Hamburger Stroganoff

The classic Hamburger Stroganoff brings together rich ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a tangy, creamy sauce served over tender egg noodles. It’s a nostalgic, filling, and incredibly satisfying dish that makes for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something warm and familiar, this recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish. The addition of sour cream and horseradish adds a delicious zing that cuts through the richness, making every bite deeply flavorful.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (regular or roasted garlic variety)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

• 6 ounces egg noodles

• Salt for boiling water

Directions:

1. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, mushrooms, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

3. Add beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Meanwhile, boil a large pot of salted water. Add egg noodles and cook for about 6 minutes, until tender yet firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.

5. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and horseradish together. Stir into the beef mixture and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

6. Serve stroganoff over warm egg noodles and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origin of Stroganoff

Stroganoff is a dish that hails from 19th-century Russia, originally made with tender strips of beef and sour cream. Named after the influential Stroganov family, the recipe was a symbol of culinary refinement during its time. As the dish traveled westward, it evolved with new cultural influences—especially in America, where affordability and convenience led to the creation of Hamburger Stroganoff. Instead of pricey cuts of beef, ground beef was introduced, making it a staple for families seeking quick, hearty, and budget-friendly meals.

Over time, Hamburger Stroganoff became a beloved comfort food across households. It retained the creamy, savory essence of the original, but with a more approachable, everyday twist. That’s what makes it so popular today—it bridges traditional elegance with modern convenience.

Why Hamburger Stroganoff Is a Weeknight Winner

This recipe is an absolute go-to for busy weeknights. It comes together in about 40 minutes, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen skills. Everything cooks in one or two pots, keeping clean-up minimal—a huge plus for home cooks juggling work, kids, and everything else.

What makes this version truly stand out is its rich, velvety sauce made from a combination of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and horseradish. That extra zing from the horseradish enhances the savory depth of the dish, adding complexity without overpowering the comforting, familiar taste. The egg noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Flavor

Let’s face it—feeding a family on a budget is a challenge. One of the greatest benefits of Hamburger Stroganoff is how inexpensive the ingredients are. Ground beef is generally more affordable than steak or stew meat, and staples like onions, garlic, broth, and condensed soup are already sitting in most pantries. You can feed a family of four for just a few dollars per serving, and still feel like you’re serving something rich and indulgent.

Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. You can substitute ingredients to fit what you already have—use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, swap in ground turkey or chicken, or add peas and carrots for a boost of color and nutrition. The base recipe is solid, but it’s also forgiving and adaptable.

A Great Way to Introduce Kids to Savory Flavors

If you’re trying to expand your kids’ palates beyond chicken nuggets and mac & cheese, this dish is a perfect bridge. It’s creamy and familiar, yet introduces new flavors like Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, and horseradish in a mild and approachable way. You can tone down or dial up those ingredients depending on your family’s taste preferences.

Kids love the noodles, and the sauce is smooth enough to win over picky eaters. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers can easily be turned into lunch or dinner for the next day.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Dinners

Hamburger Stroganoff is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld and deepen after a night in the fridge, making it a favorite among meal preppers. You can make a large batch and divide it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick reheats for dinner. It also freezes well—just keep the noodles separate if you want to maintain their texture upon thawing.

If you’re cooking for guests or planning ahead for busy weeks, Hamburger Stroganoff is a stress-free solution. Just reheat and serve, and it tastes just as fresh and creamy as when you first made it.

Nutrition and Comfort in One Dish

Each serving offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a complete meal. The egg noodles provide energy-sustaining carbohydrates, while the beef brings in protein and iron. Mushrooms add a boost of umami and antioxidants, and garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

By using lean ground beef or substituting with a leaner protein, you can reduce the fat content while still keeping the dish satisfying. Adding vegetables like spinach or kale can increase the fiber and vitamin content without altering the flavor much.

How to Make It Your Own

This recipe can be a blank canvas for your creativity. Want to make it more gourmet? Add a splash of red wine while simmering the beef and mushrooms. Prefer a spicy kick? Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika. For a low-carb version, ditch the noodles and serve it over steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

You can also switch up the proteins. Ground chicken, turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian option can all work well with the same sauce base. The recipe is easy to customize, making it fit into almost any dietary lifestyle.

Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions

This dish isn’t just great for families—it’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, community dinners, or casual get-togethers. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad, and you have a full meal that everyone will rave about. It’s also a great “starter” recipe for those new to cooking, since it teaches foundational techniques like browning meat, making a sauce, and balancing seasoning.

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, Hamburger Stroganoff delivers consistently delicious results every time.

Conclusion

Hamburger Stroganoff isn’t just a recipe—it’s a classic, time-tested comfort food that fits into modern life. With its rich history, quick prep time, and family-friendly appeal, it checks all the boxes for a dependable weeknight dinner. It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and satisfying on every level. Once you try it, there’s a good chance it will become a regular in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or prepping meals for the week, this dish offers the warmth of home in every creamy, savory bite.