Oh, the joy of stumbling upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening! This easy creamy ground beef stroganoff is like an old friend you haven’t seen in years but instantly reconnect with—comforting, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent. Picture this: tender beef swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce, mingling with earthy mushrooms and the zing of garlic—it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to dance in the kitchen, even if it’s just a little two-step while the pasta boils.
Steps
- Heat a large, deep pan over medium-high heat with some olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
- Mix in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent and golden brown. Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften, letting any released juices evaporate.
- Stir in flour, ensuring it is fully combined without lumps. Pour in beef broth, heavy whipping cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and stir in sour cream, blending thoroughly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the ground beef stroganoff over your choice of noodles, rice, or potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
FAQ
- What type of ground beef is best for Ground Beef Stroganoff?
- For a cream-based sauce like this, it’s ideal to use leaner ground beef, such as 90% lean. This helps to avoid excess fat in the dish. If using beef with higher fat content, it’s recommended to brown it first and drain off the fat before combining it with the sauce.
- What is the origin of Beef Stroganoff?
- Beef Stroganoff originated in Russia in the early 1800s. It was created by the personal chef of Count Stroganoff, a dignitary at the court of Alexander III, and was named in his honor.
- Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff in advance?
- Yes, Ground Beef Stroganoff can be prepared ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. If serving with noodles, store them separately to prevent them from absorbing the sauce.
- What are some serving suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff?
- Ground Beef Stroganoff can be served over noodles, rice, buckwheat, or mashed potatoes. For a lower carb option, serve it over roasted vegetables. Garnishing with fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of color and flavor.
- How should I reheat leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff?
- Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. If frozen, allow the dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef, ideally 90% lean, to prevent your sauce from becoming too greasy. If you opt for beef with higher fat content, make sure to brown it first and drain off the excess fat before adding it to the sauce.
- To preserve the creaminess of your dish, avoid adding the sour cream over direct heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream gradually to prevent it from curdling.
- When storing leftovers, keep the pasta separate from the sauce. This helps prevent the noodles from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.
- Add a fresh touch by garnishing your dish with chopped parsley or dill. These herbs not only add color but also enhance the flavor profile of the dish by balancing the richness of the beef and cream sauce.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet – Essential for browning the beef and cooking the entire dish.
- Olive Oil Dispenser – Useful for easily adding olive oil to your cooking.
- Garlic Press or Mincer – Handy for quickly mincing garlic.
- Whisk or Sauce Stirrer – Helpful for incorporating flour into the sauce and avoiding lumps.
- Airtight Food Storage Containers – Useful for storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
