Easy One-Pan Ground Beef Stroganoff: Creamy Sour Cream Egg Noodles (No Mushrooms!)

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Beef Stroganoff. Originating from Russia, this classic dish traditionally features tender pieces of beef smothered in a rich, sour cream sauce. Our rendition takes all the beloved elements of this timeless recipe and simplifies it into an incredibly easy, family-friendly, one-pan meal. Forget the endless pots and pans – with this recipe, you’ll achieve a deeply flavorful and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

What sets our One-Pan Ground Beef Stroganoff apart? We’ve made a few delightful adjustments to make it accessible and appealing to even the pickiest eaters. This version boasts a wonderfully cheesy side, and, for those who aren’t fans, it’s completely mushroom-free! While some might call it “Sour Cream Egg Noodles with Beef,” the combination of savory ground beef, silky egg noodles, and that unmistakable tangy sour cream creates a dish that truly earns its Stroganoff title. It’s hearty, creamy, and undeniably delicious.

Why This One-Pan Stroganoff Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

If you’re constantly searching for fuss-free dinner ideas that don’t compromise on taste, look no further. This recipe is an absolute must-try! The “one-pan” method is a game-changer, meaning all the cooking happens in a single skillet, from browning the beef to simmering the noodles and finishing with a luscious, creamy sauce. This not only drastically cuts down on washing up but also allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a deeper, more cohesive flavor profile.

Beyond its simplicity, this dish is incredibly versatile. Want to tweak the sauce? Swap out the jarred spaghetti sauce for a plain tomato sauce and add your favorite herbs. Feeling adventurous with cheese? Experiment with different blends. While customization is encouraged, one golden rule remains: do not skimp on the sour cream! It’s the heart and soul of this creamy delight, providing that characteristic tang and velvety texture. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your new go-to for a quick, comforting, and customizable family meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pan Stroganoff

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. This recipe calls for simple, readily available items that come together to create a surprisingly complex and satisfying flavor.

• 1 lb ground beef: The foundation of our Stroganoff, ground beef offers quick cooking and a rich, savory base.
• 1 (24oz) jar ANY Spaghetti sauce: This is your secret weapon for a flavorful sauce with minimal effort. Choose your favorite!
• 16 (oz) bag Egg Noodles: These tender, flat noodles are perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce and provide that classic Stroganoff mouthfeel.
• 3/4 cup sour cream: Crucial for the creamy, tangy essence of Stroganoff. Don’t skip it!
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese: Adds a unique cheesy texture and an extra layer of creaminess without making the sauce heavy.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or mozzarella or even 2 slices of cheese broken into pieces): For that irresistible melted, cheesy topping.
• 1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce: A powerful flavor enhancer, adding depth and umami to the beef.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complements the savory notes.
• 4 1/4 cups broth or water: The liquid base for cooking the noodles and forming the sauce. Broth adds more flavor, but water works too!

Directions for a Perfect One-Pan Stroganoff

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Remember, the beauty of this dish is its simplicity!

1. Brown the Beef and Build the Flavor Base

   In a deep skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, it’s important to break it apart into small, uniform pieces. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish and ensures the flavors can truly shine. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Sauté this mixture for another minute or two until the aromas become fragrant and the spices are well-incorporated into the beef. This step deepens the savory notes of the dish. Finally, pour in your choice of water or broth, followed by the jarred spaghetti sauce. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the liquid is hot enough to cook the noodles.

   

2. Add the Noodles and Cook to Perfection

   Once your sauce mixture is boiling, stir in the egg noodles. Make sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. Allow them to boil uncovered for approximately 6 minutes. During this time, the noodles will cook directly in the flavorful sauce, absorbing all its goodness. It’s important to keep an eye on the liquid; it should largely evaporate as the noodles plump up and become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This direct cooking method is key to the “one-pan” magic and infuses every strand of noodle with savory flavor.

   

3. Add the Creamy Goodness and Serve

   In a separate small bowl, gently stir together the cottage cheese and sour cream until well combined. This pre-mixing helps ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Reduce the heat under your skillet to low. Add the cottage cheese and sour cream mixture to the noodles and beef. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the creamy elements throughout the dish. Heat gently for a few minutes, just until warmed through, being careful not to boil the sour cream, which can cause it to curdle. Before serving, sprinkle generously with your chosen shredded cheese. Cover briefly or let the residual heat melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious topping. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly flavorful and easy one-pan meal!

   

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Customizing Your Stroganoff

• Add Vegetables: While this is a “no mushroom” recipe, feel free to sauté diced onions, garlic, or bell peppers with the ground beef for added flavor and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of paprika (sweet or smoked), a dash of garlic powder, or even a tiny amount of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile.
• Cheese Choices: Beyond Monterey Jack or mozzarella, consider using a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra richness.
• Sauce Alternatives: If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato puree with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning can work in a pinch. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.
• Broth vs. Water: Using beef broth instead of water will add an extra layer of savory depth to your sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Ground Beef Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a vinaigrette. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions.

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EASY One-Pan Beef Stroganoff (Sour Cream Egg Noodles)

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes minutes

Author: Alyona’s Cooking

Beef Stroganoff is apparently a Russian beef dish with a sour cream sauce and this ONE-PAN sour cream noodle dish has a cheesy side to it with no mushrooms. Call it Sour cream egg noodles if you desire but sour cream, egg noodles and beef deserve the stroganoff title!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 24oz jar ANY Spaghetti sauce
• 16 oz bag Egg Noodles
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese monetary jack or mozzarella or even 2 slices of cheese broken into pieces
• 1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 4 1/4 cups broth or water

Instructions

• In a deep skillet brown and crumble the beef. Drain the grease, add the Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper and sauté until aromatic. Then add the water (broth if using) and jarred sauce and bring to a boil.
• Stir in the noodles and boil uncovered for 6 minutes (liquid should evaporate.)
• Stir together the cottage cheese and sour cream and add to the noodles. Heat throughly over low heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese before serving.

The Ultimate Comfort Food, Made Easy

This One-Pan Ground Beef Stroganoff with creamy sour cream egg noodles is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking methods can create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight solution, a cooking novice eager for an impressive dish, or simply someone who appreciates less cleanup, this recipe is designed for you. The rich, savory ground beef, the tender egg noodles, and the luscious, cheesy sour cream sauce come together in perfect harmony, offering a comforting embrace with every bite.

Say goodbye to complicated recipes and stacks of dirty dishes. Embrace the convenience and deliciousness of one-pan cooking. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the joy of a homemade meal that tastes like it took hours, but was ready in minutes. It’s truly a dish that deserves its place in your regular meal rotation!