30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food made quick and simple. This budget-friendly, family-favorite dish combines tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and egg noodles for a hearty meal ready in just half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes
- Comfort food classic with rich, creamy flavor
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Great for families—even picky eaters will love it
- Perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers
- Customizable with different proteins or vegetables
- Simple pantry staples form the creamy, savory sauce
- Deliciously satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen
- Reheats well for next-day lunches or quick dinners
- Easy to double for larger families or gatherings
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg noodles
- Ground beef
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Sour cream
Directions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thick, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt until well incorporated.
- Reduce heat to low. Return the ground beef to the pan along with the cooked noodles. Stir until fully combined and heated through.
- Add the sour cream and gently stir until blended into the sauce. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms for a more traditional stroganoff flavor
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein option
- Add frozen peas or spinach for extra vegetables
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version
- Try different pasta shapes such as fusilli or rotini
- Stir in Dijon mustard for extra tang and depth
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cool the stroganoff to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, or warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sour cream can separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini or penne works, though wide egg noodles are traditional for stroganoff.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture and tang.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy content, which may separate when reheated.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use ground turkey, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This dish doubles well and is great for leftovers or feeding a larger family.
Does this recipe include mushrooms?
No, but you can easily add sliced mushrooms when browning the beef or sauté them separately.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk and sour cream alternatives, and olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will differ slightly.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer or add a slurry of flour or cornstarch and water.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish and reheat when ready to serve. It stores and reheats well.
What should I serve with this?
A side salad, steamed green beans, or crusty bread pairs nicely with this creamy dish.
Conclusion
30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is the ultimate weeknight meal—quick, creamy, and deliciously satisfying. With basic ingredients and a simple process, it delivers all the flavor of a classic stroganoff in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite.
Print
30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting, budget-friendly classic that comes together in just half an hour. Made with tender egg noodles, ground beef, and a rich sour cream sauce, it’s the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
-
6 ounces egg noodles
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1/4 cup butter
-
1/4 cup flour
-
1 cup beef broth
-
1 1/4 cups milk
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
-
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
-
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
-
Slowly add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
-
Gradually whisk in milk and continue to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
-
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Reduce heat to low and return the beef and noodles to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
-
Add sour cream and mix gently until incorporated. Serve hot.
Notes
-
Use wide egg noodles or any pasta you have on hand, but don’t exceed 6 oz or the sauce may be too thin.
-
Double the recipe for meal prep or leftovers—it reheats beautifully.
-
Serve with green beans, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American