Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake

Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake – Hearty, Cheesy & Weeknight Ready!

This Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. Whether served over noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and comforting. This recipe can also be customized to suit different diets and preferences.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef – This is the base protein for the casserole, providing a hearty and flavorful foundation. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
8 oz mushrooms, sliced – Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a lovely texture that complements the ground beef. Feel free to use any variety of mushrooms you prefer, like cremini or button mushrooms.
1 small onion, diced – Onions are essential for adding sweetness and depth to the dish. They soften and caramelize during cooking, enhancing the overall flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds an aromatic, savory layer to the dish, and it’s a must-have in this recipe to elevate the taste.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – The creamy mushroom soup forms the base of the sauce. It helps create that rich, velvety texture that makes this casserole so comforting.
½ cup sour cream – Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.
½ tsp paprika – Paprika adds a smoky, mild heat and an extra burst of flavor to the casserole. You can increase the amount if you prefer a spicier dish.
½ tsp thyme (optional) – Thyme is a fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and beef. It’s optional, but it enhances the overall taste if you choose to include it.
Salt and pepper to taste – Always season to your liking. Salt brings out the flavors in the dish, and pepper adds a bit of sharpness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese – Cheese is the crowning glory of this casserole. Mozzarella offers a creamy melt, while cheddar brings a sharper, tangier taste. You can mix both for a more complex flavor.
Optional for serving: cooked egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice – Serve this casserole with your preferred carb. Egg noodles offer a traditional choice, while rice or cauliflower rice make for a low-carb alternative.

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened and translucent. This is an important step to bring out the deep flavors of the beef and onions.
Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for another 5–6 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture. The mushrooms will shrink and become tender, adding their earthy flavors to the dish. You’ll notice that the garlic starts to become fragrant as well, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. These ingredients combine to create a rich, velvety sauce that will coat the beef and mushrooms. Add the paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well-combined and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and thick, with the flavors well-balanced.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and mushroom mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the mixture is distributed uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese generously over the top of the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and form a bubbly, golden layer as it bakes in the oven, giving the casserole its signature cheesy top.
Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it over a bed of cooked egg noodles for a comforting classic combination, or you can opt for rice for a more filling meal. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice to enjoy the casserole without the extra carbs.

Why This Casserole is a Weeknight Winner:

Quick & Easy to Prepare: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, this casserole comes together quickly. The prep time is short, and the oven does most of the work.
Hearty & Filling: Ground beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce provide a rich and satisfying dish that will keep you full and content.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy sauce is a hit with kids, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Versatile & Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, or even add in extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more vibrant dish.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole checks all the boxes for comfort food—cheesy, creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake:

Use Lean Ground Beef: If you’re concerned about fat content, go for lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also drain the fat after browning the meat to reduce the grease.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Add Vegetables: To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the beef mixture before baking.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist. A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan would add great flavor.

Conclusion: This Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines ease with comforting, cheesy goodness. It’s simple to make, adaptable to your tastes, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy meal for one, this dish will leave you satisfied every time.Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef