Name: 30-Minute Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups dry rotini pasta; 1 tbsp butter; 2 cups diced yellow onion; 8 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp Dijon Mustard; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp all purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste); fresh cracked pepper (to taste); Pinch ground nutmeg; chopped parsley (for garnish)

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This 30-Minute Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food that’s both quick and satisfying. Made with ground beef, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy sauce of sour cream and beef broth, this one-pot meal brings all the rich flavors of classic beef stroganoff without the hassle of a boxed mix. Packed with mushrooms, onions, and a touch of Dijon mustard, it’s a flavorful, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a hearty meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Last Updated February 18th, 2025.

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this homemade stroganoff hamburger helper is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
One-Pan & One-Pot Wonder: This one-pot beef stroganoff means fewer dishes and less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your comfort food dinner and less time scrubbing.
Rich, Comforting Flavor: With ground beef, mushrooms, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and tangy Dijon mustard, this dish delivers the classic stroganoff taste in every bite. It’s the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and satisfying.
Customizable: This recipe is perfect as-is, but you can easily make it your own. Add extra veggies, swap in gluten-free noodles, or even lighten it up with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier take on this classic comfort food.

Ingredient Notes:

Lean Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty base for the stroganoff hamburger helper without too much grease. If you prefer a leaner option, feel free to use ground turkey for a lighter version of this comfort food classic.
Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta holds onto the creamy stroganoff sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful. You can swap it for gluten-free rotini if needed, keeping this dish gluten-free while still satisfying.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add depth and a savory foundation to the beef stroganoff sauce. As they cook down, they enhance the sauce with mild, sweet, and earthy notes, creating a solid base for the flavor.
Baby Bella Mushrooms: A classic addition to stroganoff dishes, baby bella mushrooms contribute a savory, umami-rich flavor that complements the beef perfectly. They also hold their texture well, making them ideal for this dish.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce brings a subtle tang and savory depth to the stroganoff sauce, boosting the overall richness of the dish. Just a small amount goes a long way in adding complexity.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a hint of tangy brightness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the beef and sour cream for a well-rounded flavor in every bite of this homemade hamburger helper.
Onion Powder: Enhances the onion flavor and adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the dish without overpowering the other flavors in your beef stroganoff pasta.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a perfect, creamy consistency. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Beef Broth: Forms the savory, flavorful base for the sauce. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level. If you want a lighter version, vegetable broth can also be used.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, creating a luscious, velvety sauce for the stroganoff. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing creaminess.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch of ground nutmeg adds warmth and enhances the depth of the stroganoff flavor, subtly rounding out the savory and creamy elements of the dish.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

To Make Gluten-Free:
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as a thickener (I love the Bob Red Mill’s Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour and always keep a bag on hand!). Be sure to check that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
To Make Dairy-Free:
- For a dairy-free version, replace the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream or full-fat coconut milk for creaminess. If you prefer a tangier substitute, try using dairy-free Greek yogurt for that yogurt-like texture and flavor.
To Make Lower Carb:
- To make this stroganoff lower carb, swap the rotini pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Cook them separately and add them in right before serving to avoid overcooking.
To Make Vegetarian:
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more mushrooms for extra heartiness and flavor in your vegetarian stroganoff.
Nut-Free:
- This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check packaged ingredients to confirm there are no traces of nuts, especially in the Worcestershire sauce or dairy-free substitutes.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Make It Spicier: For a bit of heat, stir in chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs well with the beef and mushrooms.
Add Extra Veggies: Bulk up your stroganoff hamburger helper with extra vegetables like spinach, carrots, peas, or squash. This adds more texture, color, and nutrition to your dish.
Swap the Pasta: While rotini pasta works great, you can experiment with egg noodles, elbow macaroni, or penne. For a fun twist, use spiralized sweet potatoes for a veggie-packed, gluten-free option.
Change the Meat: Switch the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or ground sausage for different flavors. Ground turkey or chicken will make the dish lighter, while ground sausage adds a spicier, more savory kick.
Make It Creamier: For a richer, creamier texture, add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce. This gives the stroganoff hamburger helper a more indulgent, velvety finish.
No Mushrooms? No Problem: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with different veggies for a different texture and flavor, or omit them entirely and add extra ground beef!
Lighter Version: For a lighter version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of butter used in cooking. This will keep the dish creamy without being too heavy.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the ground beef and mushrooms, use a large pan make sure the pan isn’t too crowded. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure everything browns properly instead of steaming. This helps develop the deep, savory flavor you want in your stroganoff hamburger helper.
Balance the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon or two of flour or cornstarch to reach your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, simply add a little more beef broth until it’s the right texture. The sauce should coat the pasta beautifully and feel rich and creamy.
Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to your liking, especially before adding the sour cream. This is the key to ensuring your stroganoff sauce is perfectly balanced and full of flavor, just to your liking!
Make It Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stroganoff over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed. It’s a perfect comfort food option for busy days!
Add a Garnish: For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish your stroganoff hamburger helper with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a fresh contrast to the creamy, rich sauce.

Homemade Hamburger Helper FAQ’s:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes! While rotini pasta works perfectly in this dish, you can swap it for egg noodles, elbow macaroni, or even penne. Just make sure to check the packaging and adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta shapes.
Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
- Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with different vegetable such as eggplant, tomatoes for added texture and flavor, or omit the mushrooms all together and add extra ground beef.
How can I make this dish lighter?
- To make this stroganoff hamburger helper lighter, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of butter used for a healthier version.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce and warm it up over low heat on the stovetop.
Can I freeze this homemade hamburger helper?
- Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly! For the best results, freeze the stroganoff sauce without the pasta. Once you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat the sauce, then add freshly cooked noodles.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor. Adding a small splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine can give a nice acidic kick to replace the depth Worcestershire adds.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rotini pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.

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