Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
Ground beef stroganoff is a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic beef stroganoff. It's a budget-friendly, weeknight-friendly dish that's perfect for busy families. This recipe focuses on creating a rich and creamy sauce, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. Let's dive into creating a delicious and satisfying ground beef stroganoff!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed to accommodate your guest count.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for a healthier option. You can use a higher fat content for a richer flavor, but be sure to drain excess grease.
- 1 large Onion, chopped: Provides a base of sweetness and flavor. Yellow onion is a classic choice, but white or sweet onion can also work well.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and pungent flavor to the stroganoff.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Creates a rich and flavorful base for the sauce. Low-sodium is preferred, to control the saltiness.
- 1 cup Sour Cream: The star of the show! Full-fat sour cream delivers the best creaminess and richness.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to achieve the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and complex flavor profile that complements the sour cream.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy note and balances out the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended.
- 1 lb Egg Noodles: Your favorite brand will do. Cook according to package directions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Creating the Creamy Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's lightly browned. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Avoid boiling, as this can curdle the sour cream.
Combining & Serving:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives (optional).
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground veal.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese at the end.
- Use different noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but fettuccine or even pappardelle would also be delicious.
SEO Optimization Considerations:
This recipe post is optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords like "ground beef stroganoff," "ground beef recipes," "easy stroganoff," "comfort food," and "weeknight dinner." The use of headings (H2, H3) improves readability and helps search engines understand the content structure. The inclusion of variations and tips expands the scope of the content, attracting a wider audience and increasing the chances of ranking for related search queries. The step-by-step instructions ensure clarity and user-friendliness, encouraging readers to try the recipe.
Enjoy your delicious and easy ground beef stroganoff! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media using relevant hashtags like #groundbeefstroganoff #easyrecipe #comfortfood.
