Today, we’re showcasing a mouth-watering recipe that’s not only easy to make but also a surefire crowd-pleaser: Ground Beef Stroganoff. In less than 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce brimming with savory ground beef.
Perfectly versatile, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or your favorite grains. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share, this Ground Beef Stroganoff is set to become a new staple in your kitchen.
So, let’s get cooking and dive into this delectable journey of flavors!
How to Prepare This Meal
1. Start with the Base: Begin by heating a deep, heavy pan over a medium-high flame. Swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan.
2. Cook the Beef: Crumble 1 lb of lean ground beef into the pan. Use a spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces, ensuring even cooking.
3. Add Aromatics: Next, introduce half a diced medium onion and two minced garlic cloves to the beef. Stir them together until the onion becomes golden and translucent.
4. Mushroom Magic: Now, it’s time for mushrooms. Add 1 lb of sliced mushrooms to the pan. Continue sautéing for about 5 more minutes, letting the mushrooms absorb the flavors.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to blend it well with the ingredients and to avoid any lumps forming.
6. Liquid Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of whipping cream. Also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a light simmer.
7. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. The Final Touch: Remove the pan from heat and stir in a third cup of sour cream until it’s fully incorporated into the sauce. Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serving: Serve this rich and creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff over your choice of noodles, rice, or even potatoes. Enjoy the heartwarming blend of flavors!
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to delight the taste buds. Bon appétit!
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 1 lb mushrooms sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by Heating the Pan: Place a deep, sturdy pan on the stove and warm it over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Use your spoon to break it apart, ensuring it cooks into small, even pieces.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Continue cooking until the onions become soft and take on a golden-brown hue.
- Incorporate Mushrooms: Now, stir in the sliced mushrooms, and continue to sauté the mixture for an additional 5 minutes.
- Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring well to ensure it's evenly distributed and smooth out any clumps that form.
- Pour in Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually add in the beef broth and whipping cream, followed by a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and season with half a teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Stir and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Merge Flavors: Reduce the stove's heat to a lower setting and allow the concoction to simmer softly for around 5 minutes.
- Final Touch of Sour Cream: Take the pan off the heat and blend in the sour cream, mixing thoroughly to ensure a consistent sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Ready to Serve: Your Ground Beef Stroganoff is now ready to be served. Spoon it over a bed of cooked noodles, rice, or potatoes and enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal.
Storing the Ground Beef Stroganoff
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Ground Beef Stroganoff for more than just one meal. Here’s how to store it effectively:
Refrigerating:
- Cool Down: Allow the stroganoff to cool to room temperature before storing. However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- Airtight Containers: Transfer the stroganoff into airtight containers. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents the stroganoff from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
- Refrigerator Life: Stored this way, your Ground Beef Stroganoff can last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing:
- Preparation for Freezing: If you plan to freeze the stroganoff, it’s best to do so without the sour cream, as dairy can separate and change texture when frozen. Freeze the base and add sour cream after reheating.
- Freezer-Safe Containers or Bags: Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store the stroganoff. Label them with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- Freezing Duration: Properly stored, the stroganoff can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating:
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw the stroganoff in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating in Stove/Microwave: Reheat the stroganoff on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it’s evenly heated. If you’ve frozen the base separately, add in the sour cream after it’s heated.
- Consistency Adjustment: If the stroganoff seems too thick upon reheating, you can thin it with a little beef broth or water.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Stroganoff at its best, even days after preparation!
