Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that delivers both classic comfort and weeknight ease, look no further than Easy Beef Stroganoff. This luscious skillet meal combines tender ground beef, hearty mushrooms, and a creamy, savory sauce—all spooned over a bed of warm egg noodles or rice. The best part? Everything comes together in one pan, and you don’t have to be a chef to pull off this wonderfully satisfying dinner. Whether you’re serving it up for a family meal or a cozy night in, Easy Beef Stroganoff transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to Easy Beef Stroganoff is its memorable mix of pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient brings its own magic—whether it’s a hint of savory depth or creamy richness—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Lean ground beef: Browned for flavor and protein, it’s the hearty base of the dish (swap for ground turkey if you want a lighter version).
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing out the flavors.
• Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that builds the flavor foundation.
• Minced garlic: Just one clove infuses aromatic depth throughout the sauce.
• Sliced white button mushrooms: Their earthiness pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and beef.
• Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can or homemade): Provides thickness, creaminess, and a savory mushroom kick.
• Low-sodium beef broth (1.5 cups): Adds moisture and a deep, beefy undertone to the sauce without too much salt.
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup): Creamy tang gives the stroganoff its signature silky finish.
• Fresh chopped parsley: A pop of color and freshness to brighten up each serving.
• Cooked egg noodles or rice: The classic base, perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich sauce.

How to Make Easy Beef Stroganoff

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and season generously with salt and pepper. Let the beef sizzle and brown—you want those flavorful bits to develop at the bottom of the pan, because they’ll infuse every bite of your stroganoff with extra depth.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is about halfway cooked (still a touch of pink showing), add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let them soften as the beef finishes cooking. This is the point where your kitchen really starts to smell amazing! If there’s lingering grease, drain off the excess to keep your sauce rich and not oily.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Toss the sliced mushrooms into the pan. Let them cook down until they’re golden brown and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Mushrooms add that signature earthy flavor to Easy Beef Stroganoff, soaking up the meaty juices and adding wonderful texture.

Step 4: Add Soup and Broth

Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Stir everything until smooth, scraping up any tasty browned bits on the bottom of the skillet! Let the mixture bubble and simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just right.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Parsley

Reduce the heat to low. Scoop in your sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option), sprinkle in the parsley, and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Stir until the sauce is creamy, velvety, and dotted with fresh green parsley—the moment when everything comes together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pile generous ladles of the stroganoff over warm, cooked egg noodles or rice. Finish with a final flourish of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Your Easy Beef Stroganoff is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Easy Beef Stroganoff

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders, adding color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor on top of your creamy stroganoff. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of cracked black pepper or even a few snipped chives makes each bowl look instantly gourmet.

Side Dishes

Easy Beef Stroganoff is plenty hearty on its own, but you can round out your meal with a bright green salad, tangy vinegar cucumbers, or tender steamed green beans. A slice of buttery garlic bread is also perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Easy Beef Stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles for a twist, or spoon it into puff pastry shells for an elegant (but still easy!) dinner party presentation. You can even make miniature versions in ramekins for a charming appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Easy Beef Stroganoff to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually get even better overnight as everything soaks together.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Easy Beef Stroganoff! Just place it (without noodles or rice) in a freezer-safe, tightly sealed container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover stroganoff on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals and stir often to keep the sauce creamy and even. Add sour cream or fresh parsley just before serving to revive that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for Easy Beef Stroganoff, ground turkey or even ground chicken work beautifully for a lighter version, and you’ll still have that delicious creamy sauce clinging to every bite.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice, and make sure your cream of mushroom soup and beef broth are certified gluten-free. Easy Beef Stroganoff is super adaptable for those with dietary restrictions.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries! You can make a quick homemade version by sautéing mushrooms with a tablespoon of butter, then stirring in a tablespoon of flour, a cup of milk, and a bit of beef broth until thickened. Use this in place of the canned soup for an extra homemade touch.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, and it’s a great way to stretch the meal! Try stirring in frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or even spinach for a boost of color, nutrition, and flavor that complements Easy Beef Stroganoff beautifully.

Is it better served with noodles or rice?

Both are fantastic! Classic egg noodles have a lovely tender bite and soak up the sauce, but fluffy white rice or even mashed potatoes are equally comforting bases for your stroganoff. Mix it up and choose what you love most.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Easy Beef Stroganoff at home, now’s the perfect time to start. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table!

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