Use What You Have
Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Homemade stroganoff doesn't have to be hard! This simple ground beef stroganoff comes together in 20 minutes with just six ingredients.
What Is Beef Stroganoff?
Beef stroganoff is an iconic Russian dish that traditionally consists of beef in a creamy sauce. Legend has it that it was created by chefs working for the Stroganov family in the 1800s. The dish often includes mushrooms and is served over rice or egg noodles.
What Makes This Recipe So 'Simple'?
Traditional beef stroganoff requires steak, a roux-based sauce, and sauted mushrooms. However, this simplified version uses ground beef and canned cream of mushroom soup to cut down on preparation time and steps.
How to Make Beef Stroganoff:
You'll find the full recipe below, but here's an overview of the process:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
- Add canned soup and garlic powder, simmering for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked egg noodles and sour cream, then season with salt and pepper.
What to Serve With Beef Stroganoff:
This hearty dish is filling on its own, but a simple side salad can add a burst of color. Alternatively, try serving the beef mixture over rice or mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles for a different twist.
How to Store Beef Stroganoff:
Store leftovers in an airtight in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove as needed.
Can You Freeze Beef Stroganoff?
Cooked egg noodles don't freeze well, so it's best to prepare the beef and sauce mixture without them if you plan to freeze. Store the beef mixture in a freezer-safe for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the mixture on the stove and stir in freshly cooked noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- cup sour cream
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Saut the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until browned and crumbly.
Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rapid boil. Cook the egg noodles until tender yet firm to the bite (7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef. Stir in the condensed soup and garlic powder. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Remove the beef mixture from heat. Stir in the cooked egg noodles and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooks Note:
If you'd like a thinner sauce, you can add a bit of milk or beef broth.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- 679 Calories
- 41g Fat
- 48g Carbs
- 29g Protein
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Nutrition Information:
- Total Fat: 41g (52% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 17g (87% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 159mg (53% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 660mg (29% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 48g (18% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 29g (57% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 76mg (6% Daily Value)
- Iron: 4mg (24% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 460mg (10% Daily Value)
Note: Nutritional information is based on available data. If you have specific dietary needs, consult a nutritionist or dietitian before preparing this recipe.
Beef Stroganoff is a well-loved dish that has its origins in 19th-century Russia. Over the years, it has become a staple of both Russian and international cuisine. Traditionally, the dish features tender beef cooked in a creamy sauce made with sour cream, mustard, and broth. However, its evolution has led to numerous variations, including the simplified version we present today, made with ground beef and canned mushroom soup.
History and Origin of Beef Stroganoff
The dish is named after the wealthy Russian family, the Stroganovs, who were influential in the 19th century. The earliest known recipes for Beef Stroganoff appeared in Russian cookbooks from the 1860s. It is believed that a French chef, employed by the Stroganov family, created the dish to cater to the tastes of Count Pavel Stroganov, a notable Russian aristocrat. Over time, the dish became popular in both Russian and Western Europe, with each region adding its own unique twist.
Regional Variations of Beef Stroganoff
While Beef Stroganoff is traditionally associated with Russian cuisine, it has been widely adapted in many countries. In the United States, for instance, it is commonly made with ground beef and served over egg noodles. In contrast, the original Russian version typically uses thinly sliced beef, often sirloin, and is served with rice or potatoes. In many Western adaptations, additional ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and even wine are incorporated into the dish to enhance its flavor profile.
How This Recipe Differs from Traditional Versions
This Simple Beef Stroganoff recipe simplifies the traditional preparation by using ground beef and canned cream of mushroom soup, drastically cutting down on cooking time and effort. The use of ground beef instead of sliced beef makes the dish more accessible and budget-friendly, while the canned soup replaces the need for a complicated sauce-making process. This recipe provides an excellent base that can easily be customized with additional spices, vegetables, or seasonings, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Where Is Beef Stroganoff Typically Served?
Beef Stroganoff is typically served in restaurants as a rich and comforting main dish. It is a popular choice in European bistros, American diners, and even high-end restaurants. In Russia, it is often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions. The dish is versatile, and while it is traditionally served with rice or potatoes, egg noodles are a favorite accompaniment in many parts of the world. In the United States, it is especially popular as a hearty dinner dish and is often paired with a side salad or crusty bread to complement the rich sauce.
Interesting Facts About Beef Stroganoff
- Beef Stroganoff was reportedly a favorite dish of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, who enjoyed the dish with cognac added to the sauce.
- There are many regional variations of Beef Stroganoff, with some versions using pork or chicken instead of beef.
- The dish gained international popularity during the 1950s, particularly in Western countries, as it became a staple of banquet menus and home cooking.
- The original Beef Stroganoff recipe called for French mustard and beef bouillon to flavor the sauce, ingredients that are often omitted in modern adaptations.
Conclusion
Beef Stroganoff has a long and fascinating history, originating from Russian aristocracy and eventually becoming a globally recognized dish. From its complex roots to its modern-day adaptations, the dish continues to evolve and be enjoyed by people worldwide. Whether you prepare it with ground beef or tender steak, with mushrooms or without, Beef Stroganoff remains a beloved comfort food that brings warmth to the table.
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FAQ about Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Comments
James Gonzalez
05/23/2023 10:33:58 AM
This recipe is fantastic for beginners. I made a few modifications by including fresh garlic, onion, mushrooms, and garlic salt to the ground beef while cooking. I then added a can of beef broth, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and a beef bouillon cube. I plated it over egg noodles with warm bread rolls, and it turned out absolutely delicious.
Linda Evans
12/28/2022 02:17:33 AM
This product is already great, but I have a suggestion to make it even better: add a packet of DRY HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH dressing mix to it. Trust me, it takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness!
George Wilson
02/02/2025 01:14:31 PM
I found this recipe to be a great starting point for a simple and satisfying weeknight meal. Following the advice of others, I opted for cream of mushroom soup with garlic and included a packet of Lipton dry beefy onion soup mix in the ground beef. After browning the meat, I mixed the cream soup, sour cream, and a bit of milk in a bowl before adding it to the pan. I seasoned with salt and pepper to suit my taste buds.
Jacob Lopez
01/26/2024 08:35:40 AM
This product is amazing! If you come across reviews mentioning it's bland, remember that as a cook, it's your responsibility to season with salt and pepper. I made a few modifications by using Better Than Bouillon and adding Italian seasoning to the raw ground meat, then garnishing with parsley. Big thanks to fellow home cooks for these helpful tips.
Susan Nelson
03/12/2025 10:34:01 PM
Simple to prepare, cooking mushrooms and thickly sliced white onions in a pan enhances the dish with delicious flavor.
Elizabeth Flores
04/13/2024 07:51:34 AM
This recipe was incredibly simple to prepare and we absolutely adored it. I decided to include 1/4 cup of milk when incorporating the soup. Since my ground beef was 95/5%, it required a little extra liquid, and the milk turned out to be the perfect solution.
Maria Thompson
02/25/2023 12:33:24 AM
I enhanced the recipe by incorporating sauteed baby bella mushrooms, onions, and garlic into the ground beef for a richer flavor profile. Additionally, I seasoned the ground beef with pepper and various spices. To further boost the taste, I included a teaspoon of beef bouillon when mixing in the soup.
Michelle Diaz
03/05/2025 03:48:19 AM
Straightforward and delicious. I enhanced beef tips with onions and mushrooms as they cooked, adding a touch of paprika, cayenne pepper (we enjoy a bit of heat), and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the creamy mushroom sauce as it simmered. Absolutely delightful.
Patricia Ramirez
12/22/2023 04:54:00 AM
I tried this recipe and seasoned it with a variety of spices (a touch of chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and parsley). It turned out really well and the only modifications I made were using 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup and a bit of water (2 cups) as it seemed a bit dry. For leftovers, I recommend adding some water when reheating. I warmed it up on the stove and it worked perfectly!
Kimberly Turner
01/30/2025 06:19:31 PM
Straightforward, hearty, and highly adaptable. I diced about 1 cup of onion (or half a large onion) and mixed it with 2-3 cloves of garlic paste before adding it to the meat after draining off any excess fat. I had some vegetable broth that needed to be used up, so I mixed it with condensed soup in equal parts, possibly a bit less. This dish comes together effortlessly with minimal prep time.
Andrew Roberts
11/10/2022 01:36:11 PM
Excellent recipe! I followed the suggestion of adding ranch dressing, and it turned out to be the perfect addition. I used fresh mushrooms and found it to be very simple to prepare. This recipe is sure to become a favorite. I also included a few tablespoons of vodka and some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Karen Walker
03/07/2023 11:31:46 AM
I used shredded steak in this dish instead of sour cream, but I added cream cheese and heavy cream. It turned out delicious! 😋👌
Mark Collins
06/16/2024 03:14:39 PM
Prepared with ground turkey and added some spices. Unfortunately, both my husband and I didn't enjoy the dish.
Emma Baker
01/12/2025 01:33:55 AM
As always, it was delicious.
Barbara Jackson
06/18/2024 08:57:02 PM
I have prepared this recipe multiple times, but this weekend I decided to include a packet of onion soup mix. It took the dish to a whole new level! I will definitely be incorporating this step into my cooking routine going forward.
Sarah Hall
03/13/2024 09:18:26 PM
The recipe was a hit with the whole family! I made some tasty additions, including Italian seasoning, onion powder, and a can of sliced mushrooms.
Jack Robinson
12/23/2022 03:34:32 AM
My first attempt at learning to cook was a breeze - only took 20 minutes!
Ryan Mitchell
02/09/2024 01:14:29 AM
Delicious, fast, and fulfilling!
Nicole Brown
12/09/2024 05:22:35 AM
The flavor was a bit lacking, so I'm thinking of adding some beef bouillon to the ground beef next time. Nonetheless, it was really simple to prepare!
Michael Nguyen
11/15/2022 07:58:46 PM
I have always been a fan of beef stroganoff and was looking for a simple recipe with minimal ingredients. This one hit the spot. I would suggest adding more milk or water as the sauce wasn't quite saucy enough for my liking, and I topped it off with a sprinkle of paprika.
audio version
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