Name: Homemade Meatball Stroganoff
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 medium onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

I’ve always had a soft spot for comfort food, and Homemade Meatball Stroganoff hits the sweet spot between nostalgic and indulgent. The rich, creamy mushroom gravy, paired with juicy, pan-seared meatballs, creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s rustic, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to put together, making it a go-to dish when I need something hearty but still want it to feel a little special.

This version of Stroganoff takes the classic flavors of the traditional beef version and gives them a fun twist by using meatballs instead. The result? A meal that’s just as savory and flavorful but with a little more bite and texture. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

From the first spoonful, you get layers of rich flavor — seared meatballs that are tender inside and golden outside, and a silky sauce made with mushrooms, onions, sour cream, and beef broth. It’s not just tasty, it’s comforting. You’ll love how it comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze, and how well it pairs with noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for the Meatballs?

I usually go for a mix of ground beef and ground pork — about a 50/50 ratio. The beef brings the flavor, while the pork adds tenderness and juiciness. If you want to keep it lean, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but be sure to add a bit of fat (like a splash of cream or a few breadcrumbs soaked in milk) so the meatballs don’t dry out.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave them out or swap in finely chopped zucchini or bell peppers. Can’t do dairy? Use a plant-based sour cream alternative or full-fat coconut milk to give the sauce richness. Gluten-free? Sub in cornstarch for the flour and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice. This dish is flexible — feel free to tweak it to match your preferences or what you’ve got on hand.

Ingredients for this Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

Ground beef and pork mix: This combo gives the meatballs a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light and juicy.
Egg: Essential for structure, helping the meatballs hold together.
Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Garlic: Boosts the savory depth of flavor in the entire dish.
Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick to the creamy sauce.
Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty mushrooms add texture and umami richness to the gravy.
Butter and olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing vegetables.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth, luxurious texture.
Beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the stroganoff sauce.
Sour cream: Classic stroganoff ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy, tangy finish.
Fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of color and freshness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing all the flavors.

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides — they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté sliced onions and mushrooms until soft and golden brown. Scrape up any browned bits from the meatballs to build flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard and stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently nestle them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Parsley

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and serve hot.

How Long to Prepare the Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

This recipe doesn’t take all day, but it does benefit from a little attention to detail.

Prep Time: You’ll need around 20-25 minutes to chop the vegetables, mix and form the meatballs, and get everything prepped for cooking. If you’re making it on a weeknight, prepping the meatballs a day ahead can help save time.

Cook Time: The cooking process takes about 30 minutes, from browning the meatballs to simmering them in the sauce. That means you’re looking at a total of 50–55 minutes from start to finish, making it doable even on busy days.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Meatball Stroganoff

Don’t overwork the meat mixture — mixing gently results in tender meatballs.
Sear the meatballs until golden for extra flavor, even if they’re not cooked through initially.
Deglaze the skillet with broth or a splash of wine to lift those flavorful bits off the bottom.
Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
Stir the sour cream in off the heat to prevent curdling.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Crowding the skillet: This can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. Cook them in batches.
Skipping the flour step: Without it, your sauce will be runny. Don’t rush this part.
Overcooking the meatballs: Simmer just until done to avoid dry centers.
Using low-quality broth: It’s the base of your sauce, so use a rich, flavorful one.
Adding sour cream too early: It may split if the sauce is too hot. Let the skillet cool slightly first.

What to Serve With Homemade Meatball Stroganoff?

1. Buttered Egg Noodles

A classic base — their wide shape soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are perfect for catching every drop of sauce.

3. Steamed Green Beans

Their crispness contrasts nicely with the rich meatballs and sauce.

4. Roasted Carrots

Naturally sweet and earthy, roasted carrots add balance to the plate.

5. Crusty Bread

A rustic slice is great for scooping up extra sauce and adding texture.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the stroganoff cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezer: You can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Stir well to re-emulsify the sauce, and add fresh sour cream if needed.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~520
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 140mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs and sauce can be made a day in advance. Reheat gently and stir in the sour cream just before serving.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

You can, but homemade ones really elevate the dish. If using frozen, brown them first and adjust the simmering time.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream can work.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the sauce.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The savory meatballs and creamy sauce are usually a hit with kids, especially when served over noodles.

Conclusion

Homemade Meatball Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful twist. It’s rich, creamy, and full of savory depth thanks to seared meatballs and a mushroom-packed gravy. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Once you try it, you might just ditch the store-bought version for good.