There’s something so comforting about a creamy, savory dish like this one. This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe delivers all those cozy flavors without fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal that truly satisfies.

The dish is a creamy noodle mix served in a dark pan on a white marbled surface. There are about two layers: the first layer is twisted egg noodles that are light yellow with a soft, slightly chewy texture. The second layer consists of small browned mushrooms and crumbled cooked meat evenly mixed into the noodles. The whole dish is coated with a thick, light beige creamy sauce that holds everything together. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top to add color. A wooden-handle spoon is in the pan, partly buried in the noodles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy sauce and hearty, satisfying beef with mushrooms. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together quickly—total weekday magic!

Simplicity: Using ground beef instead of traditional strips makes dinner quicker, easier, and budget-friendly.
Flavor-packed sauce: Cream cheese and sour cream combine for a luscious texture and tangy depth you won’t forget.
Versatility: Whether you serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it adapts to whatever you have handy.
Customization: Mushrooms are optional but highly recommended—they add that earthy richness we all love.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy pasta made of wide, flat noodles layered with cooked ground meat and slices of browned mushrooms. The sauce is light-colored and coats all the pasta and meat evenly, with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The bowl is white and round, held by a woman's hand at the bottom, and a gold spoon is inserted into the side of the pasta. The background shows a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The flavor of this stroganoff truly comes together with the careful balance of fresh and pantry staples. I always make sure to use fresh, good-quality ground beef and ripe mushrooms—if you add them—since that makes a big difference in taste and texture.

Flat lay of cremini mushrooms sliced thin, whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, raw lean ground beef portion, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of beef broth, diced yellow onion, several garlic cloves peeled, a small white ceramic bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of Dijon mustard, small white ceramic bowls each with dried parsley, paprika, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, a nest of uncooked wide egg noodles, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cremini mushrooms: These add a deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture that elevates the sauce, but you can skip them if they’re not your thing.
Unsalted butter & olive oil: Butter brings richness, while a splash of olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning when sautéing mushrooms.
Lean ground beef: I like 85-90% lean to keep it juicy without too much grease.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a savory base flavor.
Flour: This helps thicken the sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Beef broth: Adds depth; opt for low sodium so you can control saltiness.
Worcestershire & Dijon mustard: These punches of umami and tang bring classic Stroganoff complexity.
Beef bouillon: Even more savory heft—season carefully as it already contains salt.
Dried herbs & spices: Parsley, paprika, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes layer in warmth and fragrance.
Cream cheese: The secret to creamy silkiness; room temperature is key for smooth melting.
Sour cream: Adds tang and richness; full-fat helps avoid curdling when mixed in off heat.
Egg noodles (or mashed potatoes/rice): Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking the recipe to fit what’s in my fridge or my mood. Sometimes I swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, or add extra veggies like bell peppers or peas for a colorful boost.

Vegetable Boost: Adding frozen peas or fresh spinach toward the end keeps it vibrant and adds nutrients without much fuss.
Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped in gluten free pasta or served it over rice when cooking for friends who need gluten-free options.
Meat Variation: Once, I used ground turkey and added a little extra beef bouillon to keep that classic savory flavor. It worked beautifully!
Mushroom-Free: If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, you can leave them out altogether and still get a delicious, creamy stroganoff.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms to Golden Perfection

Start by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add your sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir right away! Let them cook untouched for about 3 minutes to develop that beautiful brown color. Then stir and continue cooking until all their liquid evaporates—this usually takes another 3-5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set aside. Trust me, properly cooked mushrooms add incredible depth to your stroganoff.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef and Build Your Sauce

In the same skillet (wipe it if needed), add your ground beef, diced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Don’t rush this part—it’s where flavors develop. Then stir in the flour and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. This step helps thicken the sauce later on.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce Until Perfectly Thickened

Reduce the heat and gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beef bouillon, and all your dried herbs and spices. Bring everything to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t get too thick. You want it creamy but loose enough to coat your noodles nicely.

Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, and Mushrooms

Turn the heat to low, then whisk in your softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Next, fold in the sour cream gently—don’t let it simmer after adding sour cream or it might curdle. Finally, stir your browned mushrooms back into the sauce for that perfect meaty, earthy finish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your stroganoff over freshly cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. I recommend cooking your noodles till just al dente and rinsing under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with a little olive oil if you aren’t serving immediately—this keeps them from sticking together.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these little tips make all the difference in your Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. They help you get that silky, rich sauce and perfect mushroom texture every time without stress.

Softening Cream Cheese: Microwave your cream cheese for 20-25 seconds before adding. This keeps it from clumping and ensures a smooth sauce.
Cooking Mushrooms Separately: Always sauté mushrooms apart from the sauce to lock in flavor and color, then add them back at the end.
Room Temperature Sour Cream: Mix in sour cream only when the sauce is off the heat and the sour cream is at room temp to avoid curdling.
Salt Gradually: Salt is your flavor enhancer here—add a little at a time and taste frequently so you don’t overdo it.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ground Beef Stroganoff - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish my stroganoff with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to bring a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes I sneak in a little cracked black pepper on top for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complement the richness of the stroganoff beautifully. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach also work well to add freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I’ve served this dish in individual casserole dishes topped with a little extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden—turns dinner into a fun, elegant affair your guests will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stroganoff in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats nicely on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

Because cream cheese and sour cream can separate when frozen, I recommend freezing the stroganoff before adding those ingredients. Freeze the sauce (with mushrooms and beef) in freezer-safe containers, then add cream cheese and sour cream fresh when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

When warming leftovers, do it gently over low heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently and add cream cheese first, letting it melt smoothly before folding in sour cream off the heat. This keeps the sauce creamy and silky without curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for beef. Just add 2 extra teaspoons of beef bouillon and skip the additional salt since bouillon contains salt. Additionally, you may need a little olive oil to help the flour thicken the sauce properly.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in this stroganoff?

Cream cheese is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture characteristic of this stroganoff. Using very soft, room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth sauce without lumps. You might substitute with mascarpone or full-fat cream cheese alternatives if preferred.

Can I freeze this stroganoff?

You can freeze the stroganoff if you leave out the cream cheese and sour cream before freezing, as dairy can separate and change texture when frozen. Reheat the frozen dish gently on the stove, then stir in cream cheese and sour cream fresh for best results.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

The biggest trick is to add the sour cream after you remove the pot from heat or when the sauce is no longer simmering. Also, use full-fat sour cream and make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing it in. Avoid boiling the sauce once sour cream is added.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s reliably delicious, comforting, and quick enough for busy nights but nice enough for guests. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine—let me know how you customize it, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!