Lazy Man’s Beef Stroganoff

Variations

1. Mushroom Lover’s Version – Add 8 oz sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the onions and use cream of mushroom soup with extra mushroom pieces for double the earthy flavor.
2. Lighter Option – Substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream and use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a protein-packed meal with fewer calories.
3. Veggie-Packed Style – Stir in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to sneak in extra vegetables and color.

Cooking Notes

1. Don’t Rush the Sour Cream – Always reduce heat to low before adding sour cream to prevent curdling, and stir gently to maintain the smooth, creamy texture.
2. Pasta Timing is Key – Start cooking the noodles when you begin simmering the beef mixture so everything finishes at the same time for the best serving temperature.
3. Fat Draining Matters – Properly drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy and to achieve the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Comfort Pairing – Serve alongside buttered green beans and warm dinner rolls for a complete comfort food experience that satisfies the whole family.
2. Fresh and Light Balance – Pair with a crisp cucumber salad dressed in vinegar and herbs to cut through the richness of the creamy stroganoff.
3. Steakhouse Style – Serve over garlic mashed potatoes instead of noodles with roasted asparagus on the side for an elevated presentation.

Tips

1. Make-Ahead Magic – Prepare the beef mixture up to the sour cream step, then refrigerate and finish with fresh sour cream when reheating for even better flavor development.
2. Freeze-Friendly Prep – Double the recipe and freeze half before adding sour cream; thaw completely and stir in fresh sour cream when ready to serve.
3. Leftover Revival – Reheat gently with a splash of beef broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, as the sauce tends to thicken when refrigerated.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 890mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this stroganoff ahead of time? – Yes, prepare the beef mixture through step 3, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the sour cream just before serving to prevent curdling.
2. What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any? – Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, or you can use cream cheese mixed with a little milk. Add either gradually on low heat to maintain smoothness.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta besides egg noodles? – Absolutely! Wide ribbon pasta like pappardelle, fettuccine, or even rice work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or thin? – If too thick, add beef broth a tablespoon at a time. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in.

Conclusion

This Lazy Man’s Beef Stroganoff proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy meal to share with friends, this stroganoff delivers every time. Rich, creamy, and utterly delicious, it’s destined to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Lazy Man’s Beef Stroganoff

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

When you need comfort food fast, this Lazy Man’s Beef Stroganoff delivers all the creamy, savory satisfaction of the classic dish without the fuss. Using ground beef instead of traditional strips and simple pantry staples, this one-skillet wonder transforms weeknight dinner stress into pure comfort. Rich, creamy, and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy families craving homestyle flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: beef stroganoff, ground beef, easy dinner, comfort food, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner