The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe

Hamburger stroganoff is one of those classic comfort foods I turn to when I want something hearty, creamy, and filling. It’s a budget-friendly twist on traditional beef stroganoff, made with ground beef instead of steak, but still packed with all the rich flavor I love. With tender egg noodles, savory beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a family favorite that always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this version of stroganoff because it’s quick, easy, and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. It’s one of those one-skillet meals that comes together fast, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is rich and flavorful, with a velvety texture that coats every bite of beef and noodles. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch ground beef into a filling meal for the whole family.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef
• onion, diced
• garlic, minced
• sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
• beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
• all-purpose flour
• sour cream
• salt
• black pepper
• egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, I drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the veggies: I add the diced onion and mushrooms to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Then I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make the sauce: I sprinkle the flour over the beef and veggies and stir to coat. Then I pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard if I’m using it. I bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Add the sour cream: I reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. I season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine with noodles: While the sauce is simmering, I cook the egg noodles according to package directions. I drain them and either stir them directly into the skillet or serve the stroganoff on top of the noodles.

6. Garnish and serve: I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Variations

• I sometimes use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

• For more richness, I add a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.

• I’ve tried it with Greek yogurt in place of sour cream—it works great and adds extra protein.

• If I want more veggies, I throw in some spinach or peas right before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well—just leave out the sour cream until reheating to avoid separation.

FAQs

Can I make this without mushrooms?

Yes, I’ve made it without mushrooms several times. The sauce still turns out delicious and creamy.

What type of noodles work best?

I usually use wide egg noodles, but any pasta like rotini or fettuccine works fine too. Even mashed potatoes or rice make a great base.

Can I freeze hamburger stroganoff?

Yes, I freeze it without the sour cream and add it after reheating. This keeps the sauce from curdling.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is my go-to substitute. It gives the same creamy tang and holds up well in the sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

I simmer it a little longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour dissolved in a small amount of broth, then cook until it thickens.

Conclusion

This hamburger stroganoff recipe is a cozy, satisfying dish I always come back to. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor, with creamy sauce and tender noodles in every bite. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just want leftovers for the week, it’s always a win at my table.