If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in a flash, this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the creamy, savory goodness of a classic stroganoff but uses simple ground beef and everyday pantry staples to keep things budget-friendly and family-approved. Every bite offers tender egg noodles enveloped in a luscious sauce, seasoned perfectly with garlic and onion powder, and finished with a tangy touch of sour cream. Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is sure to become a well-loved staple on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with yellow dry egg noodles. To the top right, there is a mound of raw ground beef on brown parchment paper placed on a white plate. Above the noodles, a white plate holds four piles of different spices in pale yellow, orange, white, and black colors, arranged in a circle. To the left of the noodles, a small white bowl contains flour, while a small bowl below the noodles has a creamy white sauce. To the right side, there is a glass measuring cup filled with light cream and a clear measuring cup filled with brown broth. At the top left, a white plate holds a stick of butter. All items are cleanly arranged and clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these few but essential ingredients is the first step to creating an unforgettable dish. Each one plays a vital role, balancing flavors and textures to make this stroganoff sing.

6 ounces Egg Noodles: The ideal pasta choice, tender yet sturdy enough to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
1 pound Ground Beef: Provides rich flavor and keeps the recipe budget-friendly while making it filling.
¼ cup Butter: Adds silky smoothness and richness to the roux that thickens the sauce.
¼ cup Flour: Essential for creating the roux that gives the sauce its signature velvety texture.
1 cup Beef Broth: Deepens the savory flavor profile, bringing warmth and depth to the sauce.
1 ¼ cup Milk: Helps create a creamy consistency, balancing richness without heaviness.
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle aromatic notes that uplift the overall taste.
½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances savory flavors with gentle sweetness and warmth.
1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a hint of spice for a lively kick without overpowering.
1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.
¼ cup Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess, the perfect finishing touch for authentic stroganoff flavor.

How to Make 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they’re tender but still hold their shape. Once cooked, drain and set aside; these noodles will be the perfect comforting base for your stroganoff sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside momentarily.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for roughly 2 minutes. This forms the roux, which is the thickening agent for your sauce. Cooking it properly here ensures the sauce will be smooth and free of any floury taste.

Step 4: Add Beef Broth to the Roux

Slowly pour the beef broth into the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and develops a rich texture, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the deep, savory foundation of your stroganoff sauce.

Step 5: Incorporate the Milk

Next, gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, becoming luxuriously creamy. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. The milk softens the intensity of the broth and creates that familiar smoothness we all love in stroganoff.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, stirring well to evenly distribute these warm, comforting flavors. This seasoning blend enhances every bite, giving your stroganoff that irresistibly cozy taste.

Step 7: Combine Noodles and Beef with Sauce

Turn the heat down to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and heated through. This step brings together all components into one harmonious dish.

Step 8: Finish with Sour Cream

Finally, fold in the sour cream, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. The sour cream lends a slight tang and an indulgent richness, sealing the flavors with that classic stroganoff finish. Now your 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

In a white pan with two handles, the bottom layer shows a creamy, light beige sauce with small specks of seasoning. On top of this sauce, there are two distinct layers side by side: on the left, cooked ground beef in small brown crumbles, and on the right, pale yellow cooked curly egg noodles, slightly shiny from the sauce. A red spoon is partially submerged in the noodles and sauce, resting on the right side of the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with some small dishes partially visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. This little pop of greenery adds freshness and a welcoming color contrast that makes the dish even more inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your stroganoff with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad. These vibrant sides cut through the richness nicely and round out the meal perfectly. A warm slice of garlic toast also never goes amiss for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice instead of egg noodles. You can also transform it into a cozy casserole by layering the mixture with extra cheese and baking until bubbly. Either way, it’s a comforting dish that adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This dish keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick reheats when you need dinner in a snap.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the cooked stroganoff in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, consider leaving out the sour cream and adding it fresh upon reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent curdling. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up to that creamy consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in to make a lighter version of this stroganoff. Just keep an eye on cooking time since these meats cook a bit faster, and consider adding a touch more seasoning to boost the flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For the sour cream, try a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream to maintain the creamy tang.

What type of noodles work best for this stroganoff?

Egg noodles are traditional and perfect here because of their texture and ability to hold sauce. However, you can use other pasta like fettuccine, pappardelle, or even whole wheat noodles based on your preference.

Can I add mushrooms to this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe?

Mushrooms are a classic addition and absolutely delicious. Simply sauté them with the ground beef in step 2, allowing their earthy flavor to meld with the meat before proceeding with the recipe.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, continue cooking it gently while whisking to reduce it down. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of flour with a little cold water and whisk it into the sauce to thicken instantly.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is such a gem when you want comfort food with minimal fuss. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy nights or any time you want a satisfying meal quickly. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to dishes—you might just have to double the batch to keep everyone happy!