Ground Beef Stroganoff Bake

This ground beef stroganoff casserole transforms the classic Russian dish into a comforting one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory beef combine to create a dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters while bringing sophisticated flavors to your family table.

I first made this stroganoff casserole during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting yet simple. My family immediately requested it become part of our regular rotation, and it's now our go-to dish whenever we need a satisfying meal without fuss.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein foundation while being more budget-friendly than traditional beef strips
• Onion and garlic: Create an aromatic base that develops deep flavor as they cook down
• Egg noodles: Hold up perfectly in this casserole. Look for wide egg noodles for the most authentic texture
• Cream of mushroom soup: Delivers instant creaminess and mushroom flavor without the work
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness. Select full-fat for the creamiest results
• Beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and provides the perfect consistency
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth that amplifies the beef flavor
• Dijon mustard: Adds subtle complexity that balances the richness
• Paprika: Contributes a gentle warmth and beautiful color to the sauce
• Cheddar and Parmesan cheese: Create the perfect golden brown topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish, making sure to coat the corners to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your casserole will come out perfectly without losing any of that delicious sauce to the pan.

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles for even texture. Look for a nice caramelization on the meat, which builds flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

Develop the Aromatics:

Add onions and garlic to the beef and cook until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which would introduce bitterness.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper with the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is incorporated, then allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Combine with Noodles:

Fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef mixture, ensuring each noodle is completely coated with the creamy sauce. This even distribution guarantees flavor in every bite.

Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a blanket that will melt into a golden crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown at the edges.

Final Touch:

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot casserole just before serving for a pop of color, freshness, and subtle herb flavor that brightens the rich dish.

The Dijon mustard is my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always added it to her stroganoff, and I continue the tradition. It provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and makes people wonder what that special something is. Last Christmas, I brought this casserole to our family potluck, and even my culinary school-trained cousin asked for the recipe.

Make Ahead Magic

This stroganoff casserole shines as a make-ahead meal. Prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. This has saved my weeknight dinner plans countless times when I know I will be too busy to cook. For freezing, prepare the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cool completely, cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Ingredient Swaps

While this recipe is perfect as written, sometimes substitutions are necessary. Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner option, though you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning to compensate for the lower fat content. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangy protein boost. No egg noodles? Rotini or fusilli pasta hold the sauce almost as well. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free or make a simple roux with gluten-free flour. Vegetarians can substitute a plant-based ground meat alternative and vegetable broth for a delicious meatless version.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides to balance the richness. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides the perfect acidic contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus make excellent vegetable companions that can be cooked while the casserole bakes. For a beautiful presentation, serve each portion with a dollop of additional sour cream, a sprinkle of paprika, and extra fresh herbs. While most people consider stroganoff a winter dish, I find serving smaller portions with abundant seasonal vegetables makes it appropriate year-round.

The Cultural Connection

Beef Stroganoff originated in 19th-century Russia, named after the influential Stroganov family. The traditional dish featured thin strips of beef in a sour cream sauce served over noodles. This casserole version represents American adaptation, taking a sophisticated dish and transforming it into an accessible family meal. During the 1950s and 60s, casseroles became emblematic of American home cooking, representing convenience and modernity. Our version honors the flavors of the original while embracing the practical needs of contemporary home cooks. The addition of cheese is purely American but creates the irresistible golden top that makes this casserole so appealing.

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This stroganoff casserole is everything you could want: easy, comforting, and undeniably delicious. It's a guaranteed hit every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. Each will lend a slightly different flavor but will work well in the dish.

→ Can I freeze the dish for later?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cook time.

→ What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream. It has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it work well in this dish.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onions for the best results.

→ How do I prevent the noodles from overcooking?

Make sure to cook the noodles until al dente before mixing them with the sauce. This way, they won’t become too soft during baking.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.