Hamburger Stroganoff with Cream of Mushroom Soup is a rich, comforting dish that brings together the creamy texture of a classic stroganoff with the hearty flavors of ground beef. This version is particularly easy to make, thanks to the use of cream of mushroom soup, which takes the place of a more traditional roux-based sauce. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to serve for a family gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes-satisfying, flavorful, and effortless.
Unlike its more elaborate counterparts, this dish keeps things simple, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. The creamy sauce envelops the ground beef, and when paired with noodles or mashed potatoes, it creates a meal that’s as delicious as it is fulfilling.
Ready to dive into a tasty, time-saving version of the beloved beef stroganoff? Let’s go step-by-step through the process, and I’ll give you all the details.
Hamburger Stroganoff With Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe
A delicious twist on the traditional stroganoff, using hamburger meat and creamy mushroom soup to cut down on prep time while maintaining flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Before we get started cooking, let’s check out the ingredients you’ll need to bring this creamy, savory dish to life. These are easy-to-find, pantry-staple items that you probably already have on hand or can grab at your local store without any hassle:
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the show, ground beef gives this recipe its hearty base. You can use lean ground beef, or go for a fattier mix for a more indulgent flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This acts as the base for the sauce, providing both creaminess and depth of flavor with its earthy notes of mushrooms.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds a sweet and savory flavor to balance the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A classic addition to boost the flavor profile and add aromatic depth.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): This helps to thin out the soup and create a luscious sauce that coats the meat without being too heavy.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that cuts through the richness of the beef and soup.
- Egg noodles (3 cups, cooked): The classic pairing for stroganoff, egg noodles are ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to balance the creamy dish.
- Paprika (for sprinkling): Optional, but paprika can bring a smoky, slightly spicy element to the dish.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! The process is straightforward, and with just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty, creamy meal ready to serve.
-
Prepare The Noodles
- Start by boiling the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. You want them to be tender and slightly al dente, so they can hold up to the creamy sauce.
-
Brown The Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef, but don’t discard the flavorful bits left in the pan-those will add depth to your sauce.
-
Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it in the residual fat (or add a little butter or oil if needed) for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Create The Sauce
- Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together, making sure everything is well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and take on the flavors of the beef and mushrooms.
-
Finish With Sour Cream
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the sour cream. This will give the sauce a rich, creamy consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of paprika if desired.
-
Combine With Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them to coat them evenly in the creamy beef sauce. Let it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the noodles absorb some of the sauce.
-
Serve And Garnish
- Plate the stroganoff and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the flavor profile of this dish:
- Ground beef: The base of this dish, ground beef provides both texture and a rich, savory flavor that’s the foundation of the stroganoff.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This canned staple is the shortcut to achieving a smooth, velvety sauce without the time-consuming step of making a roux. The mushrooms add an earthy, umami-rich flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Sour cream: It’s the ingredient that takes the sauce from rich to decadently creamy, with a slight tang that helps balance the beef and mushrooms.
- Beef broth: Thin out the soup while contributing more savory beef flavor. It prevents the dish from becoming too heavy.
- Egg noodles: Noodles are the traditional base for stroganoff. Their soft, pillowy texture soaks up the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Expert Tips
- Lean Beef vs. Fatty Beef: While lean beef is fine, a bit of fat in the beef gives the sauce a richer flavor. Consider using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and texture.
- Customizing the Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you can sauté fresh mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for added texture and depth. Use cremini or button mushrooms for a milder flavor, or go with portobello mushrooms for a heartier taste.
- Add a Splash of White Wine: For a more complex flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the beef and mushroom mixture before adding the broth. Let it cook down to enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. It can give a surprising but delightful kick to the dish.
Recipe Variations
While this hamburger stroganoff is a delicious go-to, you can definitely get creative with the ingredients based on what you have available or your flavor preferences:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken: If you want a lighter version, swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. These leaner options will still work well in this dish, though they won’t have quite the same richness.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth, and swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan sour cream.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some peas, carrots, or spinach for an extra burst of color and nutrients. These can be added directly into the sauce during the simmering step.
- Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist on this classic comfort dish.
Final Words
Hamburger Stroganoff with Cream of Mushroom Soup is an undeniably comforting dish that combines ease with classic flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, it offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness. It’s a great weeknight dinner because it comes together quickly, but also satisfies those cravings for something rich and hearty.
This dish is all about simplicity-no fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques, just good food that everyone will love.