Creamy low carb beef stroganoff made with ground beef, mushrooms and onions, in a tasty sour cream sauce flavored with brandy, herbs, and spice. Serve over low carb keto noodles or cauliflower rice.
Beef stroganoff is a comfort food favorite for cooler evenings or chilly winter nights. Although strips of steak are traditional in stroganoff, this easier and faster hamburger stroganoff recipe promises great flavor with just a few tweaks.
The mark of a good stroganoff is flavor. It’s a dish which builds flavor in the pan as each ingredient is cooked. This type of cooking takes a little time – not a lot of time, but more time than today’s typical cooks who are often rushed for time.
Making beef stroganoff with ground beef, or hamburger stroganoff, is a lifesaver for those who need to get dinner on the table fast! There is no need to trim and cut the steak, just put the ground beef in the pan and cook.
If your family is anything like mine, then your kids love ground beef.
My kids proclaim anything made with hamburger their “favorite” dinner. So I make sure to have cooked ground beef in the freezer to turn into quick weeknight meals like skillet chili, sloppy Joes or this low carb beef stroganoff.
How to Make Beef Stroganoff With Ground Beef
- Brown and remove mushrooms.
- Sauté onions then add ground beef and cook.
- Add brandy, beef base, the mushrooms and simmer gently.
- Stir in the cream cheese, and sour cream.
- Sprinkle with parsley and a hint of lemon zest.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or cabbage noodles.
So, how is this particular beef stroganoff recipe low carb? There is no flour or starch to thicken the sauce. Instead, I use less liquid and bump the flavor with a little beef base. It’s a great trick.
NOTE: To get great tasting thick sauces without adding flour or starch, use less liquid and bump the flavor with chicken base, beef base, a little wine, vermouth, dry sherry or brandy. Also, make sure to build flavor in the pan when you can.
Low Carb Beef Stroganoff (ground beef stroganoff)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup onions, chopped or sliced (1 ounce)
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 tbsp brandy
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp beef base (I like Better than Bouillon)
- 2 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese. softened
- 1 cup full fat sour cream
- 1-2 pinches grated nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Serve Over: (Cabbage Noodles or Cauliflower Rice)
- 12 oz cabbage, cut into thin strips then fried in a pan until tender (8.3 g net carbs per serving with the cabbage)
- 12 oz cauliflower rice (raw weight), fried in a pan or steamed (7.87 g net carbs per serving with the cauliflower rice)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Gather ingredients. Cook cabbage or cauliflower rice and keep warm. Slice mushrooms and onions.
Method:
- Heat a medium-large pan over medium heat until hot. Add 2 tbsp butter and swirl to coat. Add the mushrooms and spread evenly in the pan. Leave to cook for 2 minutes (or until browned) then turn them over, cooking for another 1 1/2.
- Push the mushrooms to the sides of the pan and add the remaining tbsp of butter to the middle of the pan with the onions and saute until softened. Remove the mushrooms and onions from the pan.
- Cook the ground beef in the pan, breaking it up into small pieces, until just cooked through. Add the brandy, beef base, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well.
- Scrape the mushroom mixture (and any accumulated liquid) back into the pan with the ground beef, sprinkle the nutmeg over the top and let some of the liquid simmer off. Add the cream cheese, stirring to melt. Stir in the sour cream and simmer gently until thickened. Stir in the parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked cabbage noodles or cooked cauliflower rice. Serves 4.
NOTE:
- The beef stroganoff is 4.6 g net carbs per serving on its own. Served over cabbage noodles it’s 8.3 g net carbs. Served over cauliflower rice it’s 7.87 g net carbs.
- If you have a higher carb tolerance, this low carb stroganoff is delicious over cooked spaghetti squash.
Nutrition
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
This was really good! I didn’t have brandy, so subbed 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar, served over spaghetti squash. It was a perfect last dinner before my daughter heads back to college tomorrow. Thank you for a great recipe!
I really enjoyed this recipe and will be making it again. I served it over spaghetti squash “noodles” and everyone ate it. I did have to make a few changes just based on what I had on hand. I didn’t have brandy so I just omitted it completely and added a few tiny splashes of red wine vinegar, I didn’t have better than buillion so I used a couple cubes of store brand buillion cubes and added a few dashes or dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried thyme to make up for the lack of flavor that regular buillion has in comparison. Also I ended up only having about 3/4 cup of sour cream to use so I added what I had and then 1/4 cup water and it still came out great! Just wanted to throw that out there so others are aware of possible things that can try if they end up short on ingredients like I was.
I more than doubled the recipe, and served it to seven people from ages 13 to 65, It was a huge hit! Thank you for the recipe…I will certainly be making it again.
I’m so happy it was well received, Penelope! Have a wonderful weekend. -Kim
Easy and delicious! Nutmeg and sour cream added a lot of depth!
This is a great low carb meal. I put it over soybean noodles. What other flavors can I add? Do you think it can take paprika or chili powder? Any other herbs or cheeses? It made enough so I will have many leftovers.
Thanks
Nathan
Paprika will be classic for sure, Nathan. You can experiment with different herbs and cheeses. I might try thyme, oregano or basil for herbs and a smoked cheese may be fun, -Kim
My wife and me loved this. We used ground bison instead on hamburger but this is differently a keeper in the menu line-up.
I’m so glad, Dan. Thanks! -Kim
This was quick and easy. I substituted Port wine for brandy because I didn’t have any in the house. Also, I added Paprika which is a key, traditional ingredient in Beef Stroganoff. It doesn’t have to be imported Hungarian Paprika, any brand will do. Just don’t use the hot Paprika!
Yummy recipe! I actually used leftover beef roast and it turned out great! Thank you for sharing!
My hubby and I love this recipe!!! I substituted a dry white wine for the brandy, which was very good. We served this over cabbage I cooked in my instant pot. So delicious! It reminds me of the stroganoff my mother made when I was a kid.
Served over blanched cauliflower florets. This is a quick and delicious meal.
My husband and I both LOVE this recipe. I omitted the brandy and used 2 tsp tamari sauce since I did not have the beef base. It is awesome!
Hi Kim,
I would love to make a version of this with beef stew instead of ground beef and also in the crock pot. Do you have suggestions on the liquid? I am afraid if I use better than bouillon it will not be enough liquid. Thanks in advance!
Hi Laura. Make sure to brown the beef before putting it in the crock pot and use some water to get all of that caramelized meat juice from the pan. That will help you build flavor. Because crock pots make water, you can use less water than what you think, especially if you are going to put the mushrooms in the crock pot raw. Use the better than bouillon to add more flavor and to help season the stroganoff. That’s about all the advice I have since I haven’t made this in a crock pot yet. Make sure to add the cream cheese and sour cream last, just before serving or they will curdle. -Kim
This was my first time using cream cheese in a beef stroganoff recipe, so I was a little apprehensive. I am so glad I decided to try it! It was delicious. I used kitchen bouquet for the browning sauce. I also used 1/2 cup beef broth for simmering. I like mine a tad bit saucier than the recipe is. I added a pinch of paprika as well. Stroganoff and paprika just go together. I used a little bit of red wine vinegar, I don’t have alcohol in the house. 😁
Thanks so much for sharing! It really is awesome!
This was unbelievably bland, I had to add way lore seasoning to make it palatable.
I’m sorry you felt this recipe was bland, SR. Everyone’s taste buds are different. Thank you for your feedback. Have a nice day. -Kim
Made this for dinner. Was excellent. Thanks!
For my taste it was a little heavy on sour cream and I ended up adding a half cup of beef bullion and doubled up the whiskey that I used instead of Brandy. I also added garlic powder to the mix. Once I did that it was awesome and will do this receive again.
So delicious!!! I can’t believe how yummy this was…total comfort food. I didn’t have any Brandy on hand but I had cooking Sherry so I used that. Paired it with Right Rice and wow, this is definitely a keeper! Thank you!
Absolutely wonderful recipe. So very rich and satisfying! Hubs, that does not eat low carb loved it which is always my goal so mealtime will be simple! I ate mine with fettuccine style Miracle Noodle and my husband at his mixed with regular noodles. Thanks for a really great recipe.
Great tasting dish. Easy recipe to follow. Made it for the first time and everyone raved how good it tasted. We will be making this again. Thank you for the recipe!!
This recipe is missing ingredients. First, stroganoff has garlic in it. Second, there was no liquid to simmer off. Added the bullion base but no liquid. I ended up with “glop.” After trying to eat it, put it back in the pan, added some garlic added 1/2 cup of bone broth and simmered. It was then edible. Won’t make this again. Usually enjoy your recipes.
While I don’t doubt your word, Kathy. I have made this several times and haven’t had it go dry like it did on you. Perhaps it is a difference in cooking pans and stove/burner strength? I am currently between homes so I am not able to test this recipe to see if I am missing an ingredient. I will report back when I do. -Kim
Delicious . This will be my go to recipe for stroganoff. I omitted the Brandy and Worcestershire sauce and it still tasted amazing (Didn’t have any brandy on hand / Worcestershire – didn’t work with my nightshade free diet). Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Hi! Excited to try this because I am a recently diagnosed diabetic. I don’t have any beef base. Can I use beef broth? Any idea how much, if so?
Hi Kristin. I love using beef and chicken base to add concentrated flavor to low carb dishes. I like to use Better than Bullion. If the food tastes good, then people want to eat it. You can use 1 cup of beef stock/broth but will have to cook the sauce longer. -Kim
Best stroganoff recipe, ever! My husband likes this even better than my Better Homes and Garden recipe. He was so surprised to come into the kitchen and see his bottle of Korbel on the counter. I really liked the flavor that adding the brandy gave it. And I am not a brandy drinker, so I was worried. Will definitely make this again.
Super delicious! I made it this evening and paired it with cauliflower rice and green beans.
I have everything for this recipe, except the beef base. Is there a substitute I can use? I do have chicken base, but I’m thinking it may taste weird with ground beef? Also considering increasing the worcestershire sauce to 2 tbs to make up for the beef base. Any thoughts?
Hi Jana. The beef base just adds a little extra beef flavor. You can omit it if you don’t have it. Add the extra worcestershire sauce little by little in case it makes the sauce taste off. -Kim
This recipe was unbelievably delicious.
The brandy gave it that ge ne sais quoi that is typically missing from stroganoff.
Being low carb, I ate mine with cauliflower rice but my ten-year-old and husband enjoyed it with buttered noodles. This will now remain in my rotation. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe!!!
I’m thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe, Cynthia. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Have a great day. -Kim
Didn’t have brandy, so used Apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Delicious and a keeper!
SO good! Left out the brandy cuz I didn’t have any, and instead of ground beef, used ground turkey. Will definitely make again!
Delicious! Substituted the brandy for red wine vinegar(I don’t go inside liquor stores) and made some zoodles. Definitely going to be making this again.
This is absolutely beautiful keto dish. Warm comfort food. Perfect in a big mug…
Delicious! I substituted the brandy with a good whiskey and added some red and green peppers. I cooked the cauliflower with the mushrooms therefore making it a one pan dish. Doubled the recipe so we could have more this week. My husband loved it.
So incredibly delicious! And I don’t miss the egg noodles. at all! Made it shallots instead of onion and used bourbon instead of sherry since I had them on hand.
I made this. It was wonderful! I added a bit of freshly minced garlic to the onions and instead of ground beef, I used cube leftover beef tenderloin, which I added at the end just long enough to warm it up. Sautéed the onions in a bit of olive oil. Was awesome. Will try with hamburger.
I loved this recipe! I didn’t use the brandy. Also added in green pepper and spinach to get my veggies in! I made a double batch. Is this freezable? I’m all about cook once eat twice, so I hope so… if not we will still eat it all! Thanks
I’m glad you like the recipe, Brandy. Yes, you can freeze this! Enjoy. -Kim
This was an excellent recipe! A wonderful comfort food. Fillng and satisfying!! This will definitely go into our rotation. I did not have any parsley and it still turned out great.
This has become a staple in my house. We love it. Usually have it over cauliflower rice and its perfect.
I rarely come back to comment on blogs, but I wanted to tell you this was a real good recipe. I’ve tried several on your site. I tried it with the cabbage noodles and am not sure if I liked these any better than zucchini noodles, but it was still good. One of the better stroganoff recipes I’ve tried. Thank you!
This was excellent! I didn’t have brandy and liked someone’s substitute if apple cider vinegar and it tasted excellent! Thanks for recipe!!!
Do you not drain the burger grease?
I used very lean ground beef and there was nothing to drain. -Kim
Hi Kim
I’m looking forward to making this using Miracle Fettuccine Noodles(and see how that is). Also when I want to thicken sauces I add seasoned ground pork rind “breadcrumbs” and that seems to do the trick. BTW love your blog!
This recipe is absolutely delicious! Loads of wonderful flavour! Hubby and I really enjoyed it last night. Will make it again.
Super yummy…… did add a 1/2 pinch of ginger and hubby asked for 2nds…… also super easy and relatively quick
Is the a substitute for the Brandy?
No Kristine, no sub although some whisky may do it. If you don’t drink or use alcohol, leave it out. If you don’t mind using alcohol, I suggest getting a small bottle of Brandy because it can add so much flavor to pan sauces and desserts. My small bottle lasts about two years. Enjoy the recipe. -Kim
Hi Kim!
I’m REALLY excited to make this (it’s for my birthday dinner!), but my husband is worried the brandy will flare and our stove is under our microwave. Does that happen, and if so, is it preventable? Thank you so much!!
Hi Michelle. Happy Birthday. My microwave is over my stove, too. Take the pan off the heat, then add the brandy, stirring it in completely. Then put it back on the stove and continue cooking. This will weaken the alcohol, preventing it from igniting, but it will still be cooked off. I hope this helps. -Kim
This is such a great and easy recipe just what I need! It required few ingredients but its taste was soo delicious. The ingredients are what you would typically have on a regular basis makes this recipe even more helpful! I wouldn’t have thought of putting these ingredients together. I was blown away how great it turned out. I will definitely be making this again. Thanks so much for posting!
I’m so glad, Monica! Thanks for coming back and sharing your thoughts on the recipe. Have a wonderful week. -Kim
This is amazing! My hubby loved it too! Thanks so much
I just discovered your website last week. This is the second recipe I’ve tried (the first being the beef stew). This is another winner – so quick, easy to make and very delicious! I will be making this again and am looking forward to trying many of your other recipes. Thank you for your wonderful website!
I’m glad you found two winners, Kelly. I know not everyone has the same tastebuds, so I’m happy you enjoyed the recipes! Thank you for your gracious comment and have a great week! -Kim
Thank you for such a fabulous recipe and easy to make! I replaced the brandy with apple cider and it was great! I have been yearning for stroganoff for so long and this is it!!! It really bothers me when someone leaves a rating and they haven’t even tried it. I have tried it and my family loved it. Thank you again!
I am so happy you like the recipe, Kathryn. Thank you for coming back to leave a rating after trying it so that people have a more honest way to judge the recipe. Have a wonderful weekend. -Kim
I made this for dinner one night last week and it was delicious! The whole family loved it. It’s on our favorites list. Thank you.
I made this last night. We loved it so much it went on the “could have every week” list.
Great, Sandy! Thanks for letting me know. Have a wonderful week. -Mim
This looks soooooo good. I can’t wait to try.
I served this over your cabbage noodles along with a salad for company last night and received rave reviews. We all agreed that it was better than regular stroganoff because the sauce mixed in so much better. So thank you for another wonderful recipe.
Hi Carole! I am so happy to hear that. I hope you an your husband are doing well. -Kim