There's something deeply comforting about a creamy, savory dish that comes together in under 30 minutes—and that’s exactly what this Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe delivers. It’s rich, saucy, and packed with tender mushrooms, making it a perfect weekday dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe is one of those dishes that satisfies on every level. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together quickly, which is exactly why I keep going back to it for family dinners or when I want a comforting meal without fuss.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh mushrooms, so it’s easy to pull together any night.
- Quick cooking time: From start to table in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Rich, creamy sauce: The blend of cream cheese and sour cream makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- Customizable and forgiving: Easy to adapt with veggies or swap ingredients without losing flavor.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe shines because of how the ingredients play off one another. Mushrooms add earthiness, cream cheese deepens the sauce’s richness, and beef broth plus seasonings build layers of savory depth. Plus, using egg noodles or mashed potatoes as a base is just pure comfort.
- Cremini mushrooms: Also called baby bellas, these add a meaty texture and deep mushroom flavor; slice thin for quick cooking.
- Butter and olive oil: Butter gives richness; olive oil helps the mushrooms brown without burning.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty without too much grease.
- Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that layer savory, slightly sweet depth.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce gently; don’t skip it or you’ll miss that luscious texture.
- Beef broth: Builds a savory base and adds moisture for the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster, bringing complexity beyond the beef.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang to balance richness.
- Beef bouillon: Intensifies the meaty flavor—just a small amount goes a long way.
- Herbs and spices (parsley, paprika, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes): Provide warmth and subtle complexity.
- Cream cheese: Oh, the magic here—melts into a silky, creamy sauce that’s full-bodied.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness, finishing the sauce perfectly.
- Egg noodles (or mashed potatoes/rice): Perfect carriers to soak up all that rich sauce.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I've played with add-ins and swaps to suit my mood or pantry—don’t hesitate to make it your own. You’ll enjoy adjusting this hearty classic to your taste.
- Add veggies: I like tossing in fresh peas or some wilted spinach right before serving for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Use ground turkey: For a leaner version, turkey works well—just add extra beef bouillon to keep that classic flavor punch.
- Switch the creaminess: Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream if you want a lighter tang, but be sure it’s room temperature for smooth blending.
- Go gluten-free: I’ve swapped the flour for gluten-free blends and serve over rice noodles or cauliflower rice without missing a beat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Get those mushrooms golden and flavorful
I start by melting butter and olive oil together over medium heat—this combo helps the mushrooms develop that gorgeous golden color without burning. Then I spread my thinly sliced cremini mushrooms out evenly in the pan and resist the urge to stir for the first 3 minutes; this lets them brown beautifully. After that, I stir occasionally for another 3–5 minutes until all the liquid evaporates. The smell at this point? Absolutely irresistible. I finish by seasoning with salt and pepper, then set the mushrooms aside on a plate.
Step 2: Brown the beef and build the sauce base
Into the same skillet (less cleanup for you!), I add the lean ground beef and diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned—don't rush this step as it adds so much flavor. Next, I sprinkle in the flour and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste and toast the garlic gently. This is what thickens the sauce later on, so don’t skip or skimp!
Step 3: Stir in your flavorful liquids and seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Then I add the beef bouillon, dried parsley, paprika, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Crank the heat back up just enough to bring it to a boil, then lower it to a simmer. I let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally but keeping it watchful so it doesn’t get too thick.
Step 4: Finish with cream cheese and sour cream for silkiness
This is the magic step: lowering the heat and whisking in very soft cream cheese until it melts into the sauce. Pro tip—microwave the cream cheese pieces for 20-25 seconds before adding; this avoids those pesky lumps. Then I stir in room-temperature sour cream for that classic tangy finish. At this point, I fold the golden mushrooms back into the sauce, then give everything a final taste to add salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve it up and enjoy!
I like to serve this stroganoff over perfectly cooked egg noodles, but mashed potatoes or rice work wonderfully too. Don't forget to cook the noodles al dente and toss with a splash of olive oil if you've made them ahead. The sauce is the star here, so make sure to ladle plenty over your base before tucking in.
Top Tip
From my experience cooking this Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe multiple times, a few details can really elevate your results and avoid common pitfalls. Trust me, these are game-changers for a silky sauce and perfectly cooked mushrooms.
- Softening cream cheese: Rushing this results in chunks in your sauce; warming the cream cheese slightly makes it melt like a dream.
- Cooking mushrooms separately: This keeps their flavor and texture intact—adding them directly into the sauce too early makes them soggy.
- Sour cream at the end: Adding sour cream after turning off the heat avoids curdling and keeps the sauce smooth.
- Salt to taste: Don’t underestimate the power of salt—it unlocks all the flavors, so taste and adjust as you go.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the rich sauce. Sometimes I even add a little extra cracked black pepper for that subtle spicy note.
Side Dishes
This stroganoff shines best with simple sides. Roasted green beans, a crisp garden salad, or steamed asparagus all pair nicely without competing with the main flavors. I've also enjoyed it alongside garlic bread for those carb lovers out there.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the stroganoff over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, then garnish with sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme sprigs. It looks elegant but still feels homey and comforting—a perfect balance for a small dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe a few times, but with a caveat—freeze it before adding the cream cheese and sour cream. Freezing the fully finished sauce can cause it to separate when reheated. To freeze, cook through just before those creamy ingredients, cool completely, then freeze in portions. When ready, thaw overnight and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently on medium-low heat, stirring often. If you find the sauce is a bit thick, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back that sauciness. Add cream cheese and sour cream last for that smooth, fresh-from-the-stove feel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute. To keep the rich beefy flavor, add a couple of teaspoons of beef bouillon and adjust salt accordingly. You might also want to add a little olive oil when cooking the turkey to prevent it from drying out.
The key is to add the sour cream only after you’ve taken the sauce off the heat or lowered it to very low. Also, using full-fat sour cream and ensuring it’s at room temperature helps it blend smoothly without curdling.
Cooking mushrooms separately allows them to brown nicely and develop maximum flavor and texture. If you add them directly into the sauce too soon, they’ll release water and become soggy, losing their appealing color and taste.
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice. Also, double-check your beef broth and bouillon for gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. It’s satisfying without being complicated and always impresses everyone around my table. I hope you’ll give it a try—once you taste that creamy sauce and tender mushrooms with every bite, it might just become a weekly staple in your kitchen too.
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Ground Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe featuring tender mushrooms and a rich sauce made with cream cheese and sour cream, served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Mushrooms (optional)
- 8 oz. cremini/baby bella mushrooms sliced ⅛-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 small onion diced
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons beef bouillon or better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (pinch)
- 2 oz. cream cheese, very soft (full fat preferred)
- ½ cup sour cream (full fat recommended)
To Serve
- 12 oz. egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
Instructions
- Cook Mushrooms: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet. Increase heat to medium-high; add sliced mushrooms, stir to coat, then spread in an even layer. Cook mushrooms without stirring for 3 minutes, then continue to cook and stir for another 5 minutes until all liquid evaporates and mushrooms turn golden. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Remove mushrooms to a plate.
- Cook Beef and Onions: To the now empty skillet, add 1 pound ground beef and diced onion. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook over medium heat until beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Flour and Garlic: Stir in ¼ cup flour and minced garlic. Cook while stirring for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in 3 cups low sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons beef bouillon, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch (¼ teaspoon) red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook until slightly thickened but still saucy, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 2 oz. very soft cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Finish Sauce with Sour Cream and Mushrooms: Stir in ½ cup sour cream until fully combined. Add cooked mushrooms back into the sauce. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cook Pasta and Serve: Cook 12 oz. egg noodles according to package instructions, testing for al dente texture 2-3 minutes before end time to avoid overcooking. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a little olive oil if not serving immediately to prevent sticking. Serve stroganoff sauce over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a turkey substitute, add 2 teaspoons beef bouillon and omit added salt; you may need extra olive oil to create the roux.
- Greek yogurt (2%, room temperature) can replace sour cream but changes flavor and texture slightly.
- Use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for best flavor. Avoid soaking mushrooms in water; wipe clean with damp cloth.
- Cook mushrooms separately and salt at the end to retain color and flavor.
- Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid clumps—microwave about 20-25 seconds.
- Use room temperature sour cream and add it at the end to prevent curdling.
- If sauce is too thick, thin with a little milk or beef broth.
- Don’t overcook pasta; test early and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes and gluten-free flour.
- For freezing, omit cream cheese and sour cream during the initial cook. Add them fresh after reheating to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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