One Pan Meatball Stroganoff

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both easy and packed with flavor, this One Pan Meatball Stroganoff is your new best friend. Picture tender meatballs in a creamy, rich stroganoff sauce that’s so smooth and savory, you’ll want to scoop up every last bite. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time for enjoying the meal. Seriously, this recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to busy weeknights. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love One Pan Meatball Stroganoff
This dish has everything you need—flavor, simplicity, and comfort. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to something special, here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Versatile: Whether you serve it over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for. It’s the perfect cozy meal for any occasion!

Budget-Friendly: You can easily make this with pantry staples and ground meat, which keeps it affordable without sacrificing flavor.

Quick and Easy: With just one pan and minimal ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and stress-free. No complicated steps, just delicious results in less than 30 minutes.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the kind of dish that everyone—from picky eaters to gourmet lovers—will enjoy. The creamy sauce, savory meatballs, and rich flavors are a hit every time.

Ingredients
This One Pan Meatball Stroganoff is made with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The base of the meatballs. Ground beef is tender and juicy, making for the perfect bite-sized meatballs.

Breadcrumbs: These help hold the meatballs together while giving them a nice, soft texture. They absorb all the flavor from the sauce too.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the dish. You’ll sauté it to bring out its natural sweetness before adding it to the sauce.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that enhances the richness of the stroganoff sauce.

Beef Broth: This is the liquid gold that makes up the base of your sauce. It gives it a deep, savory flavor that makes the stroganoff irresistible.

Sour Cream: The creamy base for the sauce. It gives the dish its signature tangy richness.

Heavy Cream: To add extra richness and create that smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.

Mushrooms: A classic stroganoff addition. The mushrooms soak up the flavors of the sauce, adding an earthy, savory element to the dish.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and paprika. These simple seasonings elevate the dish and tie everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Ready to make this flavorful and easy One Pan Meatball Stroganoff? Let’s dive in:

Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Don’t worry about them being perfect; they’ll taste amazing no matter what shape they are!

Cook the Meatballs: Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they’re cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re done, set them aside on a plate.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The smell will be irresistible!

Add the Mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they’re tender and have released their moisture. This step really deepens the flavor of the dish.

Create the Stroganoff Sauce: Add beef broth, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything: Return the meatballs to the pan and gently stir to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your One Pan Meatball Stroganoff over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

How to Serve One Pan Meatball Stroganoff
This dish is versatile, so here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

Over Pasta: The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking into pasta, so serve it with wide egg noodles or spaghetti for a classic touch.

With Rice: For a more filling option, serve the stroganoff with fluffy white or brown rice. It’s great for soaking up all that creamy goodness.

Mashed Potatoes: You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes! The creamy sauce complements the potatoes perfectly.

Vegetables on the Side: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or carrots, would be a great addition to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes the dish pop with color and adds a fresh herbal note to each bite.

Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your One Pan Meatball Stroganoff even better:

Use Lean Ground Beef: For a lighter option, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey for the meatballs. You’ll still get great flavor, but with less fat.

Don’t Skip Browning the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds so much flavor to the dish. It’s a key step!

Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms give the dish an extra earthy flavor. If you’re in a rush, you can substitute with canned mushrooms, but fresh is always best.

Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a thicker sauce, use less broth or add more sour cream and heavy cream to your liking.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat for best results.

Double the Recipe: This is one of those dishes that makes fantastic leftovers, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it later in the week!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
A1: Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used instead of beef. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the meat.

Q2: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add them to the sauce when you’re ready to finish the dish.

Q3: Can I skip the mushrooms?
A3: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, feel free to leave them out. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful without them.

Q4: Can I use sour cream substitutes?
A4: Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative if you need a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q5: How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
A5: You can cut one meatball open to check for doneness or use a meat thermometer—ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Q6: Can I freeze One Pan Meatball Stroganoff?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!

Q8: Can I add more veggies?
A8: Yes! Feel free to add in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even peas to make the dish even more hearty.

Q9: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A9: If you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Just cook them in the sauce as directed, and you’ll still get a great meal.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.

Conclusion
This One Pan Meatball Stroganoff is the ultimate cozy, comforting dish that checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With minimal prep, just one pan, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve really treated yourself. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress. Give it a try and get ready to savor every creamy, meaty bite!

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