There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy flavors of a hearty stroganoff. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. What makes this one-pot hamburger stroganoff even better? It’s quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a lifesaver.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. In a rush to whip up dinner, I accidentally sprinkled cinnamon instead of paprika into the sauce. The result was…let’s just say, memorable! After some laughs and a quick redo, I discovered the magic of this dish. It became a staple in our family, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of that hilarious mix-up. Now, let me show you how to make this creamy, dreamy dish in just one pot—minus the cinnamon, of course!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff
If you’re not already sold on the idea of a creamy, beefy, noodle-filled dinner, let me give you a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of sour cream and a silky roux creates the most luxurious sauce.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap the pasta, or spice it up with red pepper flakes—this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4 generous portions
Ingredients You’ll Need For One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff
To make this one-pot hamburger stroganoff, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef. It’s the star of the show, adding rich flavor and heartiness.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for the roux—it’s what makes the sauce so creamy and delicious.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons to thicken the sauce.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups for a flavorful base.
- Milk: 1 cup to make the sauce extra creamy.
- Sour Cream: ½ cup for that classic tangy stroganoff flavor.
- Egg Noodles: 6 ounces; they cook beautifully in the sauce and soak up all the flavors.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook them for about 2 minutes less than the package directions. This ensures they’re slightly undercooked, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain the noodles and set them aside—don’t rinse them! The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat it over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it to keep the dish lighter. Set the browned beef aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Roux
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth paste. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes—this step is crucial to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Then, gradually add the milk while whisking. Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season the Sauce
Add the garlic powder and onion powder, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. This step infuses the sauce with those comforting, savory flavors we love in a stroganoff.
Combine the Ingredients
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Add the drained egg noodles and gently fold them in, ensuring they’re well-coated with the creamy goodness.
Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the sour cream. This step transforms the sauce into a velvety, luxurious masterpiece. Stir until everything is well combined and irresistibly creamy.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the stroganoff into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve it hot and watch as everyone digs in with delight!
How to Serve One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides:
- Serve over steamed rice for a comforting twist.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff
- Use Lean Ground Beef: This reduces the need to drain excess grease and keeps the dish lighter.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: It’s the foundation of the sauce and ensures a creamy, lump-free consistency.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the noodles prevents them from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out.
- Reheat Gently: If you have leftovers, warm them slowly on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
Variations to Try
This one-pot hamburger stroganoff is delicious as is, but here are some ways to make it your own:
- Mushroom Stroganoff: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese like Parmesan or cheddar for an even richer flavor.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the stroganoff cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
While this recipe is simple, a few tools can make the process even easier:
- A large skillet or deep pot for cooking everything in one place.
- A whisk to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- A fine mesh strainer if you need to drain ingredients.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
What other pasta can I use?
While egg noodles are traditional, you can use fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Peas, carrots, or spinach would be great additions for added nutrition and color.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Simply add a bit more beef broth or milk and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Is sour cream necessary?
It adds a signature tangy creaminess, but you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt if preferred.
Conclusion
This one-pot hamburger stroganoff is everything you could want in a comfort food recipe: creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. I hope this becomes a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me with your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
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One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff: A Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy one-pot hamburger stroganoff is a quick and easy comfort food recipe perfect for busy weeknights. With tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a velvety sour cream sauce, it’s a family favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 oz egg noodles
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook egg noodles 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain grease and set beef aside.
- Melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add beef broth, whisking until thickened. Stir in milk and simmer.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked beef and noodles to the skillet, stirring gently.
- Remove from heat and fold in sour cream. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to minimize grease.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- To reheat, add a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American