One-Pot Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
This homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff combines ground beef and egg noodles in a creamy sauce, all prepared in one pot for convenience. It's a quick and easy dinner option that tastes better than the boxed version.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 1½ cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅔ cup sour cream
Instructions
Sauté the Onion:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions.
- Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
Add Seasonings:
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika over the beef mixture.
- Stir to combine and evenly distribute the seasonings.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- If using cornstarch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
- If using all-purpose flour, sprinkle 1 tablespoon over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
Add Liquids:
- Pour in 2 cups of milk and 1½ cups of beef stock.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Add Egg Noodles:
- Add 8 ounces of wide egg noodles to the skillet.
- Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish the Sauce:
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in ⅔ cup of sour cream until well combined.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Beef Stroganoff hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- This recipe offers a creamy and flavorful Beef Stroganoff that's both easy to prepare and satisfying.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb can be used instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Broth Options: If beef broth is unavailable, chicken broth or even water can be used. Adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor when using chicken broth.
- Mushrooms: Adding sliced fresh mushrooms can provide an earthy depth to the dish. Sauté them with the onions until browned before adding the ground beef.
- Spices: Incorporating a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Pasta Selection: While wide egg noodles are traditional, other pasta types like mafalda or even elbow macaroni can be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the pasta chosen.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce to thicken further and enhances the flavors.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.