Creamy Beef Stroganoff Bake

Ultimate Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole: A Hearty Family Favorite

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food experience: a delectable Beef Stroganoff Casserole. This dish takes the classic, beloved flavors of beef stroganoff – savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and tender onions, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, gravy-like sauce – and transforms them into an effortless, family-style casserole. Served over a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles and topped with golden breadcrumbs, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that epitomizes satisfying home cooking.

pan of Beef Stroganoff Casserole with a spoon
A close-up of the delicious Beef Stroganoff Casserole, ready to be served.

Why This Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a Must-Try


This beef stroganoff casserole recipe isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a culinary triumph that brings together all the complex, satisfying elements of traditional stroganoff in a convenient, family-friendly baked dish. Here’s why this version stands out and will quickly become a staple in your rotation:

  • Classic Flavors, Modern Convenience: We’ve taken the timeless combination of succulent beef, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a rich, tangy sour cream sauce, and cleverly reimagined it in an easy-to-assemble casserole format. This means less stovetop time and more hands-off baking, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Budget-Friendly and Delicious: While classic stroganoff often calls for pricier cuts of beef, our recipe intelligently uses ground beef. This not only makes the dish significantly more economical but also speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing any of that signature hearty flavor. Ground beef offers a wonderfully crumbly texture that blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
  • Effortless Meal Prep: This casserole is a dream for meal planning. It comes together quickly and easily, making it an ideal candidate for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The preparation steps are straightforward, suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Family-Approved Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, baked casserole. This beef stroganoff casserole delivers on that promise with its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture that appeals to everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
  • Even Better Leftovers: If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftovers, you’re in for a treat! This casserole reheats beautifully, often tasting even more delicious the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. It’s perfect for packed lunches or another quick dinner.

Related Recipe – Ground Beef Stroganoff: For those who prefer a traditional stovetop version with ground beef, check out our related recipe!

plate of Beef Stroganoff Casserole
A perfectly plated serving of Beef Stroganoff Casserole, showcasing its rich, creamy texture.

Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Beef Stroganoff Casserole


To create this irresistible beef stroganoff casserole, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that combine to form its signature rich flavor profile. You can find all specific measurements, quantities, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this comprehensive guide. Here’s a quick overview of the essential components:

ingredients for Beef Stroganoff Casserole
All the fresh ingredients laid out, ready for cooking this delicious casserole.

Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions


Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing what substitutions you can make will help you customize this beef stroganoff casserole to your taste and pantry availability. Let’s dive into the details:

BEEF – Our recipe utilizes ground beef for its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and ease of preparation. We recommend an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can certainly use traditional cuts like boneless ribeye, top sirloin, or sirloin tips, sliced into thin strips. However, keep in mind that these will require a different browning method (often searing quickly) and may impact the overall cooking time and texture of the casserole. For a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works well, but you might want to add a bit more butter or oil when sautéing vegetables to compensate for less fat. For a richer flavor profile, consider a mix of ground beef and ground veal.

SAUCE – The heart of any great stroganoff is its creamy, flavorful sauce. Ours gets its characteristic richness and depth from several key ingredients:

  • Sour Cream: This is non-negotiable for authentic stroganoff flavor and creaminess. For best results, use full-fat sour cream. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter alternative, Greek yogurt can be used, but ensure it’s plain and full-fat to prevent curdling, and add it off the heat.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This provides a crucial umami depth and savory tang. If you do not like Worcestershire sauce, a low-sodium soy sauce is a good substitute, or for a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. You can also omit it entirely, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle pungency and complexity that cuts through the richness of the cream. If Dijon isn’t your preference, spicy brown mustard or even regular yellow mustard can work in a pinch, though Dijon offers the most refined flavor. For those sensitive to mustard, it can be omitted, but consider adding a touch more Worcestershire or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Mushrooms and Onion: These classic stroganoff vegetables are fundamental for flavor and texture. We typically use cremini (baby bella) mushrooms for their robust flavor, but white button mushrooms are also perfectly fine. For a more intense mushroom flavor, consider wild mushrooms or dried porcini rehydrated and chopped. A large white onion provides a sweet, aromatic base. Yellow onions or even shallots could be used as well.

EGG NOODLES – Wide egg noodles are the traditional choice for stroganoff due to their tender texture and ability to soak up the creamy sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even broad fettuccine. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before adding them to the casserole to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.

BREADCRUMBS – A golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole. Italian breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned, making them an easy choice. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Delicious Beef Stroganoff Casserole


These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize exactly how to make this comforting beef stroganoff casserole. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

  1. Cook the Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften during baking. Drain thoroughly and transfer the cooked noodles to your 13×9 casserole dish, spreading them evenly.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease thoroughly. Transfer the cooked beef to a separate bowl and set aside. ground beef in a skillet
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the chopped mushrooms, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent and lightly golden. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. mushrooms and onion in a skillet with garlic
  4. Create the Roux and Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet, stirring well to ensure all vegetables are coated. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce should be rich and velvety. beef stock roux with mushroom and onions
  5. Assemble the Stroganoff Mixture: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, the previously browned ground beef, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Crucially, now is the time to stir in the sour cream. Adding it off the heat prevents it from curdling, ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce. Pour this rich stroganoff mixture over the egg noodles in the casserole dish. Gently stir everything together, making sure all the noodles are thoroughly coated in the sauce. This prevents them from drying out or becoming crunchy during baking. sour cream over ground beef stroganoffstroganoff in a skillet
  6. Add the Crispy Topping and Bake: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining butter. Add the Italian breadcrumbs and toss until they are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the stroganoff in the casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the contents are bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. breadcrumbs on top of beef stroganoff casserole
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success


Can I make this Beef Stroganoff Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, excluding the breadcrumb topping, up to one day in advance. Tightly wrap it with plastic wrap or cover with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Then, add the breadcrumb mixture just before baking to ensure it gets perfectly crispy and golden.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers of this beef stroganoff casserole are truly delicious and make for excellent future meals. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For oven reheating, cover loosely with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. For microwave reheating, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce appears a bit thick or dry upon reheating, add a small splash of beef broth or water to help loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency.

Can I freeze Beef Stroganoff Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it and do not add the breadcrumb topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as instructed, possibly adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still quite cold.

What if I don’t like mushrooms?

While mushrooms are a signature ingredient in stroganoff, you can certainly omit them if they’re not to your taste. The casserole will still be flavorful and delicious. If you want to add another vegetable, consider finely diced carrots or celery sautéed with the onions, or a handful of frozen peas stirred in with the ground beef before baking.

fork of Beef Stroganoff Casserole
A close-up of a forkful of the creamy Beef Stroganoff Casserole, perfectly showing off the noodles and rich sauce.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions


This beef stroganoff casserole is incredibly filling and satisfying all on its own, making it a complete meal. However, you can elevate the dining experience with a few thoughtful side dishes and garnishes:

  • Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
  • Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty baguette, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce.
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the hearty dish with some vibrant, healthy vegetables. Great options include steamed broccoli, green beans (perhaps with a touch of butter and lemon), roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots.
  • Pickled Vegetables: For an extra layer of flavor and acidity, consider serving with a side of dill pickles or pickled onions, which cut through the richness beautifully.
  • Aromatic Garnishes: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of extra sour cream for an elegant touch and added freshness.
  • Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a dry white like a Chardonnay can pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of the stroganoff.

Serve this comforting casserole with your chosen accompaniments and watch it disappear!

Explore More Delicious Casserole Recipes


If you love the convenience and comfort of a hearty casserole, you’re in the right place! Here are some more of our favorite casserole recipes that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep:

  • Taco Casserole
  • John Wayne Casserole
  • Ground Beef Casserole
  • Chicken Stuffing Casserole
  • Mexican Chicken Casserole
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • Crockpot John Wayne Casserole
  • 7 Layer Casserole
  • Tuna Casserole
  • Crockpot Ground Beef Casserole
  • Lasagna Roll Ups

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Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Beef stroganoff casserole is a hearty weeknight dinner the whole family will love thanks to its rich flavors and creamy sauce.





5 from 21 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
45 minutes
Calories: 567
Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef 80/20
  • 5 Tbsp butter
  • 8 oz mushrooms washed and chopped
  • 1 large white onion finely chopped, about 1 cup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 ½ cups beef stock or broth
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Things You’ll Need

  • 13×9 baking dish
  • Large skillet

Before You Begin

  • Make sure all of the noodles are covered in the sauce before baking or the noodles will get crunchy.
  • For optimal flavor, use fresh mushrooms and onions. Their natural moisture and aroma will significantly enhance the sauce.
  • Always cook your noodles al dente for casseroles, as they will finish cooking and soften in the oven.

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and add to your casserole dish.
  • In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.
  • To the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter, the chopped mushrooms, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Dust the vegetables in the skillet with flour and stir until all vegetables are coated. Slowly pour in the beef stock, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Bring to a simmer and let thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, the browned ground beef, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Pour this rich stroganoff mixture on top of the egg noodles in the casserole dish, stirring slightly to ensure all noodles are evenly covered.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining butter. Add the Italian breadcrumbs and toss until coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of the stroganoff. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the contents are bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving (1 cup) |
Calories: 567cal |
Carbohydrates: 40g |
Protein: 25g |
Fat: 34g |
Saturated Fat: 16g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 126mg |
Sodium: 611mg |
Potassium: 738mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 509IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 114mg |
Iron: 4mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.