Meatball Stroganoff

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of meatball stroganoff. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs coated in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth with every bite.

If you love classic comfort food but want something easy enough for a busy weeknight, this recipe is for you. It brings together the deep, savory flavors of a homemade stroganoff with the heartiness of beef meatballs, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to swap in turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter twist.

Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy meal just for yourself, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a favorite. Ready to make your new go-to creamy stroganoff? Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this meatball stroganoff is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy, all topped off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s versatile too. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish works for any occasion. Plus, you can make it your own by swapping ingredients. Use ground turkey for a leaner option, or even try a vegetarian version with plant-based meatballs. Want to change things up? Add a dash of paprika for extra flavor or swap the egg noodles for mashed potatoes if you’re in the mood for something even heartier.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is how easy it is to make. No need for fancy techniques, just a few simple steps and a one-pot meal that feels like it’s been cooking all day. Plus, the rich, creamy sauce is made from scratch using basic ingredients like sour cream, beef broth, and butter. Nothing fancy, just good wholesome ingredients that turn into something magical.

If you love cozy meals that feel special without the fuss, this meatball stroganoff will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients

The magic of this meatball stroganoff lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. You don’t need a ton of fancy items to create a delicious, hearty meal. Here’s what you’ll need to make the dish:

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    
• For the stroganoff sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or baby bella work best)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    
• For serving:
  • Egg noodles (or mashed potatoes for a different twist)

These are the core ingredients that come together to make a flavorful, comforting meal. You can also get creative with variations, add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth in the sauce, or try a different kind of pasta, like fettuccine or even zoodles if you’re looking to cut down on carbs.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just steps away from creating a hearty, creamy stroganoff that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Let’s move on to putting it all together.

Directions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy meatball stroganoff ready to enjoy in no time. This recipe is easy to follow, with minimal fuss, and the end result is nothing short of delicious.

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly.
   • Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside. You’ll likely get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary, making sure to brown them on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
   • Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet as they’ll simmer in the sauce.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add the onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
   • Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and mix well to create a roux. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
   • Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to ensure the mixture stays smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything:
   • Return the meatballs to the pan, stirring gently to coat them with the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
   • Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the creamy meatball stroganoff over your choice of egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

There you have it. A rich, creamy meatball stroganoff that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready to dig in?

Expert Tips and Variations

To take your meatball stroganoff to the next level, here are some expert tips and creative variations that will make this dish even more irresistible. Whether you want to add a personal twist or streamline the cooking process, these suggestions will help you create the perfect meal.

• Make Ahead and Store:
  If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything and serve over fresh egg noodles.
  
• Swap the Meat:
  While this recipe uses ground beef for rich flavor, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to match the flavor of the new protein.
  
• Customize the Sauce:
  For a twist on the classic stroganoff sauce, consider adding a touch of paprika or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. You could also stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the beef broth for added depth of flavor.
  
• Add More Veggies:
  If you’d like to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding spinach, peas, or even some finely grated carrots to the sauce. These ingredients blend well and will boost the dish’s nutrition while maintaining the creamy texture you love.
  
• Use Different Pasta:
  While egg noodles are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta, like fettuccine, penne, or farfalle. Each one will bring a unique texture to the dish, and you can find one that you love the most.
  

By following these tips and variations, you’ll be able to adapt this meatball stroganoff to suit your preferences and create a dish that’s always delicious, no matter the occasion. So, go ahead, get creative and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your meatball stroganoff is just as fun as making it. The dish is already packed with flavor, but how you serve it can elevate the whole experience. Here are some tasty ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Egg Noodles:
  The classic pairing for meatball stroganoff is egg noodles. Their soft, pillowy texture soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite irresistible. Cook the noodles just until tender for the best result.
  
• Mashed Potatoes:
  If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve the meatball stroganoff over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The rich sauce and tender meatballs will complement the smooth potatoes, creating a comforting meal.
  
• Rice:
  For a lighter twist, you can serve the stroganoff over rice. Whether you choose white, brown, or even cauliflower rice, the simplicity of rice allows the sauce and meatballs to shine.
  
• Steamed Vegetables:
  To add a fresh, healthy touch, pair the stroganoff with a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. These add color, crunch, and a slight contrast to the creamy dish.
  
• Green Salad:
  For a lighter, refreshing side, serve a green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the stroganoff, offering a perfect balance.
  

No matter what you choose to serve with your meatball stroganoff, you’re guaranteed a satisfying and delicious meal. The versatility of this dish means you can experiment with different sides to make it just right for your taste.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about meatball stroganoff to help you get the best results and clear up any doubts as you cook.

These answers should help you feel more confident as you prepare your meatball stroganoff. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the recipe, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Recipe Card

Meatball Stroganoff

OLIVIA

Indulge in this creamy, comforting Meatball Stroganoff recipe. Perfectly seasoned meatballs in a rich sauce make for a delicious family meal everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the stroganoff sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For serving:

• Egg noodles

Instructions

 

Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly.
• Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside. You’ll likely get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.

Cook the Meatballs:

• Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary, making sure to brown them on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
• Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet as they’ll simmer in the sauce.

Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add the onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
• Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Thicken the Sauce:

• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and mix well to create a roux. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to ensure the mixture stays smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine Everything:

• Return the meatballs to the pan, stirring gently to coat them with the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
• Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

• Serve the creamy meatball stroganoff over your choice of egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Calcium: 100mg
• Iron: 3mg

Closing Notes

Congratulations. You’ve just mastered the art of making meatball stroganoff. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its creamy, savory sauce and perfectly tender meatballs, it brings together all the comfort and flavors you crave.

This recipe is incredibly versatile too. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry. For a lighter twist, swap out ground beef for ground turkey, or serve it with cauliflower rice instead of pasta to make it keto-friendly.

So go ahead and give this meatball stroganoff a try. Your taste buds and your family or friends will thank you. Happy cooking.

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