Imagine a dish that takes the nostalgic convenience of Hamburger Helper and elevates it to a restaurant-worthy meal in just 35 minutes! This Beef Stroganoff-inspired recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds. Forget boring boxed meals – this homemade version is packed with rich, creamy flavor and real ingredients that will make you ditch the packaged stuff forever. Get ready to transform a simple ground beef dinner into a culinary masterpiece that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet and add uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is mostly covered by liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once pasta is cooked, remove skillet from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
- Gradually fold in sour cream, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce seems too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
Tips
- Choose the right ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Don't skip the sautéing step: Cooking onions and garlic before adding beef builds a deep, rich flavor base.
- Prevent pasta from sticking: Stir occasionally and ensure there's enough liquid in the pan while cooking.
- Sour cream secret: Remove the skillet from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Consistency is key: If the sauce is too thick, add a little beef broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
- Garnish options: Try topping with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
