When it comes to quick comfort food, nothing beats a big pan of Quick Beef Stroganoff. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of rich flavor all in under half an hour. The first time I made this, it was one of those weeknights where everyone was hungry, time was short, and I needed something fast but satisfying. I tossed together ground beef, mushrooms, and a quick sauce, and within minutes, dinner was on the table.
Now, this Quick Beef Stroganoff has become one of my weeknight heroes, right alongside my Chicken Curry Recipe and Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake. It’s cozy and classic creamy noodles tangled with beef and mushrooms but fast enough for any busy evening.
Quick Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables. Stir well, then slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Do not boil — this keeps the sauce silky.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Quick Beef Stroganoff
This Quick Beef Stroganoff recipe delivers all the creamy comfort of the classic version but skips the extra steps. With tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a tangy, savory sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s also versatile — you can use ground beef, leftover steak, or even rotisserie chicken.
If you love quick, comforting meals like my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup or Marry Me Chicken Soup, this recipe is going to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 pound ground beef (or sliced sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for depth
- ½ cup cream cheese instead of sour cream for extra richness
If you love creamy comfort dishes, this recipe pairs beautifully with my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup or Cajun Potato Soup.
How to Make Quick Beef Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables. Stir well, then slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add the Sour Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Do not boil — this keeps the sauce silky.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Just like my One-Pan Chicken Gallaba Skillet, this is the kind of easy dinner that’s ready before you know it — quick prep, minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
Tips for Perfect Quick Beef Stroganoff
- Use ground beef for speed: It cooks fast and stays tender.
- Don’t skip the mushrooms: They add classic depth and richness.
- Stir in sour cream off the heat: Keeps the sauce smooth, not curdled.
- Add pasta water if needed: It helps loosen the sauce for the perfect texture.
These same comfort-cooking tricks make my Shepherd’s Pie Soup so velvety and rich — balance and timing are key.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Best to freeze the sauce separately and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
If you’re a fan of make-ahead meals, this reheats just as beautifully as my Chicken Enchilada Soup).
Flavor Variations
- Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Swap beef for turkey for a lighter option.
- Mushroom-Only Stroganoff: Skip the meat for a vegetarian version.
- Cream Cheese Stroganoff: Add a couple of tablespoons for extra tangy creaminess.
- Dijon Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a French-inspired flavor.
Like my Buffalo Chicken Bowls, this recipe is endlessly flexible — you can make it your own in dozens of ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Yes! Ground beef makes this recipe faster and just as flavorful.
2. Can I make it without mushrooms?
Absolutely — skip them or replace with bell peppers or zucchini.
3. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Add sour cream after removing the pan from heat and stir gently.
4. What should I serve with beef stroganoff?
It’s perfect with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
The Final Bite
This Quick Beef Stroganoff is comfort food made easy — creamy noodles, savory sauce, and rich beef flavor all in one pan. It’s the perfect dinner when you’re short on time but want something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Serve it with a side of garlic bread or steamed veggies for a full meal that’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to please. Whether it’s a cold night or a busy week, this recipe proves that fast food can still feel homemade.