Comfort food made simple — rich, creamy, and family-approved.
When the craving for comfort food hits, nothing beats a bowl of creamy beef stroganoff. When you want a quick comfort meal for the family, this recipe delivers. Tender noodles tangled in a rich mushroom-beef sauce, it’s the kind of meal that makes you exhale at the first bite.
This version keeps things simple and weeknight-friendly, with ground beef, real ingredients, and a one-pan cleanup. Perfect for busy moms, cozy nights, and everything in between.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Ready in 35 minutes or less
✔️ Family-friendly comfort that even picky eaters love
✔️ Creamy without being heavy
✔️ Easy to customize (hello, extra mushrooms or dairy-free swaps!)
A Little Chaos, a Lot of Comfort 💛
This recipe started as one of those “what’s in the fridge?” dinners and comes together in under an hour. A little ground beef, a handful of mushrooms (when I have them), and a lifetime supply of sour cream (my kids are obsessed) — somehow it turned into a great quick meal. It’s rich and hearty without being heavy, and it always feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Plus, it’s chaos-proof. You can swap, substitute, and improvise as needed, and it’ll still come out delicious every single time.
Ingredient Spotlight ✨
Ground Beef:
Classic, flavorful, and easy to find. If you want to level it up, try sirloin strips — they’ll make this feel restaurant-worthy.
Mushrooms:
Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms add the most depth, but white button mushrooms work just as well in a pinch.
Sour Cream:
The secret to that signature tangy creaminess! You can swap for plain Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version.
Noodles:
Egg noodles are traditional, but honestly, any pasta shape works. Shells or rotini soak up the sauce beautifully.
Tips for the Perfect Stroganoff 🥄
- Don’t overcook the noodles — they’ll keep absorbing the sauce as it sits.
- Get your mushrooms nice and brown for deeper flavor (this step makes all the difference).
- Add the sour cream off the heat so it stays smooth and silky instead of curdling.
- For leftovers, stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Make It Yours 🍳
This recipe is a great blank canvas for flavor lovers. Try one of these twists next time you make it:
- Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang.
- Stir in caramelized onions for sweetness.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne for a little kick.
- Swap the noodles for mashed potatoes or rice for a change of texture.
- Want to keep it lower carb? Serve it over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower instead, the creamy sauce pairs perfectly without feeling like you’re missing out.
What You’ll Need
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Strainer for noodles
Can I Make It Ahead? ⏱️
Absolutely! Cook everything except the noodles, store the sauce separately, and add freshly cooked noodles right before serving. The sauce reheats beautifully with a splash of broth and starting at a lower heat temperature.
How to Serve It 🍽️
Top your stroganoff with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for that cozy, homemade look.
What to Serve With Beef Stroganoff
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or buttery rolls
- A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- A glass of red wine for parents’ night in 🍷
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk and warm gently on the stove. Avoid microwaving on high — it can dry out the sauce.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Pasta pot
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin
- 1 tbsp tallow or butter
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch slurry for gluten-free
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles or shell pasta
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat tallow over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter (if needed), onions, and mushrooms. Cook until softened and golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat.
- Stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy — do not boil.
- Return the beef to the pan, then add the cooked noodles. Toss to coat evenly in sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Let’s Bring the Chaos ❤️
Did you make this recipe?
Tag me @lifeofcrumbsandchaos on Instagram or Pinterest and show me your version!
Or leave a comment below — I love seeing your kitchen chaos in action.