If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re going to love this One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — rich, creamy, and packed with hearty flavors without all the fuss. Plus, everything cooks right in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Stick around because I’ll walk you through the whole process, share my favorite tips, and even some variations to make this recipe your own!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan—less mess, more flavor.
Speedy & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for the creamy sauce and tender noodles every time.
Customizable: You can switch up mushrooms, add herbs, or tweak spices easily.

The dish shows a white plate filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is curly yellow egg noodles, the middle layer includes brown cooked ground meat pieces mixed with sliced light brown mushrooms, and the top layer is a dollop of white sour cream with small green parsley leaves sprinkled on everything. The food rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff, easy ground beef dinner, creamy beef stroganoff, quick weeknight meals, hearty beef recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you that classic stroganoff flavor without the complicated steps. When shopping, I always opt for lean ground sirloin because it keeps things juicy but not greasy, and fresh mushrooms make all the difference for that earthy note.

Flat lay of wide egg noodles uncooked in a small white ceramic bowl, a portion of fresh ground beef shaped loosely on a white plate, a few whole white mushrooms with brown caps arranged beside the beef, half a yellow onion diced on a white square dish, three whole garlic cloves with skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter cubes, another small bowl holding cream cheese, a fresh sprig of thyme beside a sprig of parsley, a small white ceramic bowl filled with sour cream, a separate small white bowl containing Dijon mustard, a small white bowl with Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper grains arranged simply side by side in tiny white bowls, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff, easy ground beef dinner, creamy beef stroganoff, quick weeknight meals, hearty beef recipes

Wide egg noodles: These are perfect for this dish because they hold the creamy sauce well and cook quickly.
Lean ground beef: I use 90% lean sirloin to get flavor without too much grease.
Unsalted butter: Melts nicely for sautéing veggies and beef without overpowering saltiness.
Mushrooms: Fresh cremini or white mushrooms add a meaty texture and deep flavor.
Onion: Diced small so it softens evenly and blends into the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives great aroma and depth.
Salt & pepper: Adjust to taste for balanced seasoning.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Beef broth: Use low sodium if possible so you control the saltiness in the final dish.
Sour cream: The finishing touch for that signature tang and creaminess.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives an umami boost and complexity.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and enhances flavor layers.
Fresh thyme: Provides earthy herbal notes; dried works in a pinch.
Fresh parsley: For bright color and fresh flavor topping.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to experiment a bit depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s mood is. Feel free to personalize this One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe to suit your tastes — it’s just as forgiving as it is delicious!

Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I add bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients; they blend right into the sauce.
Protein Boost: Try ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version; cooking times stay about the same.
Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese and sour cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist.
Mushroom Mix: Use shiitake or portobello for a deeper, woodsy flavor instead of regular button mushrooms.
Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne adds a subtle kick that my husband really enjoys.

How to Make One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt your butter. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. I like to stir every minute or so; this helps brown the beef evenly without overcooking. When the beef is still a little pink inside, it’s time for the next step!

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Seasonings

Stir in the mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of paprika or some dried thyme. Cook this mixture until the mushrooms have softened slightly and the beef is fully cooked through—no more pink should remain. If you see excess grease, now’s the time to drain it off so your stroganoff isn’t too oily.

Step 3: Add Broth, Mustard, and Noodles

Pour in your beef broth and stir in the Dijon mustard. Turn the heat to medium, letting the liquid come to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles next—don’t worry if they aren’t fully submerged; they’ll soak up the broth as they cook. Give everything a stir to make sure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom, then simmer for about 7-9 minutes, until the noodles are just shy of al dente.

Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Sour Cream

Lower the heat to low and gently stir in the cream cheese, fresh thyme, parsley, and sour cream. The sauce will turn luxuriously creamy and smooth in just a couple of minutes. Don’t overheat here, or the sour cream might separate—just warm it through until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately. You’ll find your family going back for seconds before you even have a chance to sit down!

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Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: I learned the hard way that if you cook the noodles fully in the broth, they become mushy. Take them off when almost al dente for the best texture.
Use Lean Beef: 90% lean ground sirloin keeps the dish hearty but avoids excess grease pooling in the pan.
Stir Gently After Adding Dairy: To keep your sauce silky smooth, mix cream cheese and sour cream in on low heat and don’t let it boil.
Season Gradually: Add salt and Worcestershire sauce little by little, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning this rich dish.

How to Serve One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

The image shows a wide white pan filled with creamy egg noodles mixed with sliced mushrooms and small pieces of cooked ground beef. The noodles are soft yellow with a smooth texture, spread evenly across the pan. The mushrooms, pale brown and slightly shiny, are mixed throughout the noodles. The beef is browned and scattered on top and inside the noodles in small chunks. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the whole dish, adding a pop of color. The pan sits on a white marble surface, next to a gold spoon and white cloth with gray stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff, easy ground beef dinner, creamy beef stroganoff, quick weeknight meals, hearty beef recipes

Garnishes

I always top this stroganoff with chopped fresh parsley — it adds a lovely freshness and bright green pop against the creamy sauce. Sometimes I throw on a little extra cracked black pepper or a few twists of smoked paprika for color and a gentle warmth. Fresh thyme sprigs also add a nice touch if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This dish is satisfying on its own, but I like serving it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. If you want veggies, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus pair wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this stroganoff in shallow bowls topped with crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of freshly shaved Parmesan. It also looks great in individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party. Adding a drizzle of truffle oil over the top gives a luxurious flair that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. Because this is a creamy dish, it stays good for up to 3 days in the fridge. Stir it up before reheating to reincorporate any separated sauce.

Freezing

Freezing stroganoff can be tricky because of the dairy, but I’ve had success by freezing it without the sour cream and cream cheese, then adding those fresh when reheating. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before warming gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it looks a bit thick, I add a splash of beef broth or a bit of water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but can cause separation if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are classic and hold the sauce well, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta you choose, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe?

While cream cheese gives the sauce a wonderful creaminess and tang, you can substitute it with heavy cream or even an equal amount of sour cream if you prefer. The cream cheese also helps thicken the sauce nicely, so if you swap it out, you might want to adjust the amount of thickener accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, try swapping the ground beef for plant-based beef crumbles or cooked lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep all other ingredients the same. Mushrooms really shine here and add great umami flavor!
How can I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Stir frequently while the noodles are simmering in the broth, especially during the first few minutes. Pressing the noodles into the liquid helps them absorb the broth evenly. If you notice sticking, add a little more broth or water and continue stirring gently.
What can I do if the sauce turns grainy after reheating?

This can happen if the dairy overheats or separates. I find reheating gently on low heat and stirring in a bit of broth or cream helps smooth it out. Avoid microwaving on high power, which often causes graininess.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe is a go-to in my kitchen when I want something hearty but quick enough for weeknights. I love how effortlessly it comes together and how everyone always asks for seconds. If you’ve been intimidated by stroganoff before, this simplified version will totally change your mind. Give it a try, and I bet it becomes one of your family’s favorite comfort meals too!