My Postpartum wife asked me to make this
My Postpartum wife asked me to make this 😅 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Justin Holmes on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $13.40 total, $3.35 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean, no packaging)
- 0.5 medium Onion (diced fine)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced (about 3 cloves))
- 1 tablespoon Mustard (regular yellow or Dijon)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
- 8 ounces Egg Noodles (extra‑wide egg noodles)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (cut into cubes for faster melting)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt (kosher salt)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the half onion, mince the garlic, chop the green onions, and cube the cream cheese so everything is ready to go.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is almost fully browned, with no large pink pieces.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium-high
Sweat Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3‑4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Mustard
Stir in 1 tablespoon of mustard, coating the meat and aromatics evenly.
Time: PT1M
Add Beef Broth and Bring to Light Boil
Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Noodles
Add the extra‑wide egg noodles, press them down so they are submerged, and let them cook in the broth until soft, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium
Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and cubed cream cheese. Continue stirring until everything is fully melted and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Season and Check Thickness
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon; if it’s too thin, simmer a minute longer.
Time: PT2M
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top, and serve hot in bowls or plates.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, High protein
Allergens: Milk, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Mustard: whole grain mustard
- Instead of Beef Broth: chicken broth, vegetable broth, bouillon cubes (1 per cup)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, milk + butter
- Instead of Egg Noodles: fettuccine, pappardelle
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt (same amount)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: mascarpone, ricotta
- Instead of Green Onion: chives
Equipment Needed
- 2‑inch Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle (optional) (optional)
- Serving Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown ground beef until almost fully cooked
- Bring broth to a light boil to develop fond
- Cook noodles until soft in the broth
- Incorporate cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream while keeping heat low to avoid curdling
- Check sauce thickness – it should coat the back of a spoon
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the mustard for extra depth
- Deglaze the pan with a tablespoon of white wine after browning the beef for brighter flavor
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color if desired
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin
Simmer a few minutes longer or add an extra 2‑3 ounces of cream cheese to thicken.
Sauce curdles
Immediately lower the heat and whisk in a splash of milk or additional heavy cream to bring it back together.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month, but dairy may change texture; reheat gently and add a splash of milk if needed
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the noodles separately and store them; combine with sauce just before serving
- The creamy sauce can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over low heat; add a splash of milk if it thickens too much
- Garnish with fresh green onion only at the last minute for best color and flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beef stroganoff in American comfort food cuisine?
Beef Stroganoff originated in Russia in the 19th century and was adapted by American home cooks as a quick, creamy pasta dish, becoming a staple of mid‑century comfort food. In the United States it’s often made with ground beef for ease and served over egg noodles as a family dinner favorite.
What are the traditional regional variations of beef stroganoff in Russian cuisine compared to this American version?
Traditional Russian Stroganoff uses tender strips of beef sautéed with mushrooms and a sour‑cream sauce, while the American version often substitutes ground beef, adds cream cheese, and serves it over egg noodles for a richer, quicker meal. Both share a creamy, tangy profile but differ in protein cut and accompaniments.
How is beef stroganoff traditionally served in Russian households?
In Russia, Stroganoff is typically served over buttered rice, mashed potatoes, or wide egg noodles, and garnished with fresh parsley. The sauce is kept relatively light, focusing on the sour‑cream flavor rather than the heavy cream used in many American adaptations.
What occasions or celebrations is beef stroganoff traditionally associated with in American home cooking?
In American homes, beef stroganoff is a popular weeknight dinner and is often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and casual holiday meals because it’s quick, comforting, and feeds a crowd without much fuss.
What makes ground‑beef stroganoff special or unique in American cuisine?
Using ground beef creates a texture that spreads through the sauce, making every bite uniformly flavorful. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream gives an extra velvety richness that distinguishes this quick‑cook version from the classic strip‑beef recipe.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ground‑beef stroganoff?
Common errors include overcooking the dairy sauce (causing curdling), not seasoning enough after the broth reduces, and adding the noodles before the broth reaches a boil, which can result in unevenly cooked pasta.
Why does this ground‑beef stroganoff recipe use cream cheese instead of just sour cream?
Cream cheese melts quickly and helps thicken the sauce faster, giving it a silkier texture. It also balances the tang of sour cream, creating a richer mouthfeel that plain sour cream alone wouldn’t achieve.
Can I make ground‑beef stroganoff ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Cook the noodles fresh and combine just before serving for best texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is done?
The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without dripping. It should cling to the noodles and meat, creating a velvety mouthfeel rather than a watery broth.
How do I know when the ground‑beef stroganoff is done cooking?
The ground beef will be fully browned with no pink, the noodles will be tender but still al dente, and the sauce will have thickened to coat the spoon. A quick taste test should reveal balanced seasoning.
What does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Justin Holmes focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pan meals and comfort‑food classics that are easy for everyday cooks to replicate.
How does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Justin Holmes emphasizes minimal equipment, quick prep, and using pantry staples while still delivering rich, flavorful dishes. He often shares personal anecdotes and practical tips that make the recipes feel more relatable than highly produced culinary shows.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
