How to make easy meatball stroganoff with gravy

This easy meatball stroganoff is scratch-made in an easy-to-prepare sour cream gravy made without using canned soups or frozen meatballs. This family-friendly meal is ready in about 30 minutes!

A plate of meatballs stroganoff nestled on top of egg noodles in a luscious sour cream gravy.

This Beef Stroganoff Meatball recipe is a delicious twist on a family favorite – meatballs and a great riff on ground beef stroganoff!

But maybe you are wondering what is Beef Stroganoff anyway? Beef Stroganoff or Beef Stroganov is a Russian dish of sautéed beef served in a rich sauce. This dish is very popular around the world, with infinite variations on the original recipe like this one for ground beef stroganoff.

The meatballs are coated in a rich, creamy scratch-made stroganoff sauce. There are no canned soups of frozen meatballs here friends.  This meal is hearty, comforting, and delicious! 

If you are looking for a Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe for your slow cooker, click the link to go to my recipe. 

What ingredients are in this easy Meatball Stroganoff?

Elevate your meatball stroganoff game with a tantalizing blend of fresh ingredients! Succulent meatballs, savory seasonings, and creamy goodness, all without the canned soup mix or frozen meatballs. Taste the difference!

  • Ground Beef
  • onions
  • parsley
  • panko –
  • milk
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • egg
  • nutmeg
A person holding a plate of meatball stroganoff on a bed of buttered egg noodles.

How Do You Make Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe With Meatballs? 

Follow these simple instructions for a delightful meatball stroganoff experience: Brown meatballs, sauté onions, and mushrooms create a creamy sauce, add meatballs back in, simmer, and serve over noodles. Pure comfort in every bite!

  1. Prepare the meatball mix.
  2. Bake the meatballs in the oven.
  3. Cook the noodles.
  4. While the noodles cook and the meatballs bake, create the gravy.
  5. Toss it all together.
A pair of tongs holds up a meatball over the pan of luscious, creamy, brown gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

What meat should I use for homemade Beef Stroganoff?

In a traditional Beef Stroganoff, you would use beef stew meat. In this quick version, you will use ground beef. I use super lean ground beef and bake until golden brown so they don’t dry out. Other ground beef may be used, just remember to drain the oil. If following the weight watchers points, other percentages in fat will increase the points value. 

Which wine should I use in Beef Stroganoff?

I prefer dry white wine, but any wine will do, just be sure it’s one you enjoy the flavor of. 

Which Mustard should I use in Beef Stroganoff?

I prefer Grey Poupon. For those who do not care for mustard, omit it without replacement. 

Which Pasta should I serve with Beef Stroganoff?

Traditionally, egg noodles are used but you may swap that out for any noodle you prefer.

Can Beef Stroganoff be made ahead?

Yes! If I make this ahead, I leave the sour cream out of the sauce until after the reheat. 

Can Beef Stroganoff be frozen?

Yes, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can Beef Stroganoff be reheated?

Yes, microwave at half power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each additional interval of time.  

Ground Beef Stroganoff without cream of mushroom soup? 

Absolutely! Read the recipe card to see how easy it is to prepare. Of course, if you prefer, you can use the soup instead but this will greatly increase the fat and sodium content of your dish.

Beef Stroganoff Recipe Variations: 

Gluten-free Beef Stroganoff:

Swap the traditional Panko for a gluten-free variety. Also, serve on gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. 

Beef Stroganoff without Sour Cream or Dairy-Free Beef Stroganoff:

Omit the milk in the meat mixture and replace it with water. For the gravy, omit the sour cream altogether or replace it with vegan sour cream.

Beef Stroganoff without Pasta:

Absolutely! We serve this over rice or mashed potatoes, too! 

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe without Mushrooms: 

Easy! Omit the mushrooms. If you prefer you can not replace them with anything or you could replace them with onions for a twist on this dish. 

Beef Stroganoff for the slow cooker [paid link]/Crockpot/Crock pot:  

See my slow cooker [paid link] recipe:  Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe for your slow cooker

A meatball on a fork with a bite taken out of it. The interior of the meatball reveals herbs and spices.

Other Serving Suggestions:

Meatball Stroganoff pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular options to consider:

  1. Egg Noodles: The classic choice, serving Meatball Stroganoff over egg noodles creates a delicious and traditional combination.
  2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich flavors of the stroganoff sauce and meatballs.
  3. Rice: Serve Meatball Stroganoff over Steamed Rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
  4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful element to balance the richness of the stroganoff.
  5. Salad: A tossed green salad or a cucumber and tomato salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stroganoff.
  6. Biscuits: Garlic Cheddar Biscuits are perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
A pin image for easy meatball stroganoff.

Best Wine Pairings for Easy Meatball Stroganoff

Red Wine Pairings:

  1. Pinot Noir: This light to medium-bodied red wine pairs well with the richness of Meatball Stroganoff without overpowering the flavors.
  2. Merlot: With its smooth texture and flavors of red fruits, Merlot complements the savory meatballs and creamy sauce beautifully.
  3. Syrah/Shiraz: The bold and spicy character of Syrah or Shiraz can provide a nice contrast and enhance the robust flavors of the dish.

White Wine Pairings:

  1. Chardonnay: Opt for a lightly oaked Chardonnay to bring a touch of butteriness that complements the creamy sauce of Meatball Stroganoff.
  2. Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp and refreshing white wine offers a vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a balanced pairing.
  3. Riesling: For those who prefer a sweeter wine, a semi-sweet or off-dry Riesling can provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.

Rosé Wine Pairings:

  1. Dry Rosé: Look for a dry rosé with a good balance of acidity. Its versatility and refreshing nature make it a great choice for Meatball Stroganoff.
  2. Rosé of Pinot Noir: This delicate and fruity rosé brings a touch of elegance to the pairing, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Meatballs Stroganoff is made with a sour cream gravy which is very easy to prepare without the use of canned soups or condensed mixes. My Meatballs Stroganoff with Sour Cream Gravy Recipe is kid-friendly comfort food and is on the dinner menu tonight! 

Meatball Stroganoff

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
This easy Meatball Stroganoff is scratch-made in an easy-to-prepare sour cream gravy made without using canned soups or frozen meatballs. This family-friendly meal is ready in about 30-minutes! Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free suggestions included on the recipe card.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Entree, main meal
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 626 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles (about half a bag)

For the Meatballs:

  • 16 ounces lean ground beef [See note 1]
  • 1/4 cup  onion diced
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped, fresh
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk , or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 egg , beaten
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ground

For the Sour Cream Gravy

  • 16 ounces cremini mushrooms , sliced
  • 1 tablespoon  canola oil
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 3 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine [See note 2]
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup beef stock unsalted, cooking stock
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce [See note 3]
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard [See note 4]
  • Dash of nutmeg optional, to taste [See Note 5]

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet [paid link] with aluminum foil (optional for easy clean up) and set aside.
  • Next, bring a pot of liberally salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to the package directions, omitting. When finished, drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, while the water heats, prepare the meatball mix by combining panko and milk in the bottom of a large mixing bowl [paid link]. Allow mixture to soak for two minutes before adding the ground beef, fresh chopped parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg, beaten egg, and onions into the bowl. Gently combine the ingredients with your fingertips being careful not to compact the meat, which makes for dense meatballs. Shape beef mixture into 16 (1 ounce) meatballs; about 1 1/2 to 2-inches round.
  • Bake the meatballs in the oven on a prepared baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes; or until cooked through.
  • While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of your preferred oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onions and mushrooms to pan; sauté 6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and paprika.  Cook 1 minute.
  • Add wine to pan; cook (to burn off the alcohol) until the liquid almost evaporates.
  • Sprinkle flour evenly over mushroom mixture; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Add beef stock; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens. Remove pan from heat.
  • Stir in salt, pepper, sour cream, mustard, and nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  •  Add meatballs to sauce; toss to coat.
  • Spoon sauce and meatballs over cooked noodles.
  • Sprinkle evenly with additional chopped parsley.

Notes

  1. May also use a blend of ground beef and ground pork.
  2. I used Prosecco as it was what I had on hand already open in my wine chiller. Prosecco is a sparkling dry white wine with a hint of sweetness, that delivers flavors of pear, honey, and sweet peach. You may use any of your favorite dry white wines. If you wish to omit the wine, increase the beef stock (or water) by 1/2 cup. The sauce will suffer a distinct flavor-loss from the omission of the wine but will still be flavorful.
  3. Worcestershire sauce adds an extra little meaty flavor to the sauce. It’s great paired with mushrooms and beef – so it really adds a level of flavor to the sauce.
  4. Dijon mustard is a strong flavor, start with just a small amount so it doesn’t overpower the base. If you do not like mustard, or particularly dijon mustard, omit it. I use Grey Poupon brand dijon mustard.
  5. Don’t skip the nutmeg, it adds a certain distinction to any cream based sauce. A little bit goes a long way here- so adjust seasonings to your own tastes.
What meat should I use for homemade Beef Stroganoff?
In a traditional Beef Stroganoff, you would use beef stew meat. In this quick version, you will use ground beef. I use a super lean ground beef and bake until golden brown so they don’t dry out. Other ground beef may be used, just remember to drain the oil. If following the weight watchers points, other percentages in fat will increase the points value. 
Which wine should I use in Beef Stroganoff?
I prefer dry white wine, but any wine will do, just be sure it’s one you enjoy the flavor of. 
Which Mustard should I use in Beef Stroganoff?
I prefer Grey Poupon. For those who do not care for mustard, omit it without replacement. 
Which Pasta should I serve with Beef Stroganoff?
Traditionally, egg noodles are used but you may swap that out for any noodle you prefer.
Can Beef Stroganoff be made ahead?
Yes! If I make this ahead, I leave the sour cream out of the sauce until after the reheat. 
Can Beef Stroganoff be frozen?
Yes, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can Beef Stroganoff be reheated?
Yes, microwave at half power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each additional interval of time.  
Ground Beef Stroganoff without cream of mushroom soup? 
Absolutely! Read the recipe card to see how easy it is to prepare. Of course, if you prefer, you can use the soup instead but this will greatly increase the fat and sodium content of your dish.
 
 

Beef Stroganoff Recipe Variations: 

Gluten-free Beef Stroganoff:
Swap the traditional Panko for a gluten-free variety. Also, serve on gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. 
Beef Stroganoff without Sour Cream or Dairy-Free Beef Stroganoff:
Omit the milk in the meat mixture and replace with water. For the gravy, omit the sour cream altogether or replace with vegan sour cream.
Beef Stroganoff without Pasta:
Absolutely! We serve this over rice or mashed potatoes, too! 
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe without Mushrooms: 
Easy! Omit the mushrooms. If you prefer you can not replace them with anything or you could replace them with onions for a twist on this dish. 
Beef Stroganoff for the slow cooker/Crockpot/Crock pot:  
See my slow cooker [paid link] recipe:  Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe for your slow cooker
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (1/4 of the recipe and gravy)Calories: 626kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 42gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 1021mgPotassium: 1484mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 797IUVitamin C: 9mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 2mgVitamin K: 66µgCalcium: 153mgFolate: 88µgIron: 6mgZinc: 9mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

9 thoughts on “How to make easy meatball stroganoff with gravy”

  1. Hi! I made this for dinner tonight and it was delish! My husband and I both loved it. It was so much easier than slicing beef and tasted better. I just discovered your website and I’m so glad. Thanks!

    Reply
  2. This was amazing!!! I have tried several no-can stroganoff recipes and finally found THE ONE. Might thicken the sauce a bit more next time but the flavors were spot on!

    Reply
  3. I made this for my family tonight and it was a big hit!! The meatballs were tender and the sauce was delicious! Unfortunately I didn’t have any nutmeg (the dish was still amazing), but next time I will be sure to add it. Thank you for a great recipe that I will definitely be making again! :)

    Reply

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