Okay, let’s be real – sometimes you just NEED comfort food, like, NOW. And that’s where this easy beef stroganoff recipe comes in clutch. Seriously, from start to finish, we’re talking maybe 30 minutes? Tops! It’s my go-to when I’m craving something warm and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
I remember one night, my best friend showed up unexpectedly, totally stressed after a crazy day. I had almost nothing in the fridge, but I did have some ground beef and egg noodles. Boom! Beef Stroganoff to the rescue! She practically inhaled it, and I swear, it was like watching her shoulders physically relax with every bite. That’s the magic of a good, quick meal, right? Trust me, this one’s a keeper. I’ve been making some version of it for 15 years, and it’s always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stroganoff
Okay, so why should *you* make this beef stroganoff? Let me tell you:
- Super quick – Seriously, it’s ready in like, NO time.
- Easy cleanup – One pot, people! Hallelujah!
- The whole family will eat it – Even the picky eaters, I swear!
- Doesn’t break the bank – Ground beef is your friend.
- Customize it! – Add your favorite veggies, go wild!
- So flavorful – That creamy sauce is EVERYTHING.
- Comfort food central – A big bowl of warm happiness.
Ingredients for Your Quick Beef Stroganoff
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing beef stroganoff:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or, you know, use the jarred stuff, I won’t judge!)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is my go-to!)
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or white, whatever you like!)
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium is best!)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1/3 cup sour cream (full fat, please! It makes a difference!)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, but pretty!)
How to Make Beef Stroganoff: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious beef stroganoff on the table in no time.
Preparing the Base for Your Beef Stroganoff
First things first, we gotta build that flavor! Grab your pot and let’s get started. Melt the butter over medium heat, then toss in that minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute, until it’s nice and fragrant. Trust me, you’ll smell it when it’s ready!
Next up, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook it until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease – nobody wants greasy stroganoff! Now, throw in those sliced mushrooms and the black pepper. Sauté everything for about five minutes, until the mushrooms are soft and have released their juices. Mmm, smells good, right?
Cooking the Beef Stroganoff Noodles
Alright, now for the magic! Add the uncooked egg noodles, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the pot. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s combined. We don’t want any noodle clumps!
Now, cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, stir it again, then reduce the heat to low, replace the lid, and let it simmer for about 7-10 minutes. Make sure you stir it occasionally so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender and have soaked up most of the broth.
Finishing Your Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Almost there! Take the pot off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Fold it in gently until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, taste it and season with salt and pepper if it needs it. Remember, everyone’s taste is different, so adjust it to your liking!
Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley (if you’re using it) and serve it up hot! Seriously, this beef stroganoff is best enjoyed right away. So grab a bowl and dig in!
Tips for Perfect Beef Stroganoff Every Time
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your beef stroganoff to the *next level*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve:
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Mushy noodles are a big no-no. Keep an eye on them and test them often while they’re simmering.
- Use room-temperature sour cream. Seriously, this makes a difference! Cold sour cream can curdle when you add it to the hot noodles. Yuck!
- Taste as you go! Seasoning is key, and everyone’s taste buds are different. Add salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder to make it *your* perfect bowl of beef stroganoff.
- Don’t be afraid to add a splash of white wine when you’re sautéing the mushrooms. It adds a depth of flavor that’s just amazing.
- And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of crème fraîche on top is never a bad idea!
Beef Stroganoff Variations to Try
Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic beef stroganoff, right? But what if you’re feeling a little… adventurous? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This recipe is SO easy to customize. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some dried thyme. Herbs like rosemary and oregano are amazing too! Or, how about some extra veggies? Onions and bell peppers would be delicious sautéed with the mushrooms. And hey, if you’re not a beef fan, no problem! Ground turkey or even chicken work great. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. The most important thing is to have fun and make it your own! I’ve even seen people add a splash of sherry at the end. Ooh la la!
Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Stroganoff
So, you’ve got this amazing bowl of beef stroganoff…now what? Well, it’s pretty darn amazing on its own, but a few simple sides can really take it over the top! A nice, crisp side salad is always a winner – the freshness cuts through the richness of the stroganoff perfectly. Or, how about some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? Mmm! Steamed green beans or broccoli are also great, healthy options. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!
Storing and Reheating Your Beef Stroganoff
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef stroganoff is still pretty tasty the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!) or reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry. Trust me, it’ll be just as comforting!
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stroganoff
Got questions about beef stroganoff? I got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:
Can I use a different type of noodle? Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are classic, you can totally swap them out. Try using penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles cook at different rates. I’ve even used gluten-free noodles before! Worked great!
Can I freeze this beef stroganoff recipe? Honestly, I don’t recommend it. The sour cream can get a little weird and watery when it’s thawed. But hey, if you’re really in a pinch, go for it! Just be sure to let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
What if I don’t have sour cream? No sour cream? No problem! You can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It’ll give you a similar tang and creaminess. Or, if you’re feeling extra decadent, try using crème fraîche. Just don’t use milk or cream, it won’t have the same effect!
Can I add onions? Sure! I love adding diced onions with the garlic and butter at the start of the recipe. It’s all about what you like, so experiment!
Nutritional Information for Beef Stroganoff
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for one serving of this beef stroganoff. But hey, keep in mind that these are just estimates, okay? It all depends on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, don’t come yelling at me if your stroganoff has, like, 2 extra calories! Just sayin’!
Enjoyed This Beef Stroganoff?
Awesome! So glad you liked it! Now, do me a favor? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think! Rate the recipe, share your pics on Insta with #BeefStroganoff, and hey, subscribe to my newsletter for MORE easy recipes! You know you want to!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Beef Stroganoff, Ready in 30 Mins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy beef stroganoff recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Mince the garlic. Sauté garlic and butter in a pot over medium heat for one minute.
- Add ground beef and sauté until browned.
- Slice the mushrooms. Add mushrooms and pepper to the pot. Sauté until mushrooms are soft (five minutes).
- Add uncooked egg noodles, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine.
- Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir, replace the lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sour cream and fold into noodles. Season with salt or pepper, if needed. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve immediately for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
