Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

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Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, this Homemade Meatball Stroganoff is everything you crave in a cozy dinner. Juicy, browned meatballs nestle into a luscious mushroom and sour cream sauce that clings to buttery egg noodles. It’s the kind of skillet meal that makes the whole house smell amazing and gets everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?”

This recipe offers a satisfying twist on the classic beef stroganoff, swapping sliced beef for tender meatballs that soak up all the creamy goodness. Whether you’re serving a crowd or prepping for the week ahead, it’s a one-pan wonder you’ll make again and again.

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What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Meatball Stroganoff?

For meatballs that are moist and flavorful, I recommend using a blend of ground beef and pork. The beef provides structure and deep flavor, while the pork adds fat and richness, keeping the meatballs from drying out. If you’re avoiding pork, all-beef meatballs will still work beautifully—just consider adding a splash of milk or grated onion to keep things tender.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

Ground beef and ground pork – The base of the meatballs; using a mix helps balance flavor and texture.

Breadcrumbs – These act as a binder and keep the meatballs light, not dense.

Egg – Essential for holding the meat mixture together.

Garlic and onion – For depth and savory flavor in both the meatballs and the sauce.

Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce – Adds brightness and umami to the sauce.

Cremini or button mushrooms – A must for stroganoff; they provide earthy richness and pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Beef broth – Creates the flavorful base of the sauce.

Sour cream – The star of stroganoff sauce; it makes everything creamy and tangy.

Egg noodles – The perfect pasta for soaking up the sauce; their texture complements the meatballs well.

Fresh parsley – For a burst of color and freshness just before serving.

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How To Make the Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make them tough. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a tray.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches to avoid crowding, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in sliced mushrooms and the remaining chopped onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and the onions are translucent.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, letting it coat the mushrooms. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return the browned meatballs to the pan and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and juicy.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Let it gently warm through, but avoid boiling to prevent curdling. The sauce should be rich, smooth, and beautifully creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Cook your egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain. Add them to the skillet or serve the stroganoff over a bed of noodles. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

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Serving and Storing Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

This dish is best served warm, straight from the skillet over a bed of buttery egg noodles or mashed potatoes. If you want a low-carb option, try spooning the creamy meatballs over cauliflower mash or zucchini ribbons.

For storing leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. This dish also freezes well—just leave out the noodles and freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatball stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently and cook fresh noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to add moisture like milk or grated onion to keep the meatballs juicy.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or a mix of cream cheese and a splash of lemon juice. The flavor will be slightly different, but still deliciously creamy.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and serve with gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes. Check that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles well! Just use a large enough skillet or cook the meatballs in batches. It’s a great make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prep.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

Green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad are great additions to balance the richness of the stroganoff.

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Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this hearty Homemade Meatball Stroganoff, here are more comfort-filled dinners to try next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta – rich, savory, and perfect for pasta lovers.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce – a cheesy, kid-friendly favorite.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta – bold, flavorful, and easy for weeknights.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli – loaded with textures and flavors.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – nostalgic comfort in every bite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find on your next cozy night in.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different kind of mushroom? Maybe a splash of white wine? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Check out more of my daily recipe creations and get inspired over on Pinterest @Life with Nina — from skillet meals to sweet treats, there’s something delicious waiting for you!

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