There’s just something deeply satisfying about a rich, velvety sauce hugging tender noodles, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor that warms you from the inside out.

A large black pan filled with creamy noodles mixed with slices of brown mushrooms and small chunks of browned meat, all covered in a thick light beige sauce. The noodles are twisted and soft, scattered evenly throughout the pan. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the top, adding bits of fresh color. A wooden-handled spoon is stuck into the noodles, ready for serving. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with some parsley pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe because it’s one of those kitchen winners that feels fancy but is truly so easy and forgiving. I always keep the ingredients handy for a quick, satisfying dinner that pleases everyone.

Super Creamy Sauce: Thanks to cream cheese and sour cream, the sauce is perfectly rich without being heavy or dull.
Flavor-Packed: A mix of Worcestershire, Dijon, and spices makes this dish full of depth beyond simple ground beef.
Flexible Ingredients: Mushrooms are optional, or you can swap noodles for rice or mashed potatoes for a personal touch.
Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

A large bowl filled with creamy pasta that has a base layer of wide, flat noodles in pale yellow. Mixed in are browned pieces of ground meat and cooked mushroom slices in dark brown with a shiny texture. The dish is coated in a light beige creamy sauce, sprinkled with small green parsley garnishes on top. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl, with a woman's hand holding the bowl from below. The background and surface are white marbled texture with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this recipe lies in choosing wholesome, complementary ingredients that build on each other—from the ground beef for hearty flavor to the silky touch of cream cheese and sour cream. Here's a quick peek at what you'll need and why:

Flat lay of fresh cremini mushrooms thinly sliced, a small pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with rich beef broth, a fresh yellow onion diced, several garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl containing smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl with thick sour cream, uncooked wide egg noodles in a neat pile, and a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Lean but flavorful, it cooks quickly and forms the protein base for the stroganoff.
Cremini mushrooms: These give a lovely earthy note and meaty texture that pairs perfectly with beef; remember to cook them thoroughly for best flavor.
Unsalted butter and olive oil: They help brown the mushrooms without burning and add richness to the sauce.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build savory depth.
Flour: Acts as a thickener to give your sauce that luscious, silky texture.
Beef broth: Adds rich, beefy flavor while forming the base liquid of the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard: These amplify umami and add subtle tangy complexity.
Beef bouillon and spices (paprika, oregano, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes): Bring warmth and a balanced kick to the dish.
Cream cheese and sour cream: The ultimate creamy combo that melts into the sauce for that signature stroganoff texture.
Egg noodles or other bases: Egg noodles are traditional, but this recipe is great over rice or mashed potatoes if you like.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The best thing about this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your taste or what's in your fridge. I love adding extra veggies or switching up the base depending on the season or my mood.

Variation: I once swapped the ground beef for ground turkey and added a little extra beef bouillon to keep the rich flavor—it turned out fantastic and lighter, perfect for summer nights.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli or peas right at the end for a fresh pop of color and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative and serve over rice or gluten-free pasta.
Cheese Swap: If you’re out of cream cheese, a bit of mascarpone or even a mild goat cheese can add a creamy twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms to Golden Perfection

Start by melting butter and olive oil together in a large skillet, then add your sliced cremini mushrooms. Resist the urge to stir right away—let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to get that beautiful golden-brown crust. Keep cooking and stirring gently until all their liquid evaporates and they're richly caramelized. Salt and pepper go in at the end—salting too early keeps them from browning well. I always set the mushrooms aside on a plate to add back later; cooking them separately keeps their flavor vibrant and the texture just right.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics

Using the same skillet, toss in your ground beef and diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, which is about 6–8 minutes. This base packs a lot of flavor into the dish, so don’t rush it or you’ll miss that deep savory start.

Step 3: Build the Sauce With Flour and Broth

Sprinkle flour over the beef and onion mixture, then add minced garlic and stir continuously for a minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and prepares the base for a smooth, thick sauce. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, bouillon, and your spices. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens just right—not pasty, but beautifully coating your spoon.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, and Mushrooms

Turn the heat down low and whisk in softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly. Adding soft cream cheese is key here—microwaving it for 20 seconds to warm up helps. Stir in room-temperature sour cream last and fold in the cooked mushrooms. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper thoughtfully—sometimes a pinch more salt pulls all the flavors together perfectly. Once sour cream is added, avoid simmering to prevent curdling. This step always feels like magic, transforming your beef mixture into that signature creamy stroganoff sauce.

Step 5: Serve Over Your Favorite Base

While making the sauce, cook egg noodles until just al dente (try 2-3 minutes less than package directions), drain, and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and prevent clumping. You can toss noodles with a bit of olive oil if not serving immediately. Pour your creamy ground beef stroganoff over noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice—the sky’s the limit! Garnish with fresh parsley for a little sparkle.

Top Tip

From countless batches of this recipe, I've picked up some nuggets that make all the difference between good and truly great.

Softening Cream Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese by microwaving for 20-25 seconds; this helps it melt evenly into the sauce without lumps.
Don't Rush Mushrooms: Let them fully brown and evaporate their liquid—you’ll be amazed how much flavor this step adds!
Pasta Timing: Stop cooking your noodles a bit early and rinse with cold water to keep them from overcooking and sticking.
Season Last: After mixing the sour cream into the sauce, taste and adjust salt carefully since it can make or break the dish’s savoriness.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—it brightens the rich sauce with a touch of freshness and color. Occasionally, I add a few twists of freshly ground black pepper or even a tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth. A dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts either!

Side Dishes

While this stroganoff holds its own, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans work beautifully, too. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or crusty rolls are great for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dish in small ramekins over individual nests of noodles, sprinkled with microgreens for a fancy touch. You can also layer the stroganoff over creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower to switch up the texture and wow guests with a twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove over low heat, just give it a gentle stir to revive the creamy texture. If you notice the sauce is too thick, a splash of milk or beef broth quickly loosens it up.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the stroganoff once the sour cream and cream cheese are added, as the sauce can separate when reheated. Instead, freeze it up to just before adding the dairy. When thawed, just warm gently and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream fresh—this keeps the sauce silky and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet or saucepan, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce seems thick or clumpy. Avoid microwaving at high heat because cream-based sauces can curdle if reheated too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just be aware the flavor will be different but still delicious and creamy.

What’s the best way to avoid curdling sour cream in the sauce?

The key is to add sour cream off the heat or once the sauce is at the lowest temperature. Avoid simmering after adding sour cream because heat can cause it to curdle. Stir it in gently and serve immediately for smooth, silky sauce.

Can I use a different kind of mushroom?

Absolutely! Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are my favorite for their earthiness and texture, but you can use white button mushrooms or even shiitakes. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re nicely browned and flavorful.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice. The flavor remains just as delicious and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box—it’s my go-to when I want something cozy, reliable, and downright delicious without a lot of fuss. I love how approachable it is, with every ingredient doing its part to make a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’m sure once you try this, it’ll become your “secret weapon” for those nights when you want comfort food in a flash!