This recipe is a budget-friendly spin on the classic beef stroganoff, replacing pricier steak cuts with ground beef while keeping all the comforting flavors you love. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal that is both easy and impressive.

A white casserole dish filled with creamy beef stroganoff, featuring pasta and mushrooms, garnished with a sprinkle of herbs. A spoon is lifting a portion from the dish. The dish is set on a light blue striped cloth over a cork mat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor: Creamy, savory, and rich with deep umami flavors from mushrooms and Worcestershire sauce.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef instead of steak, making it cost-effective for large families.
Crowd-Pleasing: Easily doubles for large gatherings and potlucks.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredient Tips for Beef Stroganoff With Ground Beef

Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Top-down view of ground beef, whipping cream, beef broth, sour cream, onion, mushrooms, flour, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, egg noodles, and salt and pepper. Each ingredient is identified with labels.
  • Lean ground beef: Look for 85/15 or leaner to avoid excess grease. Buy in bulk and freeze portions to save money.
  • Onion: Choose firm onions with no soft spots. Store in a dry, cool place for up to three months.
  • Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add more flavor, but white button mushrooms are a more affordable option. Store in a paper bag in the fridge to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Garlic: Buy whole heads of garlic instead of pre-minced for the freshest flavor and longest shelf life. Store in a cool, dry place.
  • All-purpose flour: Unbleached flour lasts longer and works best for thickening sauces. Store in an airtight container to prevent clumping.
  • Beef broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control the salt level. Buy in bulk or use beef bouillon cubes as a budget-friendly alternative.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Look for cream with at least 36% fat for the richest texture. Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the creamiest result. Store in the fridge and stir before using. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier swap.
    Budget Tip: Buy ground beef in bulk and freeze portions to save money on weekly grocery shopping.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to boost the umami flavor.

Tips Before You Get Started

  • Room temperature ingredients: Let the sour cream sit out for a few minutes before adding to prevent curdling.
  • Equipment needed: Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking.
  • Make-ahead tip: Cook the stroganoff sauce in advance and reheat before serving for stress-free meal prep.
  • Hosting Tip: Keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting so guests can serve themselves.

How to Make Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef

Cook the Noodles and Beef

While the ground beef is cooking, boil the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set them aside.   

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles until the pink is gone.

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 2 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

While the ground beef is cooking, boil the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set them aside. 

Ground beef with diced onions is cooking in a black skillet on a white background.

Add Mushrooms and Sauté

Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for five minutes.

A black skillet filled with cooked ground beef, chopped onions, and sliced raw mushrooms, set against a white background.

Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the beef and mushroom mixture. Stir well to incorporate, ensuring no lumps remain.

A black skillet on a white surface contains cooked ground beef with mushrooms in a creamy sauce. A metal spoon rests in the pan, partially submerged in the mixture.

Add Noodles and Sour Cream

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tip: Stir in sour cream off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth sauce.

A black skillet contains a mixture of cooked ground meat and sliced mushrooms on one side, with uncooked pasta and a dollop of cream or sauce on the other. A metal spoon rests in the skillet.
A cast iron skillet filled with creamy fettuccine pasta, mixed with ground meat and slices of mushrooms, on a white background.

Hospitality and Leftover Tips

Hosting Tip: Serve buffet-style with a large pot of egg noodles or mashed potatoes so guests can customize their plate.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and reheat just before serving for an easy, stress-free meal.

Leftovers

 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
Freeze: Cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

For more budget-friendly crockpot meals using ground beef, check out Layered Cheesy Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef, Thick and Hearty No Bean Chili, and Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. These slow cooker recipes are perfect for easy, flavorful meals that make the most of simple, affordable ingredients.

A white casserole dish filled with creamy beef stroganoff pasta, garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a cork mat and a blue striped cloth.

Biblical Hospitality Reflection

Hospitality is how we show the world that God’s love makes room for everyone. Opening our homes and sharing a meal is a beautiful way to reflect Christ’s love in our daily lives. Learn more about the heart behind Biblical Hospitality and how to practice it in meaningful ways.

Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

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A white casserole dish filled with creamy beef and mushroom pasta, topped with chopped parsley. The dish rests on a light blue and white striped cloth.
by Gina Dickson

Beef Stroganoff With Ground Beef

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
This beef stroganoff with ground beef is a creamy, budget-friendly comfort meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for feeding a family or serving a crowd without breaking the bank.

Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.

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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup onion, diced small
  • 1 pound mushrooms, sliced thin
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, adjust to taste

Instructions
 

Cook The Noodles And Brown The Beef

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains.
    1 pound lean ground beef
  • Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
    ½ cup onion, 2 garlic cloves

Add Mushrooms And Sauté

  • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and any liquid they release has evaporated.
    1 pound mushrooms

Thicken The Sauce

  • Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mushroom mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and prevent lumps.
    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Simmer The Stroganoff Sauce

  • Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer.
    1 cup beef broth, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

Finish With Sour Cream And Serve

  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until fully blended.
    ⅓ cup sour cream
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
    ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Serve warm over the cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Tips for the Best Stroganoff
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the sauce. If using fattier beef, drain any excess fat after browning.
Don’t skip the flour! It helps thicken the sauce for a rich, creamy texture.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 226kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 74mg, Sodium: 336mg, Potassium: 471mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 500IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Gina Dickson
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A white oval dish filled with creamy beef stroganoff pasta. The dish contains wide noodles, sliced mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. A striped napkin is partially visible on the side.