Best Beef Stroganoff Recipes with Meatballs Ever

Legend has it that beef Stroganoff was created in the 1800s by a French chef working for the wealthy Russian Stroganov family. The dish was named after Count Pavel Stroganov, a distinguished Russian diplomat. Originally featuring tender strips of beef in a creamy sauce, this aristocratic meal won an award at the 1891 cooking contest in St. Petersburg before eventually making its way around the world, evolving with each culture it touched while maintaining its rich, comforting essence.

Beef stroganoff recipes with meatballs combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish. This fusion takes the creamy, savory goodness of traditional stroganoff and pairs it with tender, flavorful meatballs for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to put a creative spin on weeknight dinners or impress guests with something special yet familiar, these beef stroganoff recipes with meatballs deliver exceptional flavor with surprising ease. As someone who’s been perfecting stroganoff recipes for years, I’ve found that using meatballs instead of the typical sliced beef creates a more forgiving dish that’s perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

The meatballs hold their tenderness beautifully in the rich sauce, and they’re much easier to prepare consistently than perfectly cooked beef strips. In this comprehensive guide to beef stroganoff recipes with meatballs, I’ll share everything from essential ingredients to expert techniques, along with variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Let’s dive into this comforting classic with a twist!

What You’ll Need for Beef Stroganoff Recipes with Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Stroganoff Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Plate lined with paper towels (for draining meatballs)

How Do You Make Beef Stroganoff Recipes with Meatballs?

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Working in batches if necessary, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). They don’t need to be perfectly cooked as they’ll finish in the sauce.
6. Remove meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Stroganoff Sauce

1. In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

1. Reduce heat to low and return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and have absorbed some of the sauce flavors.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. (Adding it off-heat prevents curdling)
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 4: Serve

Serve your beef stroganoff with meatballs over egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or your preferred base. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Cook’s Tip: For the best flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork (3:1 ratio) in your meatballs. The pork adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness that complements the stroganoff sauce beautifully.

Tips for Making Beef Stroganoff Recipes with Meatballs

For Perfect Meatballs:

• Chill the meat mixture for 15-30 minutes before forming meatballs. This makes them easier to shape and helps them hold together better during cooking.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for uniformly sized meatballs that will cook evenly.
• Don’t pack the meatballs too tightly—a gentle touch results in more tender meatballs.
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture.

For the Best Stroganoff Sauce:

• Don’t rush browning the mushrooms—this process creates deep, rich flavor that makes your stroganoff exceptional.
• Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture. Low-fat versions can break or curdle more easily.
• Always take the pan off the heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
• For a more complex flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine or sherry after cooking the mushrooms and before adding the flour. Let it reduce by half before proceeding.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• The meatballs can be prepared and cooked up to 2 days in advance.
• The entire dish (minus the sour cream) can be made a day ahead. Reheat gently and stir in fresh sour cream just before serving.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Recipe Variations

Healthier Version:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for lighter meatballs.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

Spicy Stroganoff:

• Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
• Include 1 teaspoon of paprika (smoked or sweet) in the sauce.
• Stir in a tablespoon of prepared horseradish along with the sour cream.

Swedish-Inspired Version:

• Add 1/4 teaspoon of allspice and a pinch of nutmeg to the meatball mixture.
• Include a tablespoon of lingonberry jam (or cranberry sauce) in the stroganoff sauce.
• Garnish with fresh dill instead of parsley.

Dairy-Free Alternative:

• Replace butter with olive oil.
• Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free sour cream alternative for the sour cream.
• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of sour cream.

Other Serving Suggestions For Beef Stroganoff Recipes with Meatballs

While egg noodles are the traditional pairing for beef stroganoff recipes with meatballs, there are many other delicious options:

• Buttered rice or wild rice pilaf
• Creamy polenta
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Spaetzle or other European dumplings
• Crusty bread for sopping up the sauce
• Inside a baked potato
• Over steamed vegetables for a lower-carb option

Complete your meal with these complementary sides:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• Steamed green beans with slivered almonds
• Braised red cabbage (especially nice with the Swedish variation)

Related Recipes

If you enjoy this beef stroganoff recipe with meatballs, you might also like these comfort food classics:

• Shaved Beef Recipes
• 10 Delicious Canned Beef Recipes
• Ultimate Beef Stew Seasoning Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Based on 4 servings

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg

Have you tried making beef stroganoff with meatballs before? What’s your favorite way to serve this comforting dish? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Do you prefer your stroganoff sauce more tangy or creamy? Let me know if you’ve tried any of these variations!

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