Hamburger Stroganoff: A Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal
This recipe takes the classic creamy Stroganoff and gives it a fun, fast twist using ground beef instead of traditional steak. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss. Get ready to impress your family with this delicious and surprisingly simple dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible; feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs and preferences.
- 1 lb ground beef: Lean ground beef works best, but you can use a higher fat content if you prefer a richer flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow onion is traditional, but white or red onion would also work well.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: Low sodium is preferred, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 1 cup sour cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the best creaminess.
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced: Cremini or button mushrooms are readily available and work great.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky note, but regular paprika works fine too.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust to your preference.
- Optional additions: Consider adding a splash of Dijon mustard, a pinch of dried dill, or some chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor. Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get started: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Build the flavor: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Simmer and thicken: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Creamy finish: Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Gently heat through; do not boil. Stir in the sliced mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for the Best Hamburger Stroganoff:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground chuck.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Add some veggies: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Make it ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated. The sauce may thicken slightly upon reheating, so you may need to add a little more broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
This Hamburger Stroganoff is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
- Egg noodles: Classic pairing for a comforting meal.
- Rice: A lighter alternative to noodles.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a wonderfully rich and satisfying dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Adds a nice contrasting texture and flavor.
This Hamburger Stroganoff recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it a perfect weeknight meal solution. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!
