There’s something so comforting about a warm plate of beef stroganoff. With its tender strips of beef, silky, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles, this dish is a cozy classic that’s always a hit. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, it’s a recipe that brings both simplicity and satisfaction to the table.

I first discovered beef stroganoff as a kid when my grandmother whipped it up for a family gathering. Her secret? A splash of Worcestershire sauce and plenty of caramelized onions to enhance the savory flavors. Today, I’ve adapted her version into a quick and easy recipe that anyone can make—even on a tight schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Stroganoff

Get ready to make dinner time your favorite part of the day. This Easy Beef Stroganoff checks all the boxes for a fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal.

First and foremost, it’s quick and convenient. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a comforting, restaurant-quality dish ready to serve—a lifesaver for busy evenings.

It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples that are easy to find and won't break the bank.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s kid-approved! Creamy, savory, and served over noodles, it’s a meal even picky eaters can’t resist.

Lastly, this dish is endlessly versatile. You can tweak it to include mushrooms, substitute the beef for chicken, or even make it vegetarian with the right swaps.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a ton of flavor without overcomplicating things. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

Beef: While traditional stroganoff often uses thinly sliced steak, I’ve opted for ground beef in this easy version. It’s quicker to cook and just as delicious. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide the foundational flavor for the dish. A finely diced yellow onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves are all you need to build a savory base.

Mushrooms (optional): For added depth and texture, sliced cremini or white mushrooms are a fantastic addition. If you’re not a mushroom fan, feel free to leave them out.

Sour Cream: The key to that tangy, creamy sauce! Use full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor, but low-fat works in a pinch.

Beef Broth: This helps create the sauce, adding moisture and a meaty depth. If you prefer a lighter flavor, chicken or vegetable broth can also work.

Egg Noodles: These tender, buttery noodles are the perfect base for stroganoff. Other options like rice or mashed potatoes can be great swaps.

Special equipment needed? Just a large skillet and a sturdy pot for boiling your noodles—nothing fancy required!

How To Make This Easy Beef Stroganoff

Creating this comforting dish is as easy as can be. Follow these steps to bring it all together:

1. Cook the noodles. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Brown the beef. While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

3. Sauté the aromatics. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil, followed by the onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then toss in the garlic and cook for another minute. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook until tender.

4. Build the sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion mixture, stirring to coat. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

5. Add the sour cream. Lower the heat and stir in ½ cup of sour cream. Return the browned beef to the skillet and mix everything until well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

6. Serve and enjoy. Toss the sauce with your cooked noodles, or serve it over them for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Total time? About 30 minutes, start to finish. It’s the perfect combination of speed and comfort!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy your beef stroganoff later:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled stroganoff (without noodles) to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overheating to keep the sour cream from separating.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this dish makes it a home cook’s dream. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking:

Mushroom Stroganoff: Skip the beef and double the mushrooms for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Chicken Stroganoff: Swap the ground beef for diced chicken breast or thighs.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and swap the flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
Add Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Whatever changes you make, don’t be afraid to experiment—the creamy, savory sauce ties it all together beautifully.

There you have it: a simple, delicious recipe for Easy Beef Stroganoff that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or just craving some comfort food, this dish will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Happy cooking!