The Greatest Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe

Hamburger Stroganoff is a quick, budget-friendly dinner that delivers rich, creamy flavor in just 30 minutes. This reader-favorite recipe skips canned soup for a homemade, velvety sauce that’s far superior to boxed mixes like Hamburger Helper. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and offers all the comfort of traditional stroganoff without hours of simmering. Serve it hot with garlic toast or a veggie side for a satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples.
• Creamy and Flavorful: A rich, homemade sauce without canned soup.
• Customizable: Adapt with mushrooms, chicken, or vegetarian options.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and reheating.

Ingredients

[Note: The original text did not provide specific quantities. Below is a placeholder list based on typical hamburger stroganoff recipes. Please provide exact measurements if available, and I can update this section.]

• Ground Beef: 1 lb, lean.
• Egg Noodles: 6 oz, dry.
• Butter: 2 tbsp, for the sauce base.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp, for thickening.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup, low-sodium.
• Milk: 1 cup, whole or 2% for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup, full-fat or light (or Greek yogurt).
• Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder.
• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

How to Make Hamburger Stroganoff

1. Cook Noodles: Boil 6 oz egg noodles for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain but don’t rinse.
2. Brown Beef: In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease and set beef aside.
3. Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a paste.
4. Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in 1 cup beef broth, stirring to remove lumps. Add 1 cup milk and continue stirring until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer until sauce thickens again.
5. Combine: Reduce heat to low. Add cooked noodles and beef to the sauce, stirring to combine.
6. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup sour cream. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Recipe Variations

• Add Worcestershire: Stir in 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for extra umami, as inspired by family recipes.
• Mushroom Lovers: Add 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms when browning beef.
• Vegetarian Stroganoff: Substitute beef with crumbled tofu or 12 oz mushrooms.
• Chicken Stroganoff: Use 1 lb ground chicken for a milder, creamy version.

Tips for Success

• Measure Noodles Precisely: Use exactly 6 oz to ensure the perfect sauce-to-noodle ratio.
• Avoid Canned Soup: The homemade sauce with butter, flour, and broth delivers superior flavor.
• Substitute Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.
• Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices before serving.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Heat until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hamburger Stroganoff hot with:

• Garlic Toast: For a crunchy, flavorful side.
• Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or a simple salad.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I add mushrooms?
Yes, sauté 8 oz fresh mushrooms with the beef for added flavor.

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, but stick to 6 oz of any pasta (e.g., rotini or penne) to maintain sauce consistency.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream?
Yes, it provides a similar tangy creaminess with fewer calories.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Why no canned soup?
The homemade sauce is fresher, creamier, and free of preservatives.

Conclusion

Hamburger Stroganoff is the ultimate quick, creamy, and budget-friendly dinner that rivals slow-simmered versions. With a rich, homemade sauce and simple pantry ingredients, it’s a step above boxed mixes and perfect for busy nights. Try it with garlic toast or a veggie side for a comforting, family-friendly meal!