Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe (Creamy, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly)
Some nights call for real comfort food, the kind that feels familiar yet satisfying without taking all evening. That’s exactly where this hamburger stroganoff recipe fits in. It keeps the creamy, savory heart of classic stroganoff but swaps pricey cuts of beef for simple ground beef. The result is rich, cozy, and surprisingly quick to make. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for relaxed family dinners, using pantry staples and clear, dependable steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger stroganoff recipe is practical in the best way. Ground beef cooks fast and soaks up flavor beautifully, which means dinner comes together without stress. The creamy sauce is smooth and balanced, not heavy, and coats every bite of beef and noodles evenly. It’s also flexible. You can adjust the richness, add vegetables, or tweak the seasoning to match your taste without breaking the dish. Best of all, it’s filling, affordable, and dependable, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need for a classic, well-balanced hamburger stroganoff. These amounts serve about four people.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 8–10 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan for flavor. - Cook the aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns slightly translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. - Add mushrooms and butter
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and butter. Cook for 4–5 minutes, letting the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown lightly. This step builds depth and gives the stroganoff its savory base. - Create the roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and mushroom mixture. Stir constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will look slightly dry and thick, which is exactly what you want. - Build the sauce
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it heats, the sauce will thicken into a smooth, velvety consistency. - Simmer gently
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to reach the right thickness. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth. - Add sour cream carefully
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream slowly until fully incorporated. Keeping the heat low or off prevents curdling and keeps the sauce silky. - Combine with noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles directly to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Let everything sit for 2–3 minutes so the noodles absorb some of the flavor. - Taste and adjust
Taste the stroganoff and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika based on your preference. - Serve warm
Spoon the hamburger stroganoff into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Helpful Tips
For the best texture, use sour cream at room temperature and always stir it in off the heat. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents separation. Choose ground beef with some fat, as very lean beef can make the dish dry. If your sauce thickens too much while sitting, a small splash of warm broth or milk will loosen it without diluting flavor. Cooking the noodles just to al dente also helps them hold up better when mixed into the sauce.
Variations
This hamburger stroganoff recipe adapts easily to different needs. For a lighter version, use ground turkey and replace half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. If you want extra vegetables, add peas, spinach, or green beans during the final simmer. For a richer flavor, stir in a small amount of cream cheese along with the sour cream. You can also serve the stroganoff over rice or mashed potatoes instead of noodles for a different but equally comforting meal.
How to Serve
Hamburger stroganoff is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad that balances the creaminess. A slice of warm bread or dinner rolls is also great for soaking up the sauce. Keep the sides light and simple so the stroganoff remains the star of the plate.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer the stroganoff to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Add a little broth or milk if the sauce has thickened. Freezing is possible, but the sauce may change texture slightly due to the sour cream.
FAQs
Can I make hamburger stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and reheat gently. For best results, cook the noodles fresh and mix them in just before serving.
What mushrooms work best?
White button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms both work well. Cremini add a slightly deeper flavor.
Can I make this without mushrooms?
Yes. You can omit the mushrooms entirely or replace them with onions or another vegetable you enjoy.
Why did my sauce curdle?
This usually happens if sour cream is added over high heat. Always lower the heat and stir it in slowly.
Is hamburger stroganoff spicy?
No, it’s mild. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
Conclusion
Hamburger stroganoff is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to be satisfying. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and a creamy sauce that never disappoints, this recipe delivers dependable results every time. It’s warm, filling, and flexible enough to suit different tastes and schedules. Whether you’re cooking for family or just need a reliable dinner idea, this hamburger stroganoff recipe is one you can trust and enjoy again and again.
