📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Ground Beef Stroganoff Basics
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/Setup
- Directions
- Techniques for Perfecting Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Approach
- Tips and Tricks
- Perfecting the Results
- Achieving Balance
- Troubleshooting Variations
- Presentation and Pairing Ideas
- Appealing Presentation
- Storage and Leftovers
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30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff
The aroma of Ground Beef Stroganoff fills the kitchen, conjuring memories of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table. Growing up, this dish often took center stage on busy weeknights. Its creamy texture and rich flavors made it an instant favorite, and it always drew everyone together.
Creating this dish means recalling the joy of cooking with my family. I can still picture my grandmother effortlessly combining ingredients, her warm smile reflecting the love for her culinary creations. Her knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary influenced my culinary journey. Now, I share this delicious recipe so others can relish those moments.
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful bowl of Ground Beef Stroganoff. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for those busy days when you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to create this nostalgic dish that’s sure to earn its place in your regular rotation.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Basics
Ground Beef Stroganoff stands out for its combination of flavors and textures. The tender ground beef melds perfectly with egg noodles, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. This dish is not only tasty but also versatile, allowing for adjustments based on your preferences.
Fundamentals
At its core, Ground Beef Stroganoff requires only a handful of ingredients. The key players are ground beef, egg noodles, and a blissfully creamy sauce. The roux, created from butter and flour, forms the base of this sauce, ensuring it has a wonderful thickness and depth.
Understanding how each ingredient works together is crucial to mastering this dish. From the savory ground beef to the warmth of garlic and onion powder, each component contributes to that signature flavor profile that makes this meal so satisfying.
Preparation/Setup
Preparation is straightforward and quick, making this dish an excellent choice for a busy weeknight. Start by boiling your egg noodles according to the package instructions. This simple step sets the stage for a comforting dinner.
While the water heats, you can focus on browning your ground beef in a skillet. This ensures that your meal comes together seamlessly. Cleaning as you go helps maintain an organized kitchen, making the cooking process enjoyable and efficient.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Ground Beef Stroganoff, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sour cream
These ingredients combine beautifully, resulting in a dish that can satisfy any family.
Directions
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside for later.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until all the pink is gone and the beef is fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens again, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Gently stir in the sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated into the sauce. The sour cream will add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
- Serve hot, pairing with your favorite vegetable or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.
Techniques for Perfecting Ground Beef Stroganoff
Creating the ideal Ground Beef Stroganoff comes down to technique and a little practice. After a few rounds in the kitchen, you’ll make this dish like a pro.
Approach
When browning your ground beef, ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice sear. This enhances the flavor and adds a wonderful texture to the meat. Stir occasionally but avoid overmixing; allowing the beef to rest helps develop that delicious brown crust.
While preparing the roux, whisking continuously prevents clumping. This step ensures a smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. When mixing the sour cream, do so gently; you want it to blend harmoniously without losing that beautiful creamy consistency.
Tips and Tricks
A few handy tips can elevate your Ground Beef Stroganoff. Consider adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Just a teaspoon can deepen the taste profile without overwhelming the dish.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the noodles. Keeping the sauce at a low temperature while stirring frequently helps achieve the perfect consistency without burning.
Perfecting the Results
Achieving the best Ground Beef Stroganoff involves a careful balance of flavors and textures. You want the sauce to be creamy, the beef to be tender, and the noodles to have the perfect bite.
Achieving Balance
To balance the richness of the sauce, consider adding freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. This simple addition brightens the dish and enhances its overall appeal.
If you want to incorporate vegetables, sautéed mushrooms or spinach blend well with the beef and sauce. They not only add nutrition but also provide additional flavor, creating a heartier meal.
Troubleshooting Variations
Should you find the sauce thicker than desired, whisk in a little more beef broth or milk to achieve the right consistency. Always add liquids gradually, mixing well, until you reach your preferred thickness.
If you’re out of sour cream, plain yogurt makes a great alternative. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Adjust seasoning if necessary, as different brands may vary in taste.
Presentation and Pairing Ideas
Serving Ground Beef Stroganoff beautifully not only enhances its appeal but also makes the meal feel extra special.
Appealing Presentation
Serve the Stroganoff in shallow bowls to showcase the lovely sauce and noodles. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a vibrant touch. You might also include a side of steamed vegetables for color and nutrition.
Garlic toast makes a fantastic accompaniment. Its crunch complements the smoothness of the Stroganoff, making every bite delightful.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ground Beef Stroganoff keeps well for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
For long-term preservation, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled Stroganoff to a freezer-safe container, where it will last up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, making it a great option for meal planning.
It’s easy to transform simple pantry staples into a delicious meal that evokes cherished memories. Ground Beef Stroganoff not only fits well into any rotation but also invites good memories and warm gatherings over dinner.
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30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and comforting dish featuring ground beef, egg noodles, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens again, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cooked egg noodles and ground beef, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Serve hot.
Notes
Consider adding Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor. For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer before adding noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Ground Beef, Stroganoff, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Family Meal
