I absolutely adore this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe because it hits all the right notes: creamy, comforting, and packed with rich flavors. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but comes together so quickly that I can whip it up on even the busiest weeknights. The tender egg noodles swimming in that luscious sour cream sauce combined with perfectly seasoned ground beef make it a family favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

Why You'll Love This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

What really draws me to this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is its incredible flavor profile. The harmony between the savory browned beef and the creamy, slightly tangy sour cream sauce is absolutely irresistible. I love how the garlic and onion powders add subtle depth while the gentle hints of pepper give just enough kick without overpowering the dish.

It’s also so straightforward to prepare, which is a massive win in my book. From boiling the egg noodles to building the creamy roux-based sauce, every step is simple but purposeful. I find it incredibly satisfying to make a meal that tastes like it took hours in the kitchen but actually comes together in under half an hour.

Throw this recipe on your weeknight menu, impress guests at casual dinners, or serve it up for a cozy weekend meal. What makes this stroganoff stand out is how it takes humble ground beef — a pantry staple — and elevates it with comfort-food charm that’s both hearty and elegant. I’m always eager to share this one because it never fails to please.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white pot filled with a creamy light brown sauce covering the bottom layer. On top of the sauce are two distinct layers: one side has cooked ground beef in dark brown color with a crumbly texture, and the other side has cooked yellow egg noodles with a wavy texture. A red spoon is placed inside the pot, partially covered by the noodles and beef. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with small bowls holding other ingredients visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To keep this stroganoff utterly delicious, I rely on a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. The egg noodles create that classic tender base, while the butter and flour form the silky roux that thickens the sauce. Ground beef provides hearty flavor and texture, and the sour cream finishes everything with richness and tang.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Egg Noodles: The perfect tender, chewy base that soaks up all the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Ground Beef: Provides hearty flavor and texture that's essential to a classic stroganoff experience.
Butter: Melts into the roux to give the sauce a silky, rich texture.
Flour: Combines with butter to thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
Beef Broth: Adds deep, meaty flavor and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
Milk: Gives the sauce a creamy base while keeping it light and luscious.
Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle kick of savory warmth.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the overall depth.
Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and aroma.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
Sour Cream: The star ingredient for a tangy, rich finish that makes the stroganoff so memorable.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until no pink remains and the beef is browned evenly, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate for now.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking constantly for about 2 minutes. This roux will help thicken your sauce, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce starts to thicken, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This is when the magic begins!

Step 5: Gradually whisk in the milk and keep stirring the sauce until it thickens again, about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for a silky, smooth consistency without any lumps.

Step 6: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, mixing thoroughly so every bite has balanced seasoning.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything and warm through evenly.

Step 8: Stir in the sour cream carefully until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce turns extra creamy and rich. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream so the sauce stays smooth.

Step 9: Serve your stroganoff hot with your favorite vegetable side or some crusty garlic toast to mop up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Servings and Timing

This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal or a small dinner party. The prep time is minimal, around 5 minutes to gather and ready the ingredients. Cooking takes about 25 minutes, mainly from boiling the noodles and building the sauce. Altogether, you’re looking at a quick 30-minute total time, with no additional resting needed — it’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove!

How to Serve This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

A large white pan filled with cooked yellow egg noodles and browned ground meat mixed together in a light creamy sauce. On top in the center, there is a dollop of thick white cream, partially mixed around a red spatula resting inside the pan on the right side. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with part of two bowls visible at the top edge—one white bowl with bits of ground meat and one clear glass bowl with a small piece of yellow butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this stroganoff, I like to keep the accompaniments simple and complementary. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich sauce beautifully. Sometimes a side salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the meal perfectly, especially if you want to lighten things up a bit.

For garnishing, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness, lifting the entire dish visually and flavor-wise. I also love serving it with warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce on the plate.

Pairing-wise, a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a crisp sparkling water with lemon works wonderfully to refresh the palate between bites. This meal shines as a comforting weeknight dinner, but it’s special enough to serve at casual gatherings or even holiday dinners where folks crave that down-to-earth homemade vibe. I always recommend serving it piping hot for the best flavor and creamy texture.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to switch things up, try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Mushrooms are another fabulous addition or substitute if you want a vegetarian twist—just swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based sour cream.

If you’re gluten-free, you can easily make this recipe by choosing gluten-free flour and egg noodles. For a dairy-free version, I recommend swapping the milk and sour cream for coconut milk and a dairy-free sour cream alternative. The flavor changes slightly but stays delightfully creamy and rich.

To ramp up the flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy twist. You could also experiment with cooking the sauce in the oven at low heat for a few extra minutes to deepen the flavors even more, though it’s perfect just as it is on the stove.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers of this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. Using containers with a tight seal helps lock in moisture and keeps the stroganoff tasting fresh as the rich sauce can thicken a bit but will loosen back up during reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers of this stroganoff, but I recommend doing so without the noodles if possible, as they don’t freeze as well. Store the sauce and beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this stroganoff is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating helps restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat since the sauce can curdle or dry out quickly, though short bursts with stirring can work in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this stroganoff?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and fantastic at soaking up the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta you like such as fettuccine, penne, or even rice or mashed potatoes if you want to switch it up.

Is it necessary to drain the fat from the ground beef?

I highly recommend draining the excess fat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. It keeps the dish lighter, letting the flavors of the sauce and beef really shine without an oily texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and refrigerate them separately from the noodles. When ready to serve, warm everything up and combine for the freshest experience.

What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a similar tanginess and creaminess. Just be sure to add it at low heat to avoid curdling. Alternatively, cream cheese mixed with a touch of milk works well too.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize this dish, swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth, dairy-free milk like oat or almond milk, and a vegan sour cream substitute to recreate that creamy texture and tang.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe a try because it’s one of those meals that brings such comfort and joy with minimal fuss. It’s quick, flavorful, and reliably delicious every single time. Whether you’re feeding family or just craving something cozy, this recipe will be your new go-to favorite. Happy cooking!