1. Brown the Ground Beef and Saute Vegetables: Building the Flavor Base

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet.
3. Cook and Crumble: Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as you go, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion (½ cup) and minced garlic (2 cloves) to the skillet.
5. Sauté: Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and softened.
6. Drain Fat: If necessary, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms: Adding Earthy Flavor

1. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms (1 lb) to the skillet.
2. Sauté: Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and have released their liquid.
   • Tip: If the mushrooms release a lot of liquid, you can increase the heat slightly to help it evaporate.

3. Thicken the Sauce: Creating a Creamy Consistency

1. Sprinkle with Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
2. Stir to Combine: Stir well until the flour is fully incorporated and no lumps remain. This will help to thicken the sauce.
3. Cook Briefly: Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.

4. Create the Sauce: A Rich and Flavorful Blend

1. Add Broth, Cream, and Worcestershire: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of whipping cream, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Bring to Simmer: Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.

5. Finish with Sour Cream: Adding Tangy Creaminess

1. Remove from Heat: Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in Sour Cream: Add ⅓ cup of sour cream to the sauce and stir until it’s completely incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   • Tip: Make sure the sour cream is at room temperature to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot sauce.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy: A Comforting and Delicious Meal

1. Serve Over Noodles, Rice, or Potatoes: Serve the Ground Beef Stroganoff hot, spooned over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.