Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

Homemade Hamburger Helper beef stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food meal that will be a huge hit with the family - at least it is with mine! You can make this hearty beef pasta dish for any occasion and it's even a great meal for picky eaters.

Tender and buttery egg noodles are cooked in deliciously seasoned ground beef with a tangy sour cream sauce. You'll never want to make a boxed Hamburger Helper dinner again because this flavorful homemade version wins every time.

🥘 Ingredients

• Ground Beef - I like to use beef that's not too lean, as this adds more flavor. 80/20 ground chuck is my personal favorite.
• Cornstarch - Cornstarch helps thicken the gravy sauce.
• Seasoning - Salt, ground black pepper, and onion powder. A simple combination that is always flavorful and effective.
• Milk - I recommend using whole milk for the richest stroganoff sauce. See my milk substitute recommendations.
• Beef Broth - Beef broth or stock.
• Egg Noodles - Egg noodles are traditional for any stroganoff.
• Sour Cream - Sour cream is the base of the sauce and gives it its signature creamy tang. See my sour cream substitute recommendations.
• Worcestershire Sauce - A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard will add even more tangy flavor. Keep in mind that Lea & Perrins (the British original) has a stronger vinegar flavor than Heinz or Trader Joe's brand Worcestershire sauce. Add more gradually so that you don't end up with an overpowered flavor.
• Parsley - (Fresh or dried) Optional for garnishing the dish when served.

🔪 How To Make Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

This homemade beef stroganoff recipe is incredibly easy to make in one pot so you can skip out on extra dishes and big messes. Grab some measuring cups, a silicone spatula set, and a skillet to begin.

Hamburger Helper beef stroganoff makes 6 servings. Leftovers, if you have any, always taste better on the second day.

Step 1: Cook beef and drain. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound (453.59 grams) of ground beef until no pink remains (photo 1). Drain off the grease.

Step 2: Add dry ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon onion powder to the ground beef and stir to combine and absorb any excess liquid in the pan (photo 2).

Step 3: Add wet ingredients. Add 2½ cups (591.47 milliliters) of beef broth and 2 cups (473.18 milliliters) of milk to the skillet and bring to a boil (photo 3). Once boiling, add 8 ounces (226.8 grams) of egg noodles and stir so they are mostly covered in liquid (photo 4). Reduce heat to a simmer (photo 5).

Step 4: Cook pasta until tender. Simmer until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat and vigorously stir in the ½ cup (115 grams) of sour cream (*see note) followed by a splash of Worcestershire sauce (photo 6).

Step 5: Cool and serve. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes

• I recommend 80/20 ground beef. You can use leaner ground beef to reduce how much grease needs to be drained from your skillet. However, fattier ground beef like 80/20 ground chuck is my preferred ground beef as it adds more flavor.
• Watch your skillet. The milk can boil over quickly, so don't walk away as your dinner is cooking. Be sure to keep a close eye on your skillet.
• Don't forget to turn off the heat. If your sauce is too hot, your sour cream can curdle when added to the pan. This is why it is important to turn off the stovetop and remove the pan from heat before mixing in the sour cream.
• Give it time. Your sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Once leftovers are fully cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. They can be frozen for up to 6 months if placed in an airtight freezer storage container or heavy-duty freezer bag with the air squeezed out.

Reheating

Thaw frozen hamburger helper beef stroganoff in the fridge overnight. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan or skillet or place your leftovers in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C)/Gas Mark 4 for 10-20 minutes.

❓ What Can I Add To Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff?

Some tasty ingredients to add to beef stroganoff would be sliced mushrooms (canned or fresh), minced garlic, white onion, fresh or dried chives (or your favorite herbs like thyme, tarragon, or sage), or shredded cheese.

❓What Side Dishes Go With Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff?

Beef stroganoff pairs well with so many different foods. Try serving it with a wedge salad and sauteed green beans. For more ideas check out my what to serve with beef stroganoff page.

❓Can I Add Potatoes To My Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff?

Absolutely. You can mix in my delicious boiled potatoes to not only stretch your dinner budget further but also bulk up the meal to feed a hungry family.

📖 Recipe Card