Meatball Stroganoff

This clever twist on the classic beef stroganoff transforms everyday frozen meatballs into a delicious, creamy dish that will have your family thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality meal on the table during busy evenings when you want something special but are short on time. This meatball stroganoff isn’t just quick, it can also feed a crowd if doubled, making it ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers with friends or meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredients for Meatball Stroganoff

• Egg noodles: Three cups of uncooked egg noodles form the base of this meatball stroganoff recipe, providing a complementary texture to the creamy sauce.
• Frozen meatballs: Fully cooked Italian meatballs make this dish quick and convenient.
• Beef broth: Beef broth creates a savory base for the sauce, enhancing the flavor imparted from the meatballs. Here’s how to make your own at home.
• Dried herbs: Dried parsley, basil and oregano add aromatic, herbaceous notes to the meatball stroganoff.
• Heavy whipping cream: One cup of heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds tang and creaminess to finish the meatball stroganoff.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the noodles

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Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Reserve a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce later if you desire.

Step 2: Brown the meatballs

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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the thawed meatballs on all sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

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Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the dried parsley, basil, salt, oregano and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the liquid is reduced to approximately half a cup, five to seven minutes.

Step 4: Combine and simmer

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Return the meatballs to the skillet and add the cooked noodles and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer, covered, until the sauce has slightly thickened, three to five minutes.

Step 5: Finish the dish

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Stir in the sour cream and heat through without bringing the mixture to a boil. Serve.

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Meatball Stroganoff Variations

• Add vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball stroganoff sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add wine: Stir in a splash of dry white wine when making the sauce for an additional depth of flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter version and a probiotic boost to your meal.
• Make it cheesy: Stir a cup of shredded parmesan or gruyère cheese in to the sauce for a richer, cheesier stroganoff.

How to Store Meatball Stroganoff

Leftovers of this meatball stroganoff recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can you freeze meatball stroganoff?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this meatball stroganoff recipe. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Meatball Stroganoff Tips

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What can you serve with meatball stroganoff?

Since this meatball stroganoff is quite a hearty dish, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side crusty French bread to soak up leftovers of the creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to thicken meatball stroganoff?

To thicken the sauce for this meatball stroganoff, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.

Can you use different types of meatballs for meatball stroganoff?

While this meatball stroganoff recipe calls for frozen Italian meatballs, you can use any type you prefer, such as Swedish meatballs or, for a lighter version of the dish, ground turkey meatballs. You can even make your own meatballs at home.