Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This Ground Beef Stroganoff is everything you love about the classic dish but with a healthier twist. The lean ground beef provides a high amount of protein, while the creamy sauce uses lighter ingredients to keep the dish rich but not overly indulgent. The recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it with your preferred carb source, making it versatile and easy to adapt.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream for a healthier option)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, cooked (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Add the Greek Yogurt: Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through.
Serve: Serve the ground beef stroganoff over your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Add-ins: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra vegetables and flavor.
Lower-Carb: Serve the Stroganoff over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version of this dish.
Different Protein: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different take on the dish.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative (such as coconut yogurt) and skip the Greek yogurt topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be used as a substitute for the ground beef.

2. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut yogurt, and skip the sour cream for a dairy-free version.

3. Can I add vegetables to the Ground Beef Stroganoff?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, spinach, or even bell peppers make excellent additions to this dish.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Stroganoff a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat on the stove and adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

5. Can I serve this dish without pasta?

Yes, you can serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some hot sauce, or even jalapeños to spice things up if you like heat in your food.

7. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use low-fat Greek yogurt in place of regular Greek yogurt. The texture and flavor will still be creamy and satisfying.

8. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or using lentils as a filling, hearty option.

9. What can I serve this Ground Beef Stroganoff with?

This dish pairs well with whole wheat pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover Ground Beef Stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stroganoff is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Packed with lean protein, a creamy sauce, and just the right amount of savory goodness, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a healthier take on a classic or simply need a tasty, high-protein dinner option, this Ground Beef Stroganoff is a perfect choice. It’s easy to customize and versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences, making it a go-to meal for everyone!

Ground Beef Stroganoff

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This Ground Beef Stroganoff is a lighter, high-protein version of the classic comfort dish. Made with lean ground beef, a creamy sauce, and served over your favorite pasta, it’s a satisfying and healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
If using, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
Make the Sauce:
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir in the beef broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finish the Dish:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) to create a creamy sauce. Stir until the sauce is well combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve:
Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Enjoy:
Serve this hearty, high-protein meal for a comforting and nutritious dinner!

Notes

If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can replace the Greek yogurt with non-fat Greek yogurt.
For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
To add more veggies, consider stirring in some spinach, peas, or bell peppers while cooking the onions and mushrooms.