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GROUND BEEF STROGANOFF

Indulge in this classic comfort food with a creamy and flavorful ground beef stroganoff recipe. Featuring tender ground beef, onions, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling full. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and easy meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes. For a complete and impressive dinner, I recommend pairing it with garlic knots and green bean bacon bundles to make the meal even more special.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 16 ounces white button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ – 3 cups low-sodium beef broth (adjust to desired consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup full-fat sour cream
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Cooked egg noodles (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once the beef is halfway browned, add the butter, onion, and mushrooms. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the mushrooms are browned.
  • Lower the heat to low. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to combine.
  • Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer on low for 7-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  • Stir in the sour cream and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting meal.

NOTES

  • Use lean ground beef for this recipe, and add a bit of butter to enhance the flavor of the mushrooms as they brown.
  • If there’s excess grease after browning the beef, drain it before continuing with the recipe.
  • Both white button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms work well, or you can mix both for added flavor.
  • I recommend using Amish egg noodles, but any egg noodles will work. You can also serve this dish with mashed potatoes, angel hair pasta, or rice.
  • To avoid mushy noodles, wait until serving time to combine them with the gravy, as they tend to soak it up.

HOW TO GET MORE DEFINE CURLS AT THE ROOT

To help encourage tighter, more defined curls at the root, especially for curl girls experiencing flatter or looser curls right at the root, here are 10 tips to boost curl definition and volume:

Clarify to Remove Buildup

Build-up from products, oil, and sweat can weigh down your curls, leaving them flat at the roots. Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove this buildup and give your hair a fresh start.

Avoid Applying Conditioner Directly to the Roots

Conditioner can weigh down your curls if applied too close to the roots. Focus conditioner on the ends and let the leftover product work its way up. This will keep your roots from getting too heavy and help maintain volume.

Use Olaplex No. 3 for Stronger Curls

Olaplex No. 3 works by repairing the hair’s cuticle, making your hair stronger and healthier. Regular use helps enhance curl pattern, tightening and adding more bounce to your curls, especially at the root.

Wet Plop After Washing

After washing your hair, try wet plopping (a method where you gently wrap your damp curls in a t-shirt or microfiber towel) to encourage curl retention while your hair is still wet. This helps prevent curls from elongating before styling.

Avoid Heavy Styling Creams at the Root

Stick to light products like gels or mousse at the root. Avoid applying heavy styling creams or leave-in conditioners directly to the scalp. Instead, focus on the mid-shaft and ends to ensure your curls stay light and voluminous.

Use the Denman Brush for Root Definition

Pick up small vertical sections of hair at the root and use the Denman brush to define individual curls. Wrap the brush around each section of hair twice, and gently pull downward. This encourages tighter curls right from the root.

Don’t Brush Your Hair Forward When Styling Upside Down

When styling upside down, avoid brushing all your hair forward. This can stretch out your roots. Instead, keep your head upright and apply styling products as you normally would to preserve root volume.

Lift and Scrunch with Gel or Mousse

After applying your styling product, lift sections of your hair at the root and scrunch with gel or mousse to encourage curls to form and stay bouncy. Doing this close to the scalp adds volume and helps curls form tightly.

Create a Messy, Zig-Zag Part

Instead of creating a straight, defined part, try a zig-zag part to add more volume to your roots. This trick helps prevent flatness and gives your curls more lift.

Diffuse with Focused Root Attention

When diffusing, place the diffuser at your root and lift it upwards. Hold for a few seconds before releasing. This helps create volume at the roots and adds definition. For less frizz, try plopping your hair upside down while hovering the diffuser over your curls.

By following these tips, you can encourage tighter, more defined curls at the root and maintain a full, bouncy curl pattern throughout your hair.

CONCLUSION

Conclusion:

Achieving tighter, more defined curls at the root is completely possible with the right techniques and products. By clarifying regularly, using the right styling products, and focusing on root-specific methods like wet plopping, scrunching, and defining curls with tools like the Denman brush, you can enhance volume and curl shape. Avoiding heavy products at the roots and making small adjustments like creating a messy part or diffusing with focus can all contribute to a fuller, bouncier curl pattern. With consistent care and styling, your curls can stay tight, defined, and voluminous from root to tip!