salad and done.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 662 kcal

Ingredients:

• 6 oz egg noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles 2 minutes under package time.
2. Brown and drain ground beef; set aside.
3. Melt butter in same skillet. Whisk in flour; cook 2 minutes.
4. Slowly add broth, whisking until thick.
5. Stir in milk. Cook until smooth.
6. Add spices, beef, and noodles. Warm through.
7. Off heat, stir in sour cream. Serve hot.

FAQ About Ground Beef Stroganoff

This ground beef stroganoff is right up there with our favorite quick meals. If you liked this, try Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles next. Craving more comfort food? You’ll love Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. For a meat-and-potatoes vibe, check out Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes.