Potato Stroganoff Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Potato Stroganoff Recipe with friends because it feels like a cozy, comforting hug on a plate. The creamy, savory sauce loaded with tender ground beef and perfectly cooked slices of potato is an unbeatable combo in my book. Every time I make it, the rich flavors and gooey melted cheese on top remind me why this has become one of my favorite weeknight meals to revisit again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Potato Stroganoff Recipe

When I think about this Potato Stroganoff Recipe, what really excites me is how the flavors come together in such a wonderfully satisfying way. The Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the sour cream and beef, creating a tangy, creamy sauce that clings to each tender potato slice. The browned ground beef adds this hearty, meaty depth, while the mozzarella cheese baked on top brings a golden, melty finish that is pure indulgence. Every bite is like a perfect balance of comfort and flavor that just warms you from the inside out.

On top of the amazing taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is – it doesn’t demand complicated ingredients or fancy techniques. It’s mostly one-pan cooking, and layering those potatoes right in the skillet before baking makes the process so simple. I especially recommend it for those chilly nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone appreciates hearty, home-cooked food. Honestly, this Potato Stroganoff Recipe is the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an organized arrangement of cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the top center, there is a white bowl with thick white sour cream. To its bottom left is a white plate with a round, raw, pink ground beef ball. Below the plate, several small white bowls hold different ingredients: chopped pale onion, a pool of brown beef broth, and a bowl of white flour, each spaced out evenly. Surrounding these are small white ramekins containing white garlic powder, white salt, and black pepper. To the right of the sour cream is a cluster of three light brown potatoes. The ingredients are neat with clear textures and colors visible, and the whole layout has a bright, clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Potato Stroganoff Recipe are straightforward, yet they each play a crucial part in delivering the dish’s delicious flavor and comforting texture. Using simple, everyday items guarantees a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Olive oil: I rely on this for a light, flavorful base to sauté the onions and garlic.
Medium onion (finely diced): Adds a delicate sweetness that softens beautifully in the sauce.
Garlic cloves (finely chopped): Give the dish a robust, aromatic foundation.
Ground beef (1 1/2 lb): The heart of the stroganoff, giving it rich and savory depth.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps to thicken the sauce just right without clumping.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a tangy punch that brightens the creamy sauce.
Sour cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, velvety texture essential to the stroganoff experience.
Beef broth (2 cups): Adds moisture and deepens the meaty flavors while cooking the potatoes.
Russet potatoes (3 medium, peeled and sliced): Their starchy nature ensures they become tender and soak up all that savory goodness.
Mozzarella (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that I can’t resist.
Salt and ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmonious balance.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant but not browned. This step builds the aromatic foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon or spatula and cook until nicely browned all over, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. This browning is key to developing the rich, beefy flavor.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked beef and stir it through thoroughly. Let it cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste while helping the sauce thicken later.

Step 4: Stir in the Dijon mustard and sour cream, mixing well to combine everything into a creamy mixture. The mustard adds a lovely brightness that balances the richness.

Step 5: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken while still maintaining enough liquid for the potatoes to cook through.

Step 6: While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) to get ready for that final baking step.

Step 7: Layer the sliced potatoes evenly on top of the simmering sauce right in the skillet. Carefully transfer it to the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.

Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the potato layer, and bake again on the top rack for an additional 5 minutes. Watch closely for the cheese to become melty and beautifully golden.

Step 9: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Potato Stroganoff Recipe makes enough to serve 6 people generously, which is perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends. The prep time takes about 15 minutes, mostly chopping and assembling ingredients, while the simmering and baking steps take around 55 minutes combined. Altogether, you’ll spend roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish, plus the resting time at the end to achieve the best texture and flavor. It’s a meal that requires a bit of patience but rewards you with comforting satisfaction.

How to Serve This Potato Stroganoff Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white baked dish with creamy layers inside. There are two main layers visible: a beige, creamy sauce mixed with small brown bits on top, and thin, slightly translucent yellow slices underneath, likely potatoes. The sauce looks smooth but slightly chunky, and there are small green herbs sprinkled on the surface. The dish shows some baked brown spots around the edges and where some of the layers have been scooped out. The background is a white marbled surface with a bit of a blue cloth peeking in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve this Potato Stroganoff Recipe, I like to keep things simple so all that rich, creamy goodness shines through. It’s fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli adds a nice contrast and freshness to the plate. I also love serving it with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

For presentation, I sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that livens up the rich dish. If you want to impress guests, placing individual portions in warm ramekins before garnishing adds a cozy touch. As for beverages, a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a robust Pinot Noir complements the beef and creamy sauce perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic pairings, I recommend iced tea with a twist of lemon or a sparkling water infused with cucumber—it balances the meal wonderfully.

I typically serve this dish hot or warm, right after that resting period, because the flavors are at their peak and the cheese is still beautifully gooey. It’s ideal for a comforting weeknight meal but also elegant enough for a casual dinner party. Portion wise, I find one hearty scoop per person is satisfying, and leftovers still reheat beautifully for the next day.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Potato Stroganoff Recipe is how easy it is to customize depending on your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, I sometimes substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, which still keeps the dish flavorful but reduces some richness. If you want to make it vegetarian, swapping the beef broth for mushroom broth and using sautéed mushrooms instead of meat works beautifully. Adding a touch of smoked paprika or fresh thyme can deepen the flavor profile in interesting ways.

For a gluten-free adaptation, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Vegan versions can be made using a plant-based meat substitute, dairy-free sour cream, and a non-dairy cheese, which I’ve done with great results when friends come over. If you’re in a hurry, a slow cooker variation is also possible: you can brown the beef and build the sauce on the stovetop, then layer everything in a crockpot and let it cook low and slow for a few hours.

Playing with the cheese is fun too – I sometimes swap mozzarella for smoked gouda or Gruyère for a richer, nuttier finish, which adds a nice twist to the classic. The versatility of this dish means you can really make it your own without losing the cozy essence that makes the Potato Stroganoff Recipe so wonderful.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the Potato Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers works great for preserving the flavor and texture. Before storing, try to let the dish cool to room temperature so condensation doesn’t make the potatoes mushy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well, which is perfect if you want to make it ahead on a busy week. To freeze, portion the stroganoff into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It keeps best for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the stroganoff gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to reincorporate the sauce and prevent sticking. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Microwaving works too, but watch carefully to avoid overheating, which can dry out the potatoes. Reheating in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil is another great option for preserving texture and melting the cheese again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato in this Potato Stroganoff Recipe?

Absolutely! While Russet potatoes work best because of their starchy texture that softens nicely, you can also try Yukon Gold for a creamier bite or red potatoes if you prefer a waxier texture. Just adjust the cooking time since waxier potatoes may cook faster.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this Potato Stroganoff Recipe freezes well. Just be sure to cool it thoroughly before freezing and use air-tight, freezer-safe containers. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to keep the best texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and layer the potatoes a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, adding the mozzarella cheese towards the end of baking for that perfect melty finish.

How can I make this Potato Stroganoff recipe vegan?

To veganize it, swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or hearty mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and replace sour cream and mozzarella with vegan alternatives. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Can I use a slow cooker for this Potato Stroganoff Recipe?

You can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the spicy mustard and sour cream near the end so it doesn’t curdle, and layer the potatoes so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Potato Stroganoff Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, satisfying embrace after a long day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple to make, hitting all the right notes for a comfort meal that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe never disappoints. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful!