If you are in search of comfort food that wraps you in warm, hearty flavors, you have to try The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe. This dish takes the classic creaminess of stroganoff and brings it into a quick and easy weeknight meal featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a luscious, tangy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this recipe serves up a cozy dinner with minimal fuss but maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role— from enriching the sauce and seasoning the beef to providing that comforting texture we all crave. These essentials come together in harmony to build a dish that’s both familiar and irresistibly flavorful.
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles: The tender noodles soak up all the creamy sauce, making every bite mouthwatering.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Provides a rich meaty base that’s quick to cook and deeply satisfying.
- ¼ cup Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- ¼ cup Flour: Combines with butter to make a smooth roux, giving the sauce its velvety texture.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Infuses the dish with savory depth and balances the creaminess.
- 1 ¼ cups Milk: Makes the sauce silky and light while maintaining comforting creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Gives subtle aromatic warmth to brighten the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Brings all the ingredients’ flavors to life.
- ¼ cup Sour Cream: Finishes the dish with creamy tanginess that defines a classic stroganoff.
How to Make The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente. Draining them promptly prevents overcooking and keeps a perfect texture that will absorb the luscious sauce later. Set them aside to wait for their flavorful saucy makeover.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the noodles cook, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining—usually around 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds that hearty foundation of flavor. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste, then transfer the beef to a plate and keep your skillet ready for what’s next.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create your roux. This little mixture is the secret to a thick and creamy sauce. Keep whisking for about two minutes so the flour cooks through and loses its raw taste while developing that lovely golden color.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Next, gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking as the sauce begins to thicken, which should take about three to four minutes. Then slowly add the milk, stirring continuously. This slow addition ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any separation. Let it cook another five to seven minutes until perfectly silky and thickened.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
To elevate the flavors, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. These spices enhance the beef’s savory notes and make every spoonful rich and satisfying. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this customization is part of what makes The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe so delicious.
Step 6: Combine and Heat
Lower the heat and gently add the cooked noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Stir everything together carefully to coat the noodles with the sauce and reheat all the ingredients. This keeps the textures just right and melds the flavors into a comforting, unified dish.
Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream
The final flourish is folding in the sour cream. Gently stir it in until the sauce turns rich and tangy with that classic stroganoff creaminess. This step makes all the difference by adding brightness and a luscious finish. Serve the dish hot for the best experience.
How to Serve The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top for a pop of green and freshness. If you like a little extra zing, try a few thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for color and subtle smoky notes. These small touches add visual appeal and layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This stroganoff is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with crisp green beans or a simple garden salad balances the richness beautifully. For carb lovers, garlic toast or a warm crusty bread is perfect to sop up any extra sauce. Choose sides that complement without overwhelming to enjoy the full comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe right in a rustic cast iron skillet for that cozy, family-style touch. You can also layer it in a casserole dish and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, then broil it until bubbly for an indulgent twist. For a quicker option, plate it in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream and herbs for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the flavors again. This dish actually tastes great the next day since the sauce thickens and melds more deeply with the noodles.
Freezing
If you want to store this meal for longer, freezing is a good option. Place the stroganoff in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will maintain its quality for up to two months. When freezing, try to avoid adding the sour cream— it’s better to stir that in fresh after reheating to keep the texture creamy and smooth.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the stroganoff overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. For that fresh homemade taste, fold in sour cream just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like wide pappardelle, rotini, or even penne. Just cook them al dente to keep the perfect bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or cooked mushrooms for that savory depth. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version of The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of flour slightly when making the roux or let the sauce simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a crowd?
Definitely! You can cook the noodles and sauce separately in advance, store them properly, and combine them just before serving. This makes The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the meat?
The key is to reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth. Stir frequently to keep everything moist and prevent the ground beef from drying out. Avoid the microwave, which can cause uneven heating.
Final Thoughts
There is little more satisfying than a warm bowl of The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe on a busy weeknight. Its creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles create a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find a new family favorite that everyone will come back to again and again.
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The Best Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting Hamburger Stroganoff made with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sour cream sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, combining classic flavors with a smooth, rich sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 ounces Egg Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- ¼ cup Butter
- ¼ cup Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 ¼ cups Milk
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Brown the Beef: While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until evenly incorporated.
- Combine and Heat: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked noodles and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat everything through evenly.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Gently stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a rich and tangy sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with your favorite vegetables or a slice of garlic toast for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the egg noodles until just al dente for the best texture; they will absorb some sauce and continue cooking slightly when combined.
- Drain off excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Whisk continuously when making the roux and adding liquids to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Sour cream should be added last and stirred gently to prevent curdling.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or onions while browning the beef for extra flavor.
- This stroganoff can be garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
