Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

Savory Meatball Stroganoff Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a hearty meatball stroganoff brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Succulent spheres of seasoned meat nestle into a creamy, tangy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender beef morsels swim in a rich, velvety blend of sour cream and herbs.

Pasta serves as the perfect canvas for this classic Eastern European dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable combination of flavors and textures.

Polish and Russian culinary traditions merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Serving Suggestions For Meatball Stroganoff

  • Create a warm, inviting meal experience by serving meatball stroganoff in large, rustic ceramic bowls. Pair with soft garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete comfort food feast that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Elevate the dish by plating individual portions on white plates with a small parsley garnish. Drizzle extra sauce around the meatballs and place a delicate sprig of fresh herbs on top. Serve with a glass of medium-bodied red wine to complement the rich flavors.

How To Store Meatball Stroganoff

  • Transfer leftover meatball stroganoff to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack the cooled meatball stroganoff in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm the stored meatball stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore sauce consistency if it has thickened during storage.

FAQs

  • Can I use only ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with additional ground beef. The mix of meats adds more flavor, but using only ground beef will still produce delicious meatballs.

  • How can I make the meatballs more tender?

Add a bit more milk or use breadcrumbs soaked in milk. This helps keep the meatballs moist and prevents them from becoming tough during baking.

  • Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard in the sauce?

Dijon mustard adds depth and tanginess to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular mustard, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Comforting Meatball Stroganoff To Enjoy

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into a slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious time and energy.
  • Customize Comfort: Adjust spice levels with cayenne pepper, swap beans, or add extra toppings to make this chili uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Packed with protein, beans, and creamy texture, this white chicken chili appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor combine in this single-pot recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients For Hearty Meatball Stroganoff

For the Meatballs:
  • Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich, meaty flavor and juiciness to the meatballs.
  • Ground Pork: Adds extra depth and moisture to the meatball mixture.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and create a tender texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a savory, nutty flavor and helps hold the meatballs together.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatballs compact and moist.
  • Milk: Softens the meat mixture and helps create a tender meatball.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, tangy depth of flavor to the meatballs.
For the Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic base flavors that enhance the meat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Create a well-rounded seasoning profile for the meatballs.
For the Sauce:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the stroganoff sauce.
  • Mushrooms: Add an earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture to the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and create a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy and slightly tangy character.
For the Serving and Garnish:
  • Egg Noodles, Rice: Serve as the perfect base for the meatball stroganoff.
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

How To Prepare Meatball Stroganoff Easily

Step 1: Crafting Hearty Meatballs

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Thoroughly mix the ingredients until everything blends beautifully. Shape the mixture into round meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Step 2: Baking the Perfect Meatballs

Warm up your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and cook completely through.

Step 3: Building the Creamy Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Melt butter and toss in finely chopped onions, cooking until they turn soft and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and let them release their moisture and caramelize slightly.

Sprinkle minced garlic and cook for a quick minute.

Step 4: Creating the Sauce Base

Dust flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

This helps thicken the sauce and adds depth of flavor. Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Finishing the Sauce

Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and creamy sour cream. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Bringing Everything Together

Gently add the baked meatballs into the sauce, coating each one generously.

Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 7: Serving the Dish

Ladle the meatball stroganoff over warm egg noodles or fluffy rice.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips For Creamy Meatball Stroganoff Sauce

  • Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use a combination of ground beef and pork for richer, more complex flavor profile and juicier meatballs.
  • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs; mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-grated options.

Variations For Meatball Stroganoff To Try

  • Turkey Meatball Stroganoff: Replace ground beef and pork with lean ground turkey for a lighter, healthier version of the classic dish.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff: Swap meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted portobello mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy flavors.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Meatball Stroganoff: Add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture and incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Stroganoff: Use ground lamb instead of beef and pork, and add herbs like oregano and mint to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
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Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

Meatball Stroganoff Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade meatball stroganoff delivers comfort from Russian culinary traditions with tender beef morsels in creamy sauce. Rich flavors combine classic ingredients for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a baking sheet for the meatballs.
  2. Create meatball mixture by blending ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat mixture.
  4. Shape the mixture into uniform 1-1.5 inch diameter meatballs, placing them carefully on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Roast meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  6. While meatballs are baking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  7. Sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and softened.
  8. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release moisture and develop a rich, caramelized appearance.
  9. Introduce minced garlic and cook for one minute to release its aromatic flavors.
  10. Dust the mixture with flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  11. Slowly pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth base.
  12. Incorporate Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.
  13. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  14. Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce, coating them completely and simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
  15. Plate the meatball stroganoff over warm egg noodles or rice.
  16. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking and presentation.
  • Mix meat mixture gently to prevent tough meatballs, using light hand when combining ingredients.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Swap ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Create vegetarian version using plant-based meatballs or mushroom-based protein substitutes.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting flour quantity or using cornstarch as alternative thickener.
  • Enhance flavor by using homemade beef broth or adding splash of red wine to sauce.
  • Prepare meatballs ahead and freeze for quick weeknight meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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