Ah, beef stroganoff—a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. I remember the first time I tried it, the creamy sauce dancing around tender ground beef, with noodles soaking up every drop of flavor. It’s almost like comfort in a bowl, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little extra comfort these days?
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Allow any excess liquid from the mushrooms to evaporate.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps remaining.
- Pour in beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for around 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the stroganoff over noodles, rice, or potatoes, as desired.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
FAQ
- What type of ground beef is best for Ground Beef Stroganoff?
- For a cream-based sauce, it’s best to use leaner ground beef, such as 90% lean, to avoid excessive fat. If using ground beef with a higher fat content, brown it first and drain any excess fat before adding it to your sauce.
- Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff in one pot?
- Yes, Ground Beef Stroganoff is perfect for a one-pot meal, making it easy to prepare and clean up. It’s also simple to double or triple the recipe in a single pot if you need to serve more people.
- How should I store leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight before reheating. Remember to store any accompanying noodles separately to prevent them from absorbing too much sauce.
- What are some serving suggestions for Ground Beef Stroganoff?
- Ground Beef Stroganoff pairs well with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, serve the stroganoff over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added flavor and color.
- What is the origin of Beef Stroganoff?
- Beef Stroganoff originated in Russia in the early 1800s. It was created by the personal chef of Count Stroganoff, who named the dish after the count. Since then, it has become a beloved recipe in many parts of the world.
Tips
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: To ensure a creamy and rich sauce without excess grease, opt for 90% lean ground beef. If using beef with higher fat content, brown it first and drain the excess fat before adding it to the sauce.
- Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs: After cooking, garnish the stroganoff with freshly chopped parsley or dill. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
- Separate Storage for Leftovers: When storing leftovers, keep the sauce separate from any noodles or pasta. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce, ensuring your stroganoff remains flavorful when reheated.
- Customizable Serving Options: While traditional options like noodles or rice are great, consider serving the stroganoff over mashed or roasted potatoes for a comforting twist. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, serve it over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet – A heavy-duty cooking vessel that can be used for browning meat and simmering sauces.
- Chef’s Knife – A quality knife for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing mushrooms.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for preparing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring broth, cream, and seasonings.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring and combining ingredients in the pan.
