The Ultimate 30-Minute Homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe (No Condensed Soup!)

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s also incredibly quick to make? This homemade Ground Beef Stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget the canned condensed soup; our recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious dish your whole family will love. Serve it classically over mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta for a satisfying dinner!

Discover Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal: Ground Beef Stroganoff

It’s hard to believe it’s taken me this long to share my go-to recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen since my college days, and it continues to be a beloved family favorite. It’s a wonderfully hearty and incredibly flavorful meal that won’t keep you chained to the stove. Plus, it’s remarkably budget-friendly, making it a win-win for any household!

In our home, we particularly enjoy this creamy beef stroganoff served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. Interestingly, this is considered the traditional way to eat Stroganoff in Russia! I always thought egg noodles were the classic accompaniment, but I was happily mistaken. While mashed potatoes offer a delightfully comforting base, you can certainly enjoy this hamburger stroganoff recipe over classic egg noodles (if that’s more your style, check out this fantastic one-pot version). Fluffy rice is also an excellent option. The best part is, you can adapt it based on what you have readily available in your pantry – for us, that’s usually potatoes!

Seriously, this homemade ground beef stroganoff is so good, you might just find yourself eating it straight from the skillet. Its rich, savory flavor profile and creamy texture make it irresistible. If you’re looking for other quick and satisfying meals that deliver big on flavor, be sure to explore my recipes for One Pot Pizza Pasta, Skillet Beef Pot Pie, and Easy Shrimp Ramen Soup.

Why This Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a promise of a delicious, stress-free meal. Here’s why this ground beef stroganoff will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe collection:

• Lightning Fast: On your table in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those busy evenings when time is short but you still want a wholesome, homemade dinner.
• Effortlessly Simple: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe uses straightforward techniques and readily available ingredients.
• Common Pantry Staples: No need for special trips to the grocery store. Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making it a convenient choice.
• Explosion of Flavor: Despite its simplicity and speed, this stroganoff is packed with deep, savory flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
• Hearty & Comforting: It’s the ultimate comfort food – warm, creamy, and satisfying, perfect for chasing away the chill on a cold day or providing a fulfilling family meal.
• Completely Homemade: Say goodbye to canned soups! Our recipe relies on fresh ingredients for a cleaner, more robust taste.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Ground Beef Stroganoff

Creating an incredible ground beef stroganoff starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for that perfect flavor and texture:

• GROUND BEEF: The star of our hamburger stroganoff! You can use any type of ground beef you typically purchase, whether it’s lean or a slightly higher fat content. The fat adds flavor, but be sure to drain any excess grease after browning to prevent the dish from becoming oily. For a richer flavor, I often opt for 80/20 ground chuck.
• ONION AND GARLIC: These aromatic powerhouses form the savory foundation of the dish. Finely chopped onion caramelizes slightly as it cooks with the beef, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. Minced garlic, added towards the end, provides a pungent, irresistible kick that rounds out the savory notes.
• MUSHROOMS: Earthy, umami-rich, and with a wonderfully meaty texture, mushrooms are quintessential to any great stroganoff. White button mushrooms or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are perfect choices. They absorb the flavors of the beef and sauce, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
• ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: This acts as a thickener, creating a roux with the beef drippings and butter (if using) that gives the stroganoff its signature creamy, rich consistency. It’s essential for preventing a watery sauce.
• BRANDY: While optional, brandy is highly recommended for an authentic and deeply flavorful stroganoff. It deglazes the pan, capturing all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom, and adds a subtle, complex sweetness. Don’t worry about the alcohol content; it cooks off during simmering, leaving behind only incredible flavor. If you prefer to omit alcohol, a splash of beef broth or even an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can work, but the brandy truly elevates the dish. Whiskey or bourbon can also be used as substitutes.
• BEEF BROTH (or stock): This liquid base is crucial for creating the savory sauce. Use a good quality beef broth or stock for the best flavor. Low-sodium varieties allow you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
• WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: A secret weapon for adding a profound umami depth. Just a tablespoon can transform the sauce, giving it a rich, savory backbone that’s hard to replicate.
• DIJON MUSTARD: Don’t skip this! Dijon adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that brightens the rich flavors of the stroganoff and cuts through the richness of the sour cream. It’s a subtle but essential ingredient for balance. If you’re omitting the brandy, consider increasing the Dijon to one tablespoon for an extra flavor boost.
• SOUR CREAM: The classic finishing touch! Sour cream provides that signature creamy texture and tangy flavor that defines stroganoff. Full-fat sour cream will give the richest result, but reduced-fat versions work just as well. For an even creamier dish, feel free to add a little extra. Remember to remove the skillet from the heat before stirring it in to prevent curdling.
• SALT AND PEPPER: Seasoning is key! Add these to taste throughout the cooking process and adjust at the end for perfect balance.

Simple Steps to Make This Quick Hamburger Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Get ready to whip up a delicious, homemade ground beef stroganoff in no time! Follow these easy steps for a meal that tastes like it took hours, but only takes 30 minutes.

Step 1: BROWN THE GROUND BEEF AND VEGETABLES
Begin by placing your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned, the onion is softened and translucent, and the mushrooms have released their moisture and developed a lovely tender texture with some golden-brown edges. This browning step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for at least 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and create a roux with the remaining drippings.

Step 2: ADD THE LIQUIDS AND SIMMER FOR THICKNESS
Carefully pour in the brandy (if using) and the beef broth, stirring continuously. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this is called deglazing, and those bits are packed with flavor! Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be rich and coating, not watery.

Step 3: INCORPORATE THE SOUR CREAM AND SEASON
Remove the hamburger stroganoff skillet from the heat. This is important to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully combined and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste the stroganoff and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Stroganoff

Delicious Accompaniments for Your Ground Beef Stroganoff

While this ground beef stroganoff is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• Fresh Side Salad: A crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stroganoff.
• Crusty Bread and Butter: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, savory sauce. A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is ideal.
• Simple Roasted Green Beans: These offer a vibrant green color and a tender-crisp texture that complements the creamy dish beautifully.
• Any Steamed Vegetable of Choice: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots are all excellent options for a healthy and fresh side.
• Your Choice of Base: As mentioned, classic garlic mashed potatoes are a top choice. Alternatively, fluffy egg noodles or rice make for a comforting foundation.
• Don’t Forget Dessert: After such a comforting main course, a light and fruity dessert is always a good idea! I highly recommend my Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff for a delightful finish.

More One-Pan Skillet Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful, and minimal-cleanup meals, then skillet recipes are your best friend! After mastering this ground beef stroganoff, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic one-pan wonders:

• Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet (Homemade Hamburger Helper): All the comfort of a cheeseburger, transformed into a delicious and easy pasta dish.
• Skillet Lasagna Recipe: Enjoy all the layers and flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of baking in the oven.
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet: A delightful twist on a classic, combining tender chicken and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, all in one pan.
• Skillet Beef Pot Pie: Comfort food at its finest, with savory beef and vegetables topped with a flaky crust, made entirely in a skillet.

Thank you for exploring this delicious and easy ground beef stroganoff skillet recipe! I truly hope it becomes a cherished meal in your home. Please let me know your thoughts and how you enjoyed it in the comments below!

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