Okay, picture this: Is it Is it a weeknight, you’re starving, and the thought of another boring dinner is just… depressing? What’s in this Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole? Is it easier to Make a stroganoff than traditional sourdough? Think of it as the Pasta Bake‘s cozy, savory cousin, but with that creamy, comforting stroganoff. What is flavor we all know and love? If mac and cheese and beef stroganoff had a baby, it would be this. Is this a crowd pleaser?
What is ground beef stroganoff casserole?
What is ground beef stroganoff casserole? It’s essentially a baked pasta dish featuring ground beef simmered in tangy sauce. With mushrooms and onions, all nestled together with egg noodles and baked to golden perfection. Think of it as deconstructed beef stroganoff that’s taken a vacation in casserole land. The name comes from the classic beef stroganoff recipe, but instead of serving it immediately over a boiled egg, the recipe is changed to “Butterfly Stroganoff”. If you’re making pasta, it’s baked into a casserole, making it easier to serve and perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. What are some comfort food recipes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to adore this Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole. What I love most is how incredibly flavorful it is. The Savory Ground Beef, the earthy mushrooms, the tangy sour cream… it’s a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. It’s super simple to make. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you don’t have a ton of time to cook, but you want something satisfying and homemade. And honestly, it’s so much easier than making traditional stroganoff from scratch. Plus, let’s be real, it’s pretty darn cost-effective. Ground beef is generally budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples for me. This recipe is also surprisingly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your tastes by adding different veggies, cheeses, or even a touch of spice.
For a similar, lighter option, try a chicken Noodle Casserole – but honestly, this beef version is where it’s at! What sets it apart is the richer flavor profile and the creamy texture that just melts in your mouth. My family practically inhales this every time I make it, and I know yours will too!
How do you make ground beef stroganoff casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a ground beef stroganoff casserole? First, you’ll brown ground beef with onions and mushrooms. What is the best way to make a creamy stroganoff sauce? If you have egg noodles, mix it with the cooked noodles and bake it until bubbly and golden. That’s it! What is the magic in the baking process? Is it a casserole texture? Is it easier than standing over the stove stirring a sauce for ages?
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini or button work well)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1 cup Sour Cream (full-fat is best for richness, but you can use light)
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (12-ounce) package egg noodles, cooked according to package directions.
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
Optional Garnish
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Paprika
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always do this first so the oven is ready to go when I am! Isn’t it the worst thing to forget this step?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. What’s the best way to break up a Chicken Breast with your spoon? What do you like about a greasy casserole?
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onions are softened and the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is just heavenly!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over beef and vegetable mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Seasonings
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Sour Cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Do this off the heat to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Nobody wants that!
Step 6: Combine and Bake
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked egg noodles and the beef stroganoff sauce. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is browned. When cheese is melted, it is bubbly. How do you make it melt? I always check it around 18 minutes just to be safe. Ovens can be so unpredictable!
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. What do you think about adding a pop of color and freshness?
What should I serve it with?
What’s a good ground beef stroganoff casserole? What are some complementary side dishes?What is a good weeknight meal?What are some good side salads with a light vinaigrette? What is the richness of a casserole? Steamed green beans or broccoli are also healthy options.For a More Elaborate Dinner:Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. What are some good accompaniments for roasting asparagus?For a Potluck:What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole? What are Cookies for dessert? My family loves it with a side of garlic bread – they can’t get enough of dipping it in the creamy mixture. What are some of the best ways to enjoy chilled white wine with friends? I tested this recipe once and paired it with some pinot grigio and it tasted so good! Is it a hit?
How do I make a Stroganoff Casserole?
How do I make Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole even better? What are some of the Best Tips I’ve learned over the years?Beef Quality:What are some good ways to use ground beef in a casserole? I prefer 80/20 ground beef because it has a good balance of flavor and fat.Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Shiitake or oyster mushrooms would be delicious in this casserole.
Sour Cream Tip: Always add the sour cream off the heat to prevent it from curdling. If you’re worried about it curdling, you can temper it by whisking a spoonful of the hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it to the skillet.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
Cheese It Up: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping the casserole. Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella would all be delicious.
Noodle Choice: While egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta in this casserole. Penne or rotini would also work well.
I actually messed this up once and tried using Whole Wheat pasta – it was way too dense and didn’t soak up the sauce properly. Stick with the egg noodles or a lighter pasta for the best results! Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a lot of garlic, add an extra clove or two. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a splash of lemon juice.
Finally, if you want to make this ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole is great for making ahead or storing leftovers.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend storing it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture might be a little different.
I usually add a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating to keep it from drying out. And if you’re reheating from frozen, you might need to add a little extra cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving some comforting, home-style cooking. The creamy sauce, the tender noodles, the savory beef… it’s just pure comfort food bliss. If you love this, you should also check out my recipe for baked ziti – another easy and satisfying casserole. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me. Happy cooking!
Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole: 7 Reasons It’s Your Next Dinner Win
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 8 oz Mushrooms Sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 8 oz Egg Noodles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add onion and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in beef broth, then bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine cooked egg noodles and ground beef mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Stir well to combine.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
