
This filling hamburger stroganoff transforms the classic beef meal into a speedy family dish that keeps all the rich flavor while saving you precious time. You'll enjoy that wonderful mix of seasoned ground beef, flavorful mushrooms, and velvety sauce in under thirty minutes. It seems fancy but takes minimal effort.
I threw this hamburger stroganoff together during an incredibly hectic week when I craved something hot and satisfying but couldn't spare ages in the kitchen. It was such a hit that it's now a staple on our weekly menu. The family raves about how the silky sauce coats every single pasta piece.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: pick 90% or 93% lean for great taste without excess grease
- Smoked paprika: adds incredible richness and subtle smokiness that elevates the whole dish
- Dried thyme: provides earthy notes that pair perfectly with beef
- Garlic powder and onion powder: deliver tons of taste without any prep work
- Cremini mushrooms: contribute a hearty texture and deep flavor essential to proper stroganoff
- Greek yogurt: creates creaminess while adding more protein and cutting fat compared to sour cream
- Egg noodles: the traditional partner for this meal - consider whole wheat for extra nutrients
- Beef broth: forms the flavorful foundation of your sauce - try to get low-sodium if possible
- Worcestershire sauce: delivers massive flavor impact with its distinctive fermented profile
- Dijon mustard: optional but wonderful for bringing a zingy contrast to the dish's richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Stuff:
- Take the Greek yogurt out of the fridge to come closer to room temp - this prevents it from separating when added to hot sauce. Slice mushrooms and measure everything else before starting to cook.
- Season And Brown The Meat:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it glistens. Add ground beef and all seasonings together. Break meat apart while cooking until completely browned, around 6-8 minutes. Limit stirring for better color development.
- Cook The Mushrooms:
- Lower heat to medium and add sliced mushrooms to the beef. Cook roughly 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until they reduce in size and brown slightly. This step brings out their full flavor potential.
- Handle The Pasta:
- While mushrooms cook, bring salted water to boil in another pot. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until tender, typically 5-7 minutes. Drain but don't rinse so sauce adheres better.
- Build The Sauce Base:
- Sprinkle flour over your meat and mushroom mixture and stir until no white specks remain. Pour in one-third of your beef broth while scraping the bottom to loosen flavorful bits. Add Worcestershire, mustard, then pour in remaining broth.
- Reduce And Thicken:
- Let mixture come to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered about 10 minutes, stirring now and then as it thickens. The flour will gradually do its job creating a silky gravy.
- Finish With Yogurt:
- Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly for about a minute. Gradually fold in your room-temperature Greek yogurt until fully incorporated. Sample and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire as needed.

You Must Know
The smoked paprika really makes this dish special. I found this out completely by chance when I ran out of regular paprika one evening. Everyone immediately noticed and wondered what made it taste so incredible. Now I always stock smoked paprika specifically for this stroganoff.
Make Ahead Options
This hamburger stroganoff actually gets better overnight as the flavors mingle together. For prepping ahead, cook everything but skip adding the yogurt. Cool it down and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm gently on the stove until just heated through but not boiling, then stir in room-temperature yogurt. This technique keeps your sauce perfectly smooth.
Smart Substitutions
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version - they'll finish cooking slightly quicker though. For dairy-free needs, try unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream to replace yogurt. Not a fan of mushrooms? Toss in chopped zucchini or bell peppers, though the flavor profile will change. For gluten-free diets, swap cornstarch for flour as thickener and serve with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions
While egg noodles work perfectly, this stroganoff tastes fantastic over other bases too. Try serving it with buttered rice, cauliflower rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes. To round out your meal, add a basic green salad with dressing or some steamed broccoli or green beans to cut through the richness.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your sauce seems too thin, simply let it simmer longer until it reaches your preferred consistency. Too thick? Just add a bit more beef broth or water until you get it exactly right.

Common Questions
- → Is it okay to use sour cream instead of yogurt?
You bet! Regular full-fat sour cream gives you that same rich feel and works just as well.
- → Which pasta works best with this dish?
Traditional egg noodles are fantastic, but don't worry if you've got other pasta—almost any type will do fine.
- → What's the trick for a lump-free sauce?
Make sure your yogurt or sour cream isn't cold from the fridge, and mix it in after you've turned off the heat.
- → Can I make a meatless version?
Sure thing! You can use any meat substitute or just toss in extra mushrooms for a veggie-friendly option.
- → What's the best way to save leftovers?
Pop leftover stroganoff in an airtight container and keep it in your fridge for up to 3 days. Don't try freezing it though—your mushrooms will turn soggy.