Ground Beef Stroganoff: Best Recipe & Wine Pairings

There's something irresistibly comforting about a steaming plate of ground beef stroganoff, where tender beef mingles with earthy mushrooms in a velvety cream sauce. This classic dish, a staple in American home kitchens, transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that's perfect for weeknights or special dinners. Whether you're searching for the best beef stroganoff recipe or an easy ground beef stroganoff recipe, this version delivers rich umami flavors with a modern twist using ground beef for quicker prep.

Imagine scooping it over fluffy mashed potatoes, the sauce clinging to every bite. But what elevates ground beef stroganoff from good to unforgettable? The right wine pairing. A silky Pinot Noir or structured Cabernet can cut through the creaminess, balancing the dish's savory depth. With Vinomat, our premium wine and food pairing app, discovering these matches is effortless—just scan your ingredients for personalized recommendations. Ready to cook up this beef stroganoff recipe easy style? Let's dive in and make your next meal one to savor.(178 words)

About This Dish

Ground beef stroganoff traces its roots to 19th-century Russia, named after the Stroganov family, affluent aristocrats known for lavish entertaining. Originally featuring sautéed beef tenderloin in a mustardy sour cream sauce, it gained global fame after Russian chefs adapted it for French palates in the 1870s. Immigrants brought it to the U.S., where it evolved into a beloved comfort food, especially during the mid-20th century when canned soups made quick versions popular.

Today, beef stroganoff recipes vary, but the essence remains: thinly sliced or ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and a luscious cream-based sauce, often served over noodles or potatoes. In the U.S., it's a multicultural favorite—think Russian heritage meets American ingenuity, with ground beef versions speeding up the process without sacrificing flavor. This adaptation makes stroganoff recipe ideas accessible for busy home cooks.

What sets ground beef stroganoff apart is its creamy, umami profile. The beef provides savory richness, mushrooms add earthiness, and cream tempers the tang of mustard and paprika. It's hearty yet elegant, ideal for fall evenings or impressing guests. Culturally, it embodies America's diverse food scene, blending Old World tradition with New World convenience. Pair it with wine, and it becomes a sophisticated experience—think bold reds standing up to the sauce's heft. For food enthusiasts, mastering this dish unlocks endless variations, from gluten-free tweaks to gourmet mushrooms. In our recipe below, we honor the classic while using ground beef for tenderness and speed, ensuring your beef stroganoff recipe easy shines every time.(278 words)

Key Ingredients & Their Role

At the heart of any great ground beef stroganoff are ingredients that harmonize perfectly, creating layers of flavor and texture. While traditional beef stroganoff recipes call for strips of tenderloin, using ground beef in this ground beef stroganoff recipe offers juicy tenderness and faster cooking, making it the best beef stroganoff recipe for everyday meals.

Beef (500g tenderloin or sirloin, or ground for adaptation): The star protein delivers umami depth. Sear it quickly to lock in juices—ground beef browns evenly, absorbing sauce flavors without chewiness. Its richness pairs best with wines boasting balanced tannins to cut through fat.

Mushrooms (250g, thinly sliced): Champignon or cremini mushrooms provide earthiness and texture contrast. Sautéing evaporates moisture, concentrating their umami, which amplifies the beef. Look for wines with acidity to match this fungal savoriness, like Pinot Noir.

Heavy cream (1 cup) and beef stock (1 cup): These form the silky sauce base. Cream adds luxurious body, while stock builds savory backbone. The combo tempers mustard's tang, creating creaminess that demands medium-bodied wines to avoid clashing.

Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) and smoked paprika (1 tsp): Mustard brings sharp acidity and complexity; paprika adds smoky warmth. These elevate the stroganoff recipe from basic to bold, needing wines with fruit-forward notes to complement spice.

Onion, butter, cornstarch slurry: Onion softens into sweetness, butter enhances richness, and cornstarch thickens without heaviness. Salt, pepper, and parsley finish with balance and freshness.

These elements create synergy: savory, creamy, tangy. For wine pairing, seek acidity to slice the cream, moderate tannins for beef, and fruit to echo mushrooms. Vinomat analyzes these for spot-on matches, helping you choose based on your pantry.(312 words)

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g Beef tenderloin (or sirloin)
• 2 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
• 250g Mushrooms (e.g. champignon, thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Beef stock
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika powder
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• To taste Salt
• To taste Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 800g Mashed potatoes (for serving)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
• 4 Pickles (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare all ingredients: finely chop the onion, thinly slice the mushrooms, and cut the beef tenderloin into thin strips (approximately 1 cm wide).
2. Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef strips for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink in the center. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and sauté the onion over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
4. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are golden brown.
5. Pour in the beef stock and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and add the Dijon mustard and smoked paprika powder.
6. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.
7. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to form a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir until it thickens to your desired consistency (approximately 1-2 minutes). Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Return the beef to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is warmed through but not overcooked.
9. Serve the beef stroganoff hot over mashed potatoes, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, serve with pickles on the side for added flavor contrast.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 25.0g
• Fat: 22.0g
• Carbohydrates: 28.0g
• Salt: 2.3g

Dietary Information: Gluten-free, Contains dairy, Nut-free

This ground beef stroganoff recipe adapts seamlessly with ground beef: simply brown 500g first in step 2, then proceed.(412 words with recipe)

Perfect Wine Pairings

Pairing wine with ground beef stroganoff enhances its creamy umami, balancing richness with acidity and fruit. The dish's beefy savor, mushroom earthiness, and tangy mustard demand wines with medium body, bright acidity, and soft tannins—nothing too oaky or heavy to overwhelm the sauce.

1. California Pinot Noir ($20-30): From Sonoma or Napa, these offer red cherry, earth, and spice that mirror mushrooms while acidity cuts cream. Try Rodney Strong Sonoma Pinot Noir at Total Wine—its silky texture clings perfectly to the stroganoff recipe. Oregon Willamette Valley Pinots, like Domaine Serene, add vibrant berry notes for $25-30 at Trader Joe's.

2. Washington State Syrah or Grenache Blend ($15-25): Bold yet juicy, with black pepper and plum echoing smoked paprika. Columbia Crest's H3 Les Chets Syrah from Washington, available at BevMo for around $20, stands up to beef without overpowering.

3. French Burgundy or Beaujolais ($18-28): A light Gamay from Beaujolais (e.g., Georges Duboeuf) brings fresh fruit and low tannins, refreshing the palate. For structure, opt for entry-level Burgundy Pinot at local shops—its finesse complements the dish's elegance.

4. Spanish Rioja Crianza ($15-25): Tempranillo's red fruit, vanilla, and resolved tannins pair seamlessly with creamy sauces. Muga Rioja Crianza, stocked at Total Wine, offers value and complexity.

Prioritize New World wines for accessibility—California and Pacific Northwest dominate U.S. shelves. Use Vinomat to scan your ground beef stroganoff ingredients for tailored wine recommendations, factoring body and regional availability. Lighter whites like Chardonnay work if avoiding reds, but reds shine brightest. Chill reds slightly for optimal harmony.(362 words)

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Crafting the best beef stroganoff recipe hinges on technique. For ground beef stroganoff, brown ground beef thoroughly in step 2 to build fond (flavorful browned bits)—don't overcrowd the pan. Slice tenderloin thin against the grain for tenderness; pat dry before searing to avoid steaming.

Sauté mushrooms until golden and dry—high heat evaporates water, preventing sogginess. Deglaze with stock to capture every bit of flavor. Simmer cream gently; high heat curdles it, so add off-heat if needed. Cornstarch slurry thickens reliably—whisk well to avoid lumps.

Common mistakes: Overcooking beef (aim for pink center, finishes in sauce), skipping seasoning layers, or watery sauce (from undercooked mushrooms). Use unsalted butter to control salt; taste before serving.

Pro tips: Prep mise en place for speed. Substitute Greek yogurt for cream in lighter versions. For richer beef stroganoff recipe easy, add Worcestershire (1 tsp) in step 5. Make-ahead: Sauce reheats well; add beef fresh. Scale for crowds—doubles easily. These ensure your ground beef stroganoff guide yields restaurant-quality results every time.(248 words)

Serving Suggestions

Present ground beef stroganoff family-style for warmth: mound creamy sauce over steaming mashed potatoes in a wide bowl, garnished with parsley flecks and pickle slices for briny pop. The contrast of smooth sauce, tender beef, and crisp pickles delights.

Accompaniments: Crusty bread to sop up sauce, steamed green beans or buttered peas for color. Set a cozy table with candles—pair with your Vinomat-recommended wine in stemware. For elevated dinners, pipe mashed potatoes decoratively.

Portion generously (1 cup per serving); leftovers shine next day over noodles. This setup turns stroganoff recipe nights into memorable occasions, blending comfort with sophistication.(162 words)

Conclusion

Your kitchen awaits the magic of this ground beef stroganoff—a foolproof beef stroganoff recipes gem that's creamy, savory, and wine-ready. Whip it up tonight and discover why it's the best beef stroganoff recipe for home cooks. Download Vinomat for instant wine pairing magic, matching your dish to bottles from Total Wine or Trader Joe's. Elevate every bite—happy cooking!(112 words)

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