One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dinner made entirely in one skillet. It’s very easy and doesn’t take a long time. So it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without the mess or complex steps. Tender egg noodles cook right in a rich beefy sauce, finished with sour cream for classic stroganoff taste in just 30 minutes.
Like our all in one pot, slow cooker Hamburger soup recipe, This easy ground beef stroganoff uses simple pantry ingredients with minimal prep. When you need a quick throw together dinner this one is ideal. Last-minute dinners or cozy family meals like this are a cooks secret weapon when time to cook is short and you need a hearty filling meal. Use the Jump to Recipe button to jump straight to the recipe, or keep reading for substitutions, variations, and helpful cooking tips.
This One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is classic comfort food. It delivers everything people love about traditional beef stroganoff—rich, savory sauce, tender noodles, and creamy depth—without the long prep time or specialty ingredients. Made entirely in one skillet, this recipe is ideal for those moments when you need something hearty and reliable using what you already have on hand.
Unlike traditional stroganoff that relies on sliced steak and multiple cooking steps, this version uses ground beef for speed and affordability. The result is a deeply flavorful, creamy beef stroganoff that’s approachable for home cooks of all skill levels while still tasting like a classic comfort dish.
Why One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Works So Well
The beauty of a one pot beef stroganoff is how the layers of flavor build right in the same pan. This is similar to how our Beef Noodle Skillet Dinner builds flavor. Browning the ground beef first creates a savory base, while onions and mushrooms add natural sweetness and umami. A small amount of flour thickens the sauce without heaviness, and beef broth keeps everything balanced and rich. Cooking the egg noodles directly in the sauce allows them to absorb flavor while releasing starch, which naturally thickens the dish.
This method eliminates the need to boil pasta separately and ensures every bite is coated in a creamy, well-seasoned sauce.
Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
This ground beef stroganoff recipe relies on familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients that are easy to find and easy to substitute when needed.
- Ground beef (80/20) or lean grass fed both work and provide richness and depth when well seasoned.
- Onion and mushrooms create classic stroganoff flavor
- Garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce add complexity
- Egg noodles cook directly in the sauce for maximum flavor
- Sour cream brings the signature creamy finish
Because the ingredient list is flexible, this recipe adapts easily to what you already have in your kitchen.
Pantry Substitutions for When You’re in a Hurry
One of the biggest strengths of this easy beef stroganoff is how forgiving it is. If you’re missing an ingredient, you can almost always swap something in without sacrificing flavor.
Protein Substitutions and Additions:
- Want a beefier dinner with more protein? It’s easy to just double the hamburger or use leftover slices of roast or steak strips to really power up this meal.
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version
- Leftover cooked beef, chopped steak, or even shredded roast beef can be stirred in after the sauce thickens
Mushroom Alternatives
- Canned mushrooms (drained well) work in a pinch
- Skip mushrooms entirely and add extra onion if needed
Noodle Options
- Wide egg noodles are classic, but rotini, penne, or fusilli work well. Our creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti is another no stress meal worth a look.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used—just monitor liquid levels closely
- No pasta at all? Serve the stroganoff over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered toast
Sour Cream Replacements
- Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
- Cream cheese thinned with a splash of broth
- Heavy cream or half-and-half for a milder tang
These swaps make this a reliable pantry dinner recipe even when grocery trips are overdue.
Variations to Change It Up
This one pot ground beef stroganoff flavor profile can be adjusted if you like.
Creamier Stroganoff
Add an extra ¼ cup sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end for ultra-rich sauce.
Dairy-Free Version
Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based sour cream alternative. Coconut-based options work best for texture.
Extra Veggie Boost
Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or chopped green beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spicy Twist
Add crushed red pepper flakes, fresh peppers(not sweet peppers though) or a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle heat.
Herb-Forward Flavor
Fresh thyme or rosemary added while simmering enhances the savory profile without overpowering the dish.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Beef Stroganoff
To ensure the best results every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Use room-temperature sour cream to prevent curdling
- Lower the heat before adding dairy—never let it boil afterward
- Stir noodles occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom
- Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally
If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, a splash of beef broth brings it right back to the perfect consistency.
Why This Is the Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
This stovetop beef stroganoff is ready in about 30 minutes, uses one pan, and satisfies even picky eaters. It’s hearty enough for cold nights, simple enough for rushed evenings, and versatile enough to make again and again without feeling repetitive. The combination of ground beef, tender noodles, and creamy sauce hits all the comfort food notes while staying practical for real life cooking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers store well, making this a great option for meal prep.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth
- Avoid high heat when reheating to keep the sauce smooth
Because the noodles absorb sauce as it sits, reheating with added liquid helps restore the original creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, flexible substitutions, and minimal cleanup, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking from a fully stocked kitchen or making it work with pantry staples, this easy beef stroganoff delivers reliable flavor, creamy texture, and weeknight convenience every time
One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
This One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is creamy, cozy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, tender egg noodles, and rich beefy sauce — all in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights when last-minute dinners shine. When you need comfort food fast. here you go!
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 10-12 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1 cup sour cream, room temp
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown until fully cooked.
- Spoon off excess grease if needed (leave about 1 tbsp).
- Add onion and mushrooms directly to the pan. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over everything and stir well. Cook 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire, and Dijon. Stir well, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in uncooked egg noodles.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and sauce is thick.
- Lower heat to low. Stir in butter, then gently fold in sour cream until smooth. Do not boil.
- Let rest 5 minutes to thicken. Top with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature sour cream and reduce heat before adding it to prevent curdling.
- Stir the noodles occasionally while simmering to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 459Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 13gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 132mgSodium 645mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 35g
FAQs About One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff:
Can I make ground beef stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes. One pot ground beef stroganoff reheats well when warmed gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
What is the best ground beef for stroganoff?
An 80/20 ground beef ratio works best because it adds flavor while still allowing excess grease to be removed.
Can I freeze ground beef stroganoff?
You can freeze it, but the texture is best fresh. If freezing, omit the sour cream and stir it in after reheating.
Can I make this without mushrooms?
Absolutely. Simply increase the onion slightly or add another savory element like Worcestershire sauce.