If comforting, hearty dinners are your thing, then you are going to absolutely adore this Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender ground beef and mushrooms swimming in a creamy, dreamy sauce, all served over fluffy long grain rice. This dish effortlessly combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels just like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises a satisfying experience that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe plays a crucial role, from building the foundation of flavors to balancing the sauce’s creaminess and texture. You’ll see how simple pantry staples come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
- Long grain white rice (2 cups): The perfect fluffy base to soak up the rich stroganoff sauce.
- Water (4 cups): Essential for cooking the rice to tender perfection.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle fruitiness and helps sauté the onions and mushrooms without overpowering.
- Medium white onion, sliced (1): Brings sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Sliced mushrooms (8 ounces): They contribute earthiness and texture that perfectly complement the beef.
- Ground beef (1 to 1 1/2 pounds): The hearty centerpiece, bringing juicy, savory richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the pan.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a bit of bite and warmth.
- Salted butter (1/4 cup): Creates the creamy base for the stroganoff sauce and adds velvety richness.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Deepens the beef flavor and helps develop an amazing sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A secret weapon that brings umami and tang.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic lift without overpowering.
- Sour cream (2 cups): The key to that tangy creamy finish that makes this stroganoff irresistible.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon, optional): Gives the sauce a gentle zing and complexity if you enjoy a little extra character.
How to Make Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the 2 cups of long grain white rice, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside, keeping it warm for serving.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start turning golden, roughly another 5 minutes. This step creates a flavorful base to marry with the beef.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef directly to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Season with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks until it is browned all over and no pink remains. This caramelization is crucial for building rich, hearty flavor in the stroganoff.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the salted butter until melted. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the beef broth to avoid lumps, followed by Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This is where the sauce develops its rich, savory character.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard (if using) until smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling at this stage to keep the sour cream from curdling. The sauce should be luscious, tangy, and utterly crave-worthy.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a bright, herbaceous contrast that lightens the dish and adds delightful color. A little extra sour cream dolloped on each serving is always a crowd-pleaser too.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve this stroganoff with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add a crunchy, fresh element. A crisp simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a wonderful companion that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stroganoff in bell pepper halves or atop baked potatoes for an exciting presentation that’s sure to impress. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture and a nutritious boost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal that’s even more comforting.
Freezing
Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid curdling the sour cream. Microwaving works too—just do it in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative, though it may yield a slightly different flavor and texture. Just brown it thoroughly and follow the same steps.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream, and use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of butter for the roux. The sauce will be creamy but with a different twist.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely assemble the beef mixture and sauce a day in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat when ready. Just cook the rice fresh right before serving for the best texture.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If you find the sauce too thin after adding sour cream, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gently over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Long grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t clump, perfect for soaking up all the delicious stroganoff sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe is a true home-cooked treasure—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a finish that feels incredibly indulgent without being fussy. If you want a meal that soothes your soul and satisfies your taste buds, this is it. Friends and family will keep asking for seconds, and you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef Stroganoff and Rice recipe delivers a creamy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender ground beef and sautéed mushrooms are combined in a rich sour cream sauce, served over fluffy long grain white rice for a satisfying and hearty dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stroganoff
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil or butter and sauté the sliced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and their moisture evaporates, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions and mushrooms. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Stroganoff Sauce: Push the beef mixture to the side of the skillet and melt 1/4 cup salted butter in the cleared space. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 3 cups beef broth to prevent lumps. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Finish the Stroganoff: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups sour cream and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard if using. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy sauce without boiling to prevent curdling. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and serve the creamy ground beef stroganoff over the rice immediately for a warm comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Do not boil the stroganoff sauce after adding sour cream to avoid curdling.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
