If you're looking for cheap easy meals with hamburger meat, this creamy ground beef stroganoff is just the ticket. I remember one evening when my son, Jake, came home from school and declared this dish his favorite. It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
- It's creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.
- It's a great way to stretch your grocery dollars.
Pure Comfort
This ground beef stroganoff is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce, tender beef, and hearty noodles come together to create a dish that warms the soul.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – You can substitute with shallots if desired.
- 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- 8 oz 8 oz mushrooms, sliced – Feel free to use canned mushrooms in a pinch.
- 2 cups 2 cups beef broth – Low-sodium broth works well too.
- 1 cup 1 cup sour cream – Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Cornstarch can be used for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Soy sauce can be a substitute.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
- 8 oz 8 oz egg noodles – Any pasta shape will work in a pinch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time.
Steps to Make It
- Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they are tender and have released their moisture. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone curious about dinner.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. You’ll notice the mixture thickening slightly.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and add them to the skillet with the stroganoff sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.
- Serve the stroganoff hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms.
- If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra!
Mix It Up
- Try adding spinach or peas for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms and lentils instead of meat.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A light green salad complements the richness of the stroganoff.
- Serve with steamed broccoli for added crunch and color.
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FAQs
Can I make this stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the stroganoff for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can work as alternatives.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s not spicy, but you can add pepper flakes for some heat.
Conclusion
This budget beef stroganoff is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal without breaking the bank. It's perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a family favorite!
Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff for Easy Budget Family Dinners
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 1 large yellow onion diced; substitute shallots if desired
- 2 cloves garlic minced; garlic powder can be used as substitute
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced; canned mushrooms can be used
- 1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce soy sauce can be a substitute
- to taste salt and pepper adjust according to preference
- 8 oz egg noodles any pasta shape will work
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until tender and moisture is released.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well; cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stir constantly, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in sour cream until creamy and combined; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and add to the skillet with stroganoff sauce; toss to coat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.