Description

Hey friends, Beau here! Ever have one of those evenings where the clock is ticking, the family is hungry, and your wallet is giving you side-eye? Enter this Budget-Friendly Beef Stroganoff—creamy, hearty, and soul-satisfying, yet super affordable. For less than $10, you can serve a family of six a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank. Using pantry-friendly shortcuts like cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix, this recipe proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

Ingredients

Scale

2 bags (12 oz each) egg noodles ($1.89 each)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup ($0.50 each; one from pantry is fine)
2 packets brown gravy mix ($0.30 each)
1 lb ground beef ($4.54)
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder (optional)

Chef Tips:

Cook noodles just al dente—they’ll soak up the sauce later.
Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the dish creamy, not greasy.
Feel free to swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.

Instructions

Cook the noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain (do not rinse) and set aside.
Brown the beef:
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown evenly, then drain excess grease.
Make the sauce:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Return beef to the skillet. Stir in cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle in the gravy mixes and add water according to the packet instructions (usually 1 cup per packet). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Combine noodles and sauce:
Fold in cooked noodles and simmer 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles perfectly.
Season to taste:
Taste and add salt, black pepper, or garlic powder as needed.

Notes

Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water, milk, or broth.
Make ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a little liquid.
No egg noodles? Rice, mashed potatoes, or wide pasta work beautifully.
Too salty? Add sour cream or milk to mellow the flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 475 Cal Per Serving
Fat: : 20 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 25 g