Creamy stroganoff vibes, made weeknight-easy with budget minced (ground) beef.
I love spending time on my days off getting ahead – a little bit of prep goes a long way. But what about the weeks where that just can’t happen … Life gets busy, work piles up, the social calendar starts to explode, the kids need things … that’s exactly where recipes like this sit.
Creamy, glossy Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff spooned over orecchiette pasta with a crunchy cucumber dill salad on the side. The pasta catches the sauce, the cucumbers cut through the richness – this combo just works.
This Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff recipe is PERFECT for nights when you are short on time but still want to eat something delicious … because we deserve to. And with clever, minimal-prep recipes like this, it’s made easy. It has all the stroganoff vibes – savoury, creamy, glossy sauce – but made weeknight-friendly with budget beef mince. If you don’t like mushrooms, you can leave them out – it will still be equally incredible. That’s the beauty of this recipe.
You can serve this with just about anything – mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread, steamed veggies or a simple salad. But my favourite combo is without a doubt orecchiette pasta (those little cups catch the sauce as it pools – elite) and a crunchy Cucumber Dill Salad to cut through the creaminess. This is cosy comfort food, made realistic. It’s now on repeat at our place.
Everything you need for this creamy Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff: olive oil, onion, garlic, minced (ground) beef, Swiss mushrooms, plain (all-purpose) flour, tomato paste, sweet paprika, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, unsalted butter (optional), full-fat sour cream, sea salt flakes, cracked black pepper and fresh flat-leaf parsley to serve. Simple supermarket staples, big flavour payoff.
What can I serve with Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff?
This is one of those dinners that works with almost anything. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, crusty bread, steamed greens or a simple side salad.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter or higher in protein, the stroganoff is also delicious spooned over:
Quinoa
Brown rice
Pearl barley
Freekeh
Cauliflower rice
Creamy polenta
The rich, glossy sauce coats grains beautifully, so anything that can soak it up works. My favourite way is with orecchiette pasta – those little cups catch the creamy sauce perfectly – plus a crunchy Cucumber Dill Salad to add freshness and balance. The acid from the cucumbers cuts through the richness and makes the whole meal feel lighter. If you’re feeding a crowd, a loaf of warm bread or garlic bread on the table never hurts either.
Sprinkle the flour directly over the cooked beef and mushrooms and stir well to coat. This step is key – it thickens the sauce and gives you that classic stroganoff texture without lumps.
Once the stock goes in, stir continuously and let it gently simmer. In 5–7 minutes the sauce will thicken and turn rich and glossy. Don’t rush this part – it’s where the magic happens.
Turn the heat off before stirring through the sour cream. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents splitting. You’re looking for creamy and glossy, not curdled.
Serve generously and finish with parsley and cracked black pepper. Spoon it straight over pasta, mash or rice and let the sauce do the heavy lifting.
I don’t like mushrooms – what can I use instead?
No stress at all. You can simply leave the mushrooms out and the recipe will still be delicious. If you’d like to replace them, try:
Finely diced zucchini (courgette)
Grated carrot (great for sneaking in “hidden” veggies)
Fresh baby spinach stirred through at the end
Or keep it simple and go mushroom-free. The creamy paprika sauce and minced (ground) beef carry plenty of flavour on their own.
Weeknight comfort food, but elevated. Rich paprika sauce, tender minced (ground) beef and plenty of cracked black pepper. Ready in 30 minutes and genuinely satisfying.
Can I make Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff gluten-free?
Yes. Use your favourite gluten-free pasta and swap the plain (all-purpose) flour for gluten-free plain flour or cornflour (cornstarch). If using cornflour, mix it with a little cold water first to form a slurry before adding it to the pan.
Always check your Worcestershire sauce and beef stock to ensure they’re gluten-free, as brands vary.
That creamy, glossy sauce is the goal. Thick enough to cling to the pasta, smooth enough to feel indulgent – without spending hours at the stove.
If you enjoyed Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff, I think you’ll love:
This Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff recipe is creamy, glossy comfort food made completely weeknight-realistic. Budget minced beef, minimal prep and a rich paprika sauce that clings to pasta beautifully. On the table in 30 minutes and flexible enough to serve with whatever you have.
Prep 5 minutesmins
Cook 25 minutesmins
Total 30 minutesmins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
400g(14oz)dried orecchiette pasta (or any pasta of your choice, see note 1)
Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
Cook the base – Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large deep frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the beef – Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Add the mushrooms – Add the mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and their moisture has mostly cooked off.
Build the sauce – Sprinkle the flour over and cook for 1 minute, stirring well. Add the tomato paste, paprika and Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 30 seconds.
Simmer – Pour in the beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Finish the sauce – Turn the heat off. Stir through the butter (if using) and sour cream until smooth. Add more salt to taste. (See note 3 for sauce thickness.)
Serve – Serve the pasta topped with the stroganoff. Sprinkle with parsley and extra cracked black pepper. Serve with cucumber dill salad or your favourite mix and match sides.
Nutrition information
Nutrition Facts
Minced (Ground) Beef Stroganoff
Amount per Serving
Calories
952
% Daily Value*
Fat
47
g
72
%
Saturated Fat
18
g
113
%
Trans Fat
2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
21
g
Cholesterol
118
mg
39
%
Sodium
809
mg
35
%
Potassium
1260
mg
36
%
Carbohydrates
91
g
30
%
Fiber
6
g
25
%
Sugar
8
g
9
%
Protein
41
g
82
%
Vitamin A
1896
IU
38
%
Vitamin C
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
105
mg
11
%
Iron
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Note 1 –Pasta choiceOrecchiette is my favourite for this recipe because the little cups catch the creamy sauce beautifully. That said, any short pasta works – penne, rigatoni, shells or fusilli are all great options.Note 2 – Mushrooms If you don’t like mushrooms, simply leave them out. You can replace them with finely diced zucchini (courgette) or grated carrot, or skip them altogether – the sauce still has plenty of flavour.Note 3 – Thickeningthe sauce The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it sits. If it becomes too thick, simply stir through a splash of hot pasta water or stock to loosen.
Make Ahead
To make ahead, leave out the sour cream. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. then stir through the sour cream just before serving.
Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Once sour cream has been added, it’s not suitable to freeze (the sauce can split when thawed).
Recipe source:
Thank you Jessica Brooke for your help developing this recipe.
I have been looking for a new beef stroganoff type recipe as I normally use a different one and wanted something new. This was a huge let down. My family ate it, but no one wanted seconds and they said it would be ok if I didn’t make it again. My husband said it lacked flavour, and I agree.
Personally, I thought there was too much paprika and I am someone who uses paprika every chance I get. This is the second recipe of yours in a row that just wasn’t a winner for me and I’m sad about it. I really wanted to like it, truly.
Absolutely blown away with this recipe! My fam are big stroganoff fans! And all the flavours are there… with a cheaper meat choice! It’s a win win 👏 thanks again Nicole ❤️
I own both books and my week night meals are predominantly from the books or website. To date I haven’t been disappointed until now.
I really feel this lacked flavour and I couldn’t think of anything else to add. Maybe smoked paprika instead of sweet?
The meal turned out great though. Love the concept of minced beef instead of a steak of some sort.
Hi Sarah, thanks for your lovely comments about the books and recipes. I’m really sorry that this one didn’t quite make the cut for you. You could perhaps add a little more Worcestershire sauce. Also, I usually make my stock using stock powder and water, so perhaps you could do that and go a little heavier on the amount of stock powder than is suggested on the packet. You could definitely try smoked paprika too. ❤️ Nic x
For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.
Kay says:
I have been looking for a new beef stroganoff type recipe as I normally use a different one and wanted something new. This was a huge let down. My family ate it, but no one wanted seconds and they said it would be ok if I didn’t make it again. My husband said it lacked flavour, and I agree.
Personally, I thought there was too much paprika and I am someone who uses paprika every chance I get. This is the second recipe of yours in a row that just wasn’t a winner for me and I’m sad about it. I really wanted to like it, truly.
Taysha says:
Absolute winner in this house. So simple, yet so good!
Nicole says:
So wonderful to hear, Taysha! Thanks for the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Michelle says:
Absolutely blown away with this recipe! My fam are big stroganoff fans! And all the flavours are there… with a cheaper meat choice! It’s a win win 👏 thanks again Nicole ❤️
Nicole says:
Wow, Michelle, so thrilled to hear this was such a hit for you! Yay! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. 🧡 Nic x
Nancy says:
This was SO GOOD !! Thank you Nicole. Xx
Nicole says:
Wonderful to hear, Nancy! Thanks for the rating too. 🧡 Nic x
Danielle D says:
Delicious and simple!
Nicole says:
Glad you enjoyed it, Danielle! Thanks for the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Marie says:
The whole family (kids 2 and 4) loved it!
Nicole says:
Really great to hear, Marie! Thanks for the rating too. 🧡 Nic x
Rach says:
Winner Winner Stroganoff Dinner!!
Nicole says:
So happy you enjoyed this, Rach! 🧡 Nic x
Paula quarrie says:
Made this last night. Amazing and so quick after a long day of teen sport. It was “you can keep this on the menu thanks mum”
Nicole says:
Love to hear that, Paula! 🧡 Nic x
Eugenia says:
Yum! I didn’t have enough beef stock so topped up the rest with white wine. Turned out beautiful. Thank you!
Nicole says:
Fantastic to hear, Eugenia! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Jenny says:
That was absolutely yum Nicole. It paired lovely with the cucumber salad…delicious
Nicole says:
Wonderful to hear, Jenny! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Fern Suarez says:
Absolutely delicious, quick and easy. This will be a family favourite. Thank you!
Nicole says:
Wonderful to hear, Fern! Thanks for the rating. ❤️ Nic x
Sarah says:
I own both books and my week night meals are predominantly from the books or website. To date I haven’t been disappointed until now.
I really feel this lacked flavour and I couldn’t think of anything else to add. Maybe smoked paprika instead of sweet?
The meal turned out great though. Love the concept of minced beef instead of a steak of some sort.
Nicole says:
Hi Sarah, thanks for your lovely comments about the books and recipes. I’m really sorry that this one didn’t quite make the cut for you. You could perhaps add a little more Worcestershire sauce. Also, I usually make my stock using stock powder and water, so perhaps you could do that and go a little heavier on the amount of stock powder than is suggested on the packet. You could definitely try smoked paprika too. ❤️ Nic x