Healthy Ground Beef Stroganoff

This healthy ground beef Stroganoff recipe is cozy comfort in a bowl with a creamy, savory sauce and tender mushrooms. It’s a lightened-up classic you’ll love making again and again!

Jump to: ℹ️ Overview | 🛒 Ingredients | 📷 How To Make | 📹 Watch The Video | 👩‍🍳 Recipe Tips | 🍚 Serving Suggestions | 📝 Full Recipe Card | 🍽 More Ground Beef Recipes

This healthy ground beef stroganoff recipe is my lighter spin on a beloved classic. With lean ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy yet light sauce, this dish has rich, savory flavors with fewer calories than traditional recipes. I make it when I crave something comforting but that’s a little friendlier on the waistline.

Baby spinach adds an extra nutrients, and using light sour cream keeps the sauce creamy without all the extra calories. Plus, you get a satisfying serving of protein — about 30 grams per serving with roughly 350 calories, plus whatever you serve it over.

👩‍🍳 For more satisfying yet healthy dinner meals check out my steak and mushroom sauce, chicken paprikash, beef and mushroom stew, meatball stew, curry meatballs, or vegetarian lentil mushroom Stroganoff.

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need for this ground beef stroganoff recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

• Aromatics: Onion and garlic bring depth and aroma to the base.
• Lean protein: Ground beef, 93-95% lean, keeps this dish flavorful without excess calories. Ground chicken or turkey would also work in this recipe.
• Veggies: Mushrooms and baby spinach add texture, earthiness, and extra nutrients.
• Flavor boosters: Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and soy sauce for umami-packed flavor.
• Creamy elements: Light sour cream for creaminess without the heaviness; a touch of flour helps thicken the sauce.
• Optional add-In: Tomato paste for a richer sauce and extra acidity —optional, but highly recommended! I almost always use it but forgot to add it to the photos and video.

How To Make Ground Beef Stroganoff

Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for how to make a healthy ground beef stroganoff.

• Cook aromatics: Sauté onions in olive oil for a couple of minutes until softened.
• Add beef: Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink.

• Add flavor & mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms, garlic, salt, pepper, Dijon, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and chicken stock. Add optional tomato paste for extra richness.
• Simmer: Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Add spinach: Stir in spinach until wilted, then sprinkle in flour and stir to thicken.
• Finish: Add light sour cream, adjust seasoning, and serve over pasta, rice, or quinoa.

Watch The Video

Tips & Tricks

• Thickening tip: Sift flour in slowly to avoid clumps, stirring well.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative, like cashew or coconut cream.
• Add more greens: For extra veggies, throw in chopped kale or zucchini.
• Boost the protein: For a heartier meal, serve over lentil or chickpea pasta. Using ground chicken or turkey will give you loads of protein with fewer calories.
• Extra umami: A dash of soy sauce or fish sauce can add even more savory depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your ground beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or any other pasta for a classic feel, or go lighter with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. You could also try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of flavor!

More Ground Beef Recipes