Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (I use 85% lean); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); 1 medium onion (finely diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 Tablespoons butter; 3 Tablespoons flour; 2.5 cups beef broth; 0.75 cup sour cream (close to room temperature); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (can sub low sodium soy sauce); 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 8 oz egg noodles (uncooked); Parsley (to garnish)

Introduction to Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is more than just a comfort food classic; it’s a fantastic meal option for young professionals looking to whip up something delicious yet simple after a long day. This dish combines tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and hearty egg noodles, delivering a wonderful balance of flavors that’s sure to satisfy.

Why Ground Beef Stroganoff is a Perfect Meal for Young Professionals

For busy young adults, time and convenience are often top priorities. This recipe comes together in about 50 minutes, with minimal prep work involved. Simply sauté the beef and onions, create the delectable sauce, and combine everything with noodles. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also creates enough servings (6 in total) to enjoy leftovers for the week or share with friends for a cozy dinner party.

Additionally, you can customize Ground Beef Stroganoff to suit your taste. Whether it's swapping out the beef for turkey or adding extra veggies like frozen peas, this recipe is perfect for experimenting! Plus, using frozen ingredients means you can always have the essentials on hand, making spontaneous cooking a breeze.

Embrace this classic dish and let it bring warmth and flavor to your weeknight dinners. Enjoy the process and savor the outcome!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Essential ingredients

To create a delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff, you'll need a few key components that work harmoniously together:

1 lb. ground beef: Aim for 85% lean for the best flavor and juiciness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to your taste.
1 onion: Finely diced for that sweet and savory base.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for an aromatic kick.
3 tablespoons butter: To sauté and enrich the sauce.
3 tablespoons flour: This helps thicken your stroganoff.
2½ cups beef broth: The foundation of your sauce, adding depth of flavor.
¾ cup sour cream: Creamy goodness that brings everything together.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: For that umami lift.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tanginess.
1 cup frozen peas: A pop of color and sweetness.
2 cups cheddar cheese: For that melty finish.

Optional ingredients for personalization

Feel free to get creative! Adding optional ingredients can give your Ground Beef Stroganoff your own personal twist:

Mushrooms: Sautéed separately for added texture and flavor.
Frozen vegetables: Carrots, corn, or green beans can replace peas if you prefer.
Extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding more than the recipe calls for.
Turmeric or paprika: A pinch can introduce a warm spice element.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme sprinkled on top can elevate presentation and flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on what you love! Not only does this recipe allow for flexibility, but it also ensures you can use what you have on hand. For more cooking tips, check out this guide on dinner preparation.

Preparing Ground Beef Stroganoff

Making a delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff from scratch is easier than you think! In this section, we’ll walk through each step, ensuring you achieve that perfect creamy flavor, all while making the process enjoyable.

Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before diving in, it's essential to be organized. Gather all your ingredients and tools to save you time and stress later. You’ll need:

1 lb. ground beef (85% lean is perfect)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 finely diced onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
3 tablespoons of butter
3 tablespoons of flour
2 ½ cups of beef broth
¾ cup of sour cream (let it warm up)
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
1 cup of frozen peas
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz. uncooked egg noodles

Don’t forget to measure everything out first! This little preparation will make cooking much smoother and more efficient. Plus, placing the sour cream near the stove helps it melt more easily into the sauce.

Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

Start by seasoning your ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook it for about 2 minutes. Then, throw in the finely diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent (about another 3 minutes). As you cook, make sure to crumble the beef well for an even texture. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease before moving to the next step.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the beef and onions are in check, it's time to build that rich sauce. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in the butter until it's melted, followed by sprinkling in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Now, slowly pour in the beef broth in small splashes, stirring constantly. This technique helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth sauce. Finally, add the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, if you’re using it, along with the frozen peas and half of your shredded cheese. The sauce will start to become luxuriously creamy and flavorful!

Incorporate the Pasta

While the sauce simmers on low, boil your egg noodles for one minute less than the package instructions recommend (this helps prevent overcooking). Drain the pasta and add it to the creamy sauce, stirring gently to combine everything.

Bake or Finish on the Stovetop

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer your mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top it with the remaining cheese. Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, until bubbly. Alternatively, if you prefer to finish it on the stovetop, simply cover the pot with a lid until the cheese melts.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm, comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff that’s sure to impress!

Variations on Ground Beef Stroganoff

Adding Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring a wonderful earthy flavor to ground beef stroganoff. For the best results, sauté the mushrooms separately to draw out their moisture before adding them to your dish. This ensures they maintain a delightful texture. Once cooked, toss them in when adding the cooked noodles for a boost of flavor and an appetizing appearance.

Making It Vegetarian-Friendly

To create a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can also enhance the dish with additional veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting classic.

Substituting with Different Proteins

Don't feel limited to ground beef! Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re craving something different, consider ground pork or even a blend of proteins for a unique flavor profile. Each protein brings its own character, allowing you to customize your stroganoff experience.

For more culinary inspiration, check out sources like Serious Eats for endless recipe ideas!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning to enjoy your delicious ground beef stroganoff on a busy night? Prepare the sauce ahead of time! Simply stir in the cooked noodles, let it cool completely, then top with shredded cheese and refrigerate for up to two days. When you're ready to dig in, just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time for a quick and easy dinner.

Cheese Melting Tips

To achieve that creamy, gooey cheese topping everyone loves, it's best to shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded options. Block cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture. And don’t forget to keep your sour cream nearby while cooking; it warms up to mix seamlessly into the sauce! For more cheese melting tips, you can check out this article for great advice.

Serving suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Pairing with sides

To complement your Ground Beef Stroganoff, consider hearty sides like:

Egg Noodles: Serve it over a fresh bed of egg noodles for that perfect texture match.
Steamed Vegetables: Brighten your plate with steamed broccoli or green beans; they add color and balance to the rich sauce.
Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is ideal for soaking up every delicious drop of sauce.

Garnishing ideas

Elevate your dish with these garnishing tips:

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch and freshness.
Grated Cheese: A bit more cheddar on top can create an irresistible melty layer.
Sour Cream Drizzle: A dollop of sour cream can enhance the creaminess and visually please the plate.

With these suggestions, your Ground Beef Stroganoff will shine at the dinner table! Interested in more side ideas? Check out The Kitchn for more inspiration.

Time Breakdown for Ground Beef Stroganoff

When you're ready to whip up a comforting dish like Ground Beef Stroganoff, understanding the time you’ll invest can make all the difference. Here's a quick breakdown:

Preparation Time

Allow yourself about 15 minutes to gather and prep your ingredients. This little investment will ensure a smoother cooking process and less stress in the kitchen.

Cooking Time

The actual cooking takes around 40 minutes. This includes cooking the beef, simmering the sauce, and boiling the noodles to perfection.

Total Time

In total, you're looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish. A small time commitment for such a delicious reward! Want to make it even quicker? Consider prepping some ingredients in advance. For more tips, check out resources from Cooking Light on efficient meal prep.

With these timeframes in mind, you can plan your dinner with ease and enjoy every savory bite of that Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Nutritional Facts for Ground Beef Stroganoff

Calories per serving

Each generous serving of ground beef stroganoff packs approximately 465 calories. It’s a comforting dish that offers a perfect blend of flavor and sustenance, making it ideal for a hearty dinner.

Key nutrients

In addition to its delightful taste, this dish also provides essential nutrients, including:

Protein: Approximately 30g per serving, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Calcium: Thanks to the cheddar cheese and sour cream, it contributes to strong bones.
Iron: The beef broth and ground beef offer a solid source, vital for energy production.

For those looking to balance their meals, consider pairing this delectable stroganoff with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can discover more about the health benefits of beef here. Whether you choose to make it for a special occasion or just for a cozy weeknight, it’s sure to hit the spot!

FAQs about Ground Beef Stroganoff

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe features ground beef, you can easily substitute it with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some types of meat may require less or more cooking.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftover ground beef stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.

What if I don’t have certain ingredients?

No worries! If you're missing an ingredient like sour cream, plain yogurt or cashew cream can work as a substitute. The Dijon mustard can be swapped for regular mustard, and if you don't have beef broth, chicken broth will do just fine. Feel free to get creative and experiment with available ingredients!

For additional tips, check out this handy guide on substitutions that can help you navigate your cooking adventures.

Conclusion about Ground Beef Stroganoff

Recap of Its Benefits

In summary, ground beef stroganoff is a delicious, versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also offers a great balance of flavor and comfort. Don't hesitate to give this recipe a try in your own kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!