Name: 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces Egg Noodles; 1 pound Ground Beef; ¼ cup Butter; ¼ cup Flour; 1 cup Beef Broth; 1 ¼ cup Milk; ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 1 teaspoon Salt; ¼ cup Sour Cream

I absolutely love a comforting, creamy dish that comes together quickly, which is why my 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s hearty, rich, and packed with savory flavors that remind me of cozy family dinners. I find it’s the perfect way to bring a little warmth and satisfaction to any weeknight meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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

For me, what makes this recipe truly stand out is its wonderfully creamy texture paired with the savory ground beef base. The sauce is velvety smooth, thanks to a homemade roux and a touch of sour cream, while the garlic and onion powders add just the right depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. It hits that perfect balance of comforting savory and a slight tang, which keeps me coming back for more.

I also love how quick and easy it is to prepare. From boiling the noodles to browning the beef and making the sauce, it all fits neatly into about 30 minutes. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just straightforward cooking that anyone can handle. This makes it an ideal go-to for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or whenever you want a satisfying meal fast. Plus, it’s cozy enough to serve at family gatherings, proving it’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of cooking ingredients is arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center is a white bowl filled with a large pile of yellow, curly egg noodles. Above it is a white plate with four separate piles of spices in light yellow, orange, white, and black colors. To the top right, a white plate holds a large block of raw ground beef on brown paper. To the right of the noodles, there is a glass measuring cup filled with white milk. Below the noodles is a small bowl with thick white sour cream, and to the right of that, a glass measuring cup contains brown broth. At the top left, a white plate holds a rectangular stick of butter wrapped in white and blue paper. Next to that is a small bowl filled with white flour. All items are neatly placed with no utensils in sight. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine. From the creamy dairy components to the simple seasonings, these essentials work beautifully together.

6 ounces egg noodles: These tender noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, delivering that classic stroganoff comfort.
1 pound ground beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without being greasy.
¼ cup butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux that thickens the sauce.
¼ cup flour: Used to make the roux, which gives the sauce its luxurious, creamy texture.
1 cup beef broth: Gives the sauce a savory depth that complements the beef.
1 ¼ cups milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce without heaviness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory warmth throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the sauce’s depth and flavor complexity.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle spicy kick that balances the creaminess.
1 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together beautifully.
¼ cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end for that signature tangy richness.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions, usually about 6-8 minutes until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later.

Step 2: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until there’s no pink left and the beef is thoroughly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate, then set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Once fully melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the raw flour taste to cook off and creating a smooth roux.

Step 4: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, pouring it in slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Whisk in the milk slowly, then continue stirring over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Be patient here to get that perfect texture.

Step 6: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, mixing well until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Gently stir everything together until the noodles and beef are fully coated in the sauce and heated through.

Step 8: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the sour cream. This final step adds a creamy tang that brightens the entire dish.

Step 9: Serve immediately while hot, ideally alongside your favorite steamed vegetable or a crispy slice of garlic toast to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Servings and Timing

This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, making it perfect for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends. Prep time is minimal, roughly 5 minutes to gather and measure ingredients. Cooking the noodles and beef, plus making the sauce, takes around 25 minutes, bringing the total time to about 30 minutes from start to finish. The dish is best served immediately—there’s no resting or cooling time needed, so it works great for last-minute meals.

How to Serve This 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

A large white pan filled with creamy pasta showing three layers: a base layer of twisted egg noodles in a pale yellow shade, a middle layer of browned ground meat scattered unevenly, and a top layer of creamy sauce mixed with the noodles and meat, creating a smooth, light beige texture. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled over the pasta adding fresh specks of color. A white spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the pan, partially lifting some pasta from the right side. The pan sits on a white marble surface next to a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs and two clear salt and pepper shakers. A patterned green and white cloth lies at the bottom left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this stroganoff piping hot, right from the skillet, to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness with fresh, bright flavors. For a heartier option, garlic bread or crusty rolls make fantastic invitations to scoop up the saucy goodness.

When it comes to presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped chives on top—they add a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish feel more special. Serving portions of about one cup per person hits a perfect comfort-food spot without feeling too heavy.

For beverages, this dish is surprisingly versatile—I often reach for a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot to complement the beefiness, but for non-drinkers, a sparkling water with lemon or even a chilled iced tea is refreshing alongside the rich stroganoff. This meal fits right into weeknight dinners, casual weekend lunches, or even low-key dinner parties where you want to impress without fuss.

Variations

One of the best things about this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to switch things up, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Vegetarians can replace the meat with mushrooms or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth to keep it hearty and satisfying.

If you need a gluten-free version, using gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux works beautifully, and just be sure to pick egg noodles made without wheat or substitute with gluten-free pasta alternatives. For a richer flavor twist, try adding sautéed onions or fresh garlic instead of powders, or finishing with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to deepen the sauce’s complexity.

For a unique cooking method, I sometimes make this stroganoff in a slow cooker if I plan ahead, browning the beef first and then adding everything to cook on low for a few hours. It develops a deeper infusion of flavors while still creamy and comforting at the end of the day.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers to maintain maximum freshness and to avoid any lingering odors. The leftovers keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but since it contains sour cream and milk, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze it, I suggest doing so before adding the sour cream. Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir in fresh sour cream before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover stroganoff is gently warming it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it seems thick or dry. Microwaving works too but stirring occasionally helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the dairy to separate and create a grainy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce nicely, you can use other pasta like fettuccine, penne, or even rice noodles if preferred. Just cook them according to package instructions and toss them in at the end as usual.

Is ground beef the best meat choice for stroganoff?

Ground beef is my go-to for its quick cooking and rich flavor, but you can also use sliced beef sirloin or stew meat for a more classic take. Just note that those cuts require longer cooking times and different preparation methods.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stroganoff up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove. I prefer adding the sour cream fresh during reheating for the best creaminess.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?

I love tossing in a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on at the end also brighten the whole dish wonderfully.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe as much as I do. It’s a cozy, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly quick to pull together, perfect for adding a little comfort to your busy days. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your dinner rotation—you won’t regret bringing this creamy, beefy goodness to your table.