The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a creamy, savory bowl of Hamburger Stroganoff on a chilly evening. The tender ground beef, perfectly coated in a velvety sour cream sauce, paired with buttery noodles, creates a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a quick and satisfying meal that didn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients. Over time, it has become a go-to in our household – perfect for busy weeknights or when we’re craving something hearty and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stroganoff

Get ready to fall head over heels for this classic comfort food with a twist. Hamburger Stroganoff takes all the rich, creamy goodness of traditional stroganoff and makes it even easier to prepare.

First, this recipe is a lifesaver on hectic days. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a satisfying dinner faster than ordering takeout. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, saving you time on cleanup too.

Affordable and family-friendly, this dish uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, egg noodles, and sour cream. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your budget while still delivering big on flavor.

Another reason to love it? It’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences, use up leftover ingredients, or even turn it into a vegetarian version by swapping the meat for mushrooms.

Finally, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From picky toddlers to adults with refined palates, everyone will be asking for seconds – maybe even thirds!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Hamburger Stroganoff lies in its simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that tastes anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is essential:

Ground Beef
The heart of this recipe, ground beef adds a savory richness to the dish. For best results, choose lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to avoid excessive grease without losing flavor.

Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms are a must for that classic stroganoff taste. Cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully, offering a meaty texture and earthy depth.

Onions and Garlic
These aromatics build the base of the sauce, adding layers of flavor that make the dish irresistible. Dice the onions finely for a smoother texture, and don’t skimp on the garlic for that extra kick.

Beef Broth
This is the backbone of the sauce, providing a savory, umami flavor. Use low-sodium beef broth if you’re watching your salt intake, or substitute with chicken broth in a pinch.

Sour Cream
The key to a creamy, tangy sauce, sour cream gives stroganoff its signature richness. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Egg Noodles
Soft, buttery egg noodles are the perfect pairing for the rich sauce. You can substitute with pasta or rice, but egg noodles truly make this dish shine.

Special Equipment: A large skillet or sauté pan with a lid is ideal for cooking everything evenly and minimizing cleanup.

How To Make This Hamburger Stroganoff

Creating this Hamburger Stroganoff is a breeze, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to achieve stroganoff perfection:

Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Toss them with a bit of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the beef and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring to coat. This creates a roux that thickens the sauce. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add the Beef and Finish
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked egg noodles with the sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated in the creamy goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately. Total cook time: about 30 minutes.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this dish is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Store the stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: While the sauce freezes well on its own, freezing the noodles can make them mushy. If planning to freeze, store the sauce and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Gently warm the stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats. Avoid boiling, as it may cause the sour cream to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Hamburger Stroganoff lies in its adaptability. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe to your liking:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with chopped portobello mushrooms or plant-based ground meat for a meatless meal.
• Protein Swaps: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the sour cream with a dairy-free option like cashew cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat and smoky flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and make the recipe your own. After all, the best meals are the ones tailored to your tastes!

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Hamburger Stroganoff tonight. It’s the perfect blend of ease, affordability, and downright deliciousness – and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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