Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, cozy dinner that’s both easy to whip up and delicious to eat, you’ll love this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe. It’s that kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but fuss-free. What really makes it stand out is the creamy sauce that clings to every tender wide egg noodle, elevating simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.
I’ve made this recipe countless times after discovering how fast and forgiving it is, especially when you want dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids love it because of the rich, creamy texture, and adults appreciate the classic flavors that remind them of home. Whether you’re new to stroganoff or revisiting a favorite comfort food, this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe is definitely worth trying yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building that creamy, savory goodness you’re after. When you shop, look for the freshest egg noodles and lean ground beef to keep the dish balanced and not too greasy. The pantry staples, like the brown gravy mix and cream of mushroom soup, bring out that classic stroganoff flavor without complicated steps.
- Lean ground beef: I prefer 90% lean to keep it juicy but not oily; you want browning, not sweating.
- Small onion: Finely diced so it melts into the sauce without too much texture contrast.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor subtlely, complementing the fresh onion.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning during cooking; taste as you go!
- Brown gravy mix: This is the secret shortcut that makes the sauce rich and savory quickly.
- Cold water: Used to whisk with the gravy mix for thickening the sauce just right.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and that earthy mushroom flavor classic to stroganoff.
- Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for tang and luscious creaminess—don’t skip it!
- Dried parsley: For color and a mild herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Wide egg noodles: They soak up the sauce beautifully and offer the perfect tender bite.
Variations
I love to play around with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. You can absolutely customize it, making it your own go-to comfort meal every time!
- Variation: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up; I tried turkey once and was pleasantly surprised by how well it still absorbed all those flavors.
- Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms for an extra earthy, meaty bite if you’re a big mushroom fan like me.
- Variation: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, healthier twist—just make sure to add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Variation: For an extra kick, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce; it’s a nice change if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s just browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Toss in the finely diced onion and continue cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. You want the beef to brown nicely, which adds flavor, but don’t let it dry out — if it starts releasing too much liquid, increase the heat slightly to evaporate it.
Step 2: Season and Add Gravy Mix
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring it all together. Then, sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly across the meat. Pour in 1 cup of cold water and stir well to dissolve the gravy mix and start thickening the sauce. This step is the magic shortcut—no need to fuss with making your own roux!
Step 3: Stir in Soup and Sour Cream for Creaminess
Once your gravy thickens, add the cream of mushroom soup and stir until it’s smoothly blended. Remove the skillet from heat, and gently fold in the sour cream to keep that silky, creamy texture. If you add sour cream to a very hot pan, it might separate, so the off-heat step is key to success.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the gravy is thickening, cook your wide egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Drain the noodles well once done. I like to save a bit of the pasta water just in case I want to loosen the sauce a little.
Step 5: Combine and Garnish
Toss the cooked noodles gently with the creamy beef sauce right in the skillet or a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with dried parsley for a fresh pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness. Serve warm and watch your family dig in happily!
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe

Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley when I have it on hand; it adds a nice green contrast and fresh flavor. Sometimes, I’ll add a little paprika on top for color and a subtle smoky hint. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of sour cream on top right before serving can’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
Since this stroganoff is so rich and filling, I like to pair it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut the creaminess. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also add a nice fresh crunch and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered the stroganoff and noodles in individual ramekins and baked them briefly with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top—think mini casserole style. It’s a fun way to dress it up without extra work and makes each serving feel a little fancy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying dinner, I let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The creamy sauce thickens overnight, so if it seems dry the next day, just stir in a splash of milk or broth before reheating to bring back that saucy texture.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing this dish works best if you separate the noodles and sauce. Freeze the beef stroganoff sauce in a container and the egg noodles in another. When ready to eat, thaw both in the fridge and gently warm them, combining just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gentle reheating on the stovetop works wonders—low heat with a splash of water or broth keeps the sauce creamy without breaking. I avoid microwaving because it can make the sour cream curdle, but if that’s your only option, heat in short bursts and stir often.
FAQs
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Can I use regular noodles instead of egg noodles in this Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, pappardelle, or even penne. Just keep in mind the cooking time since different pasta shapes vary—cook them until al dente so they don’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt, and try a dairy-free mushroom soup or make your own sauce base from scratch. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious and creamy with some adjustments.
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How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce seems thinner than you like, you can always whisk in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) over low heat, stirring until it thickens. Just be careful not to add too much at once—it thickens quite fast!
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can brown the ground beef and onion mixture ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready, just reheat it, add the gravy mix and soup, then finish with sour cream. This makes weeknight prep even faster.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe has become one of my all-time go-to dinners, especially on busy days when I want indulgence without a ton of effort. I hope you find it as comforting and reliable as I do—it’s a recipe that feels special yet totally approachable. Give it a try sometime soon; I promise it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, too!
PrintCreamy Ground Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe
This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that combines lean ground beef, savory mushrooms, and tender wide egg noodles all coated in a rich sour cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers classic flavors with minimal effort and uses pantry staples for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
Noodles
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and Add Gravy Mix: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to incorporate. Then sprinkle in the brown gravy mix and stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Add Liquids and Soup: Pour in 1 cup of cold water and add the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Sour Cream and Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the sour cream and dried parsley until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the stroganoff sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the sour cream.
Keywords: Ground Beef Stroganoff, easy beef stroganoff, creamy beef stroganoff, quick dinner, comfort food
