Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of making the sauce from scratch?

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a shortcut version. Use one can, reduce the beef broth to 1 cup, and skip the flour and butter. The flavor won't be quite as fresh, but it's a good time-saving option when needed.

Why did my sauce break or curdle?

This usually happens when sour cream is added to a sauce that's too hot or boiling. Always remove from heat or reduce to low before adding dairy components, and make sure your sour cream is at room temperature if possible.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Absolutely! For Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the vegetables and beef, then add remaining ingredients except sour cream and rice. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then stir in sour cream after releasing pressure. For slow cooker, brown vegetables and beef first, then combine everything except sour cream in the cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding sour cream in the last 30 minutes.

How can I make this dish lighter or lower in calories?

Use lean ground beef (93% or leaner), light sour cream, and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. You can also serve over cauliflower rice or increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio by adding more mushrooms.

Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe

Name: Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 cups long grain white rice; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white onion, sliced; 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; 1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup salted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups sour cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

This Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Comforting: This homemade stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something warm and satisfying.
Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef instead of traditional steak cuts makes this classic dish much more affordable without sacrificing flavor.
Family Approved: The creamy sauce, tender beef, and savory mushrooms create a combination that even picky eaters tend to enjoy. It’s pure comfort food that brings everyone to the table.
Versatile: Easy to adapt to what you have on hand, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Long grain white rice: Forms the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Its fluffy texture complements the creamy stroganoff beautifully.
Olive oil: Just a touch to sauté the vegetables and bring out their flavors.
White onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the dish – don’t rush this step, as properly cooked onions add incredible depth.
Mushrooms: These are essential for authentic stroganoff flavor! They add an earthy, meaty dimension that makes this dish special.
Ground beef: The protein star of the show. I recommend using 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and texture without excessive grease.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together – don’t be shy with these.
Butter: Creates the base for our roux and adds richness to the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Works with butter to thicken the sauce beautifully without lumps.
Beef broth: Provides deep, savory flavor. Use low-sodium if you prefer controlling the salt level yourself.
Worcestershire sauce: This magical ingredient adds umami depth that really makes stroganoff distinctive.
Garlic powder: Easier than fresh garlic for this quick recipe, it distributes flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
Sour cream: The signature ingredient that makes stroganoff creamy and slightly tangy. Full-fat works best for a truly luxurious sauce.
Dijon mustard: Optional but highly recommended! It adds a subtle complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use plant-based ground meat substitutes for a vegetarian take – just increase the mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef.

Veggie Additions

Add diced bell peppers or frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition. Spinach wilted into the sauce just before serving is another great option.

Dairy Alternatives

Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the sour cream for a higher-protein version. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream mixed with a bit of lemon juice for tanginess.

Grain Options

Serve over egg noodles for a more traditional stroganoff experience. Cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes also make excellent bases for the sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until clear, then combine with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and mushrooms, cooking until tender and lightly browned, about 7 minutes. The slight caramelization adds incredible flavor! Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In the same skillet, add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully done, breaking it apart as it cooks. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pan for flavor, draining any excess.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Add butter to the beef and melt completely. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth base for your sauce.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Return the mushrooms and onions to the skillet. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll see it transform into a beautiful, glossy consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Creaminess

Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard (if using), mixing until fully incorporated. This step should be done off the boil to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the hot stroganoff over the prepared rice and enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Rice Perfection: The rice-rinsing step is crucial for removing excess starch and preventing gumminess. Don’t skip it!
Brown for Flavor: Take your time browning both the vegetables and beef. Those caramelized bits are pure flavor gold.
Temperature Control: Always reduce heat before adding sour cream to prevent it from separating. If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out.
Flour Matters: Cooking the flour with the butter and beef for a full 2-3 minutes is essential for eliminating that raw flour taste in the final sauce.
Season in Layers: Add seasoning at each stage rather than only at the end for more developed flavor throughout the dish.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairings

Serve this hearty stroganoff with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or broccoli also make excellent companions, adding color and freshness to the plate.

Bread Options

Nothing beats mopping up extra stroganoff sauce with warm bread! Try garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a slice of crusty sourdough on the side.

Beverage Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with red wine, particularly a medium-bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate between bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the rice separately if possible, as it will maintain a better texture.

Freezing

The beef and sauce mixture freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers without the rice for best results. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but gently reheating while stirring will bring it back together.

Reheating

Reheat stroganoff gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Always warm just until hot to preserve the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of making the sauce from scratch?

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a shortcut version. Use one can, reduce the beef broth to 1 cup, and skip the flour and butter. The flavor won’t be quite as fresh, but it’s a good time-saving option when needed.
Why did my sauce break or curdle?

This usually happens when sour cream is added to a sauce that’s too hot or boiling. Always remove from heat or reduce to low before adding dairy components, and make sure your sour cream is at room temperature if possible.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Absolutely! For Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the vegetables and beef, then add remaining ingredients except sour cream and rice. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then stir in sour cream after releasing pressure. For slow cooker, brown vegetables and beef first, then combine everything except sour cream in the cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding sour cream in the last 30 minutes.
How can I make this dish lighter or lower in calories?

Use lean ground beef (93% or leaner), light sour cream, and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. You can also serve over cauliflower rice or increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio by adding more mushrooms.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice is truly one of those magical recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. With its creamy, savory goodness and simple preparation, it strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and practical weeknight cooking. I hope this becomes a reliable favorite in your recipe collection – the kind you reach for when you want something delicious that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Give it a try tonight, and watch how quickly it becomes a requested family favorite!