Dinner Ideas

Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet

Introduction

Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet is a modern twist on the traditional Russian classic, made simpler and faster without losing that signature rich and creamy flavor. This comforting dish combines ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and egg noodles in a luscious sour cream sauce — all cooked in one skillet!

It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You get everything you love about classic stroganoff — the savory beef, silky sauce, and satisfying noodles — but with the ease of ground beef and minimal cleanup.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food made easy. Every bite is warm, creamy, and rich, with a beautiful balance of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and tangy sour cream. The fact that it all comes together in one pan makes it perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours cooking or cleaning up.

It’s also extremely budget-friendly, adaptable, and crowd-pleasing — everyone from kids to adults loves this dish.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet because:
It’s ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy schedules.
Made in one skillet, so cleanup is effortless.
Uses simple pantry ingredients yet delivers restaurant-worthy flavor.
The creamy sauce and tender noodles make it irresistibly satisfying.
You can customize it easily with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

This dish is the definition of cozy home cooking — a meal that makes you feel instantly comforted and full.

Recipe Details

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
  • Cuisine: Russian-inspired / American Comfort Food
  • Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream

Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Paprika sprinkle (for color)

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain excess fat.
  2. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
  3. Stir in flour, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  4. Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
  5. Stir in sour cream and milk for a rich, creamy sauce.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (about 5–6 minutes).
  • Drain excess grease if necessary and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, melt butter or add olive oil.
  • Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
  • Sauté for 5 minutes until mushrooms are browned and onions are translucent.

Step 3: Build the Base

  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
  • Stir in flour, coating the mixture to create a roux (this helps thicken the sauce).
  • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  • Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

  • Add uncooked egg noodles directly into the skillet.
  • Stir well, cover, and let simmer on medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

  • Lower the heat.
  • Stir in sour cream and milk (or cream) until fully blended into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika.
  • Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish!

How to Serve

Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet hot as a main dish.
It pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed green beans or asparagus
  • Garlic bread or crusty rolls
  • A fresh green salad or Caesar salad

You can also top it with extra parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a rich presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overcook the noodles — they should be tender but not mushy.
  • For extra richness, replace milk with heavy cream.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth.
  • You can make it lighter by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Always add the sour cream off heat to prevent curdling.

Variations

  • Mushroom Lover’s Stroganoff: Double the mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor.
  • Cheesy Stroganoff: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end.
  • Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a mild kick.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Ground Turkey or Chicken Stroganoff: Swap out beef for a lighter option.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. (Note: sauce may separate slightly — stir well when reheating.)

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! It will still be delicious, just slightly lighter in flavor.

Q2: Can I use fresh pasta instead of egg noodles?
You can, but reduce the cooking time — fresh pasta cooks much faster.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based milk.

Q4: Why did my sauce curdle?
Adding sour cream while the sauce is too hot can cause curdling. Reduce heat before stirring it in.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — peas, spinach, or bell peppers work great!

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and flavor — creamy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. It’s a meal that warms you from the inside out and brings everyone to the table with smiles.

This one-pan wonder is not just easy to make but also deeply satisfying — proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether it’s a cold evening or a busy weekday, this recipe guarantees comfort in every bite.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet

Course: Dinner IdeasCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 2 cups uncooked egg noodles

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 🥣 For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream

  • 🌿 Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Paprika sprinkle (for color)

Directions

  • Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef : Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary and set aside.
  • Step 2: Sauté Vegetables : In the same skillet, melt butter or add olive oil. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until mushrooms are browned and onions are translucent.
  • Step 3: Build the Base : Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in flour, coating the mixture to create a roux (this helps thicken the sauce). Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Step 4: Add the Noodles : Add uncooked egg noodles directly into the skillet. Stir well, cover, and let simmer on medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Step 5: Make It Creamy : Lower the heat. Stir in sour cream and milk (or cream) until fully blended into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Step 6: Serve : Garnish with fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish!