There’s something magical about comfort food that’s both delicious and easy to make. This Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe checks every box. With its creamy, savory sauce, tender ground beef, and hearty egg noodles, this dish brings all the flavors of classic beef stroganoff in a more accessible and budget-friendly way. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up a nostalgic meal for yourself, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and leaves you with all the cozy vibes you could want.
I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a last-minute dinner decision, and I didn’t have the steak or mushrooms that a traditional stroganoff calls for. Instead, I worked with what I had: ground beef, pantry staples, and some egg noodles sitting in the cupboard. What resulted was a dish so creamy and satisfying, it quickly became a family favorite. This hamburger stroganoff has all the rich flavors you love without the fuss, and I know it will win over your kitchen, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe will become a go-to in your household:
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable alternative to steak, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples like flour, butter, milk, and noodles.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that both kids and adults adore. Creamy, flavorful, and filling—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs, whether it’s adding mushrooms, swapping the beef for turkey, or going vegetarian.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 hearty portions
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 662 calories
Ingredients
For the Stroganoff Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version)
- 6 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for a tangy kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Egg Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them by 1–2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate.
3. Make the Roux
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smooth. This step ensures that the sauce won’t taste floury.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens slightly.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Add Seasonings
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. For an extra flavor boost, you can also add Worcestershire sauce at this stage.
6. Combine Beef, Noodles, and Sauce
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the partially cooked egg noodles and gently toss until everything is evenly mixed.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the noodles to finish cooking and absorb some of the sauce.
7. Add Sour Cream
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Be careful not to boil the sauce at this point, as it can cause the sour cream to curdle.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the stroganoff immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). If you’re using regular ground beef, drain the excess grease after browning.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Partially Cooked Noodles: Cooking the noodles slightly underdone ensures they don’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: Taking the time to cook the flour and butter mixture creates a velvety smooth sauce that’s packed with flavor.
- Mushrooms for Depth: Fresh mushrooms add an earthy richness to the dish. Sauté them with the ground beef or cook them separately before adding to the sauce.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes and dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Lightened-Up Version: Use ground turkey or chicken, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, and opt for low-fat milk.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a hint of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas for added nutrition and color.
Storage and Reheating
This Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe is perfect for leftovers or meal prep:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Freeze: Place cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 662
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
How to Serve
Hamburger stroganoff is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the stroganoff, but leave out the sour cream. Reheat it and stir in the sour cream just before serving to prevent curdling.
Can I substitute egg noodles?
Definitely! Penne, fettuccine, or even rice work well as substitutes.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding sour cream and avoid boiling the sauce after it’s added.
Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Stroganoff recipe brings all the creamy, savory flavors of the classic dish with a budget-friendly twist. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights. I’d love to see how yours turns out—tag me on Instagram or leave a comment with your experience!
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The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy Hamburger Stroganoff is a budget-friendly version of the classic. Featuring creamy sauce, ground beef, and tender egg noodles, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or comfort-filled family meals.
Ingredients
- For the Stroganoff Base:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Additions:
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles slightly under the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.
- Stir in the milk and simmer until the sauce is creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat. Add the noodles and toss to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in sour cream. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American-Inspired