This Creamy Ground Beef and Mushroom Casserole brings together savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and melty cheese for a nostalgic, feel-good dish. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you of home, hearty, filling, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy, oven-baked meal, this casserole takes minimal prep but delivers big on comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning leftovers for the next day, this bake is sure to make its way into your regular dinner rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup beef broth
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups cooked egg noodles or your preferred pasta
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent.
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Add garlic and mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are browned.
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Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
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Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the meat and vegetables.
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Pour in beef broth and stir until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and cooked pasta.
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 435 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Hamburger Mushroom Bake: A Comfort Food Classic
When it comes to comforting, home-cooked meals, few dishes strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and easy preparation like a hamburger mushroom bake. This creamy casserole brings together hearty ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a cheesy topping, baked to golden-bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.
What makes this bake so special isn’t just its taste, it’s how incredibly adaptable and practical it is for everyday cooking. With just a handful of common pantry and fridge staples, you can have a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated or expensive.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in one skillet and one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
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Budget-Friendly: Ground beef, mushrooms, and pantry staples keep the cost low, while still packing in flavor.
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Versatile: You can easily modify it to suit your family’s taste preferences or dietary needs.
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Comforting & Filling: Creamy, cheesy, and rich, this casserole hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal.
The Star Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients that make this dish shine:
Ground Beef
The base of this casserole is lean ground beef. It’s protein-rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Using lean beef helps keep the dish lighter, but you can also opt for a fattier cut if you prefer more richness. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used for a different twist.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a natural partner to beef thanks to their umami-rich flavor and meaty texture. Sliced cremini or white button mushrooms work beautifully in this recipe. Sautéing them before baking enhances their depth and prevents sogginess.
Sour Cream
This ingredient adds the creaminess that binds the casserole together. It brings a tangy contrast to the savory beef and mushrooms, giving the dish a well-rounded, comforting flavor. For a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream.
Cheese
Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it? This bake uses both shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. The mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. Feel free to try other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss for variety.
Pasta or Egg Noodles
Adding cooked egg noodles or another pasta of your choice transforms the dish into a full meal. They soak up the creamy sauce and provide a satisfying base. If you’re going low-carb, you can skip the noodles and load up on extra veggies instead.
Nutritional Benefits
Although it’s a comfort food recipe, this dish contains a balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins when made with quality ingredients.
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Protein: Ground beef offers essential amino acids for muscle repair and immune support.
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Vitamin D & B Vitamins: Mushrooms provide Vitamin D (especially when exposed to sunlight) and B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin for energy metabolism.
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Calcium: The cheese and sour cream contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth.
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Iron: Beef is an excellent source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than plant-based iron.
You can make this dish even healthier by using whole-grain pasta, adding more vegetables (like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers), and controlling the cheese portion.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about casseroles is their adaptability. Here are a few ways you can make this recipe your own:
1. Low-Carb Version
Omit the noodles and add cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a keto-friendly twist.
2. Vegetarian Swap
Use lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or your favorite plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef.
3. Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to give your casserole a little heat.
4. Italian Flair
Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste or marinara sauce and swap out the thyme for Italian seasoning.
5. Tex-Mex Inspired
Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans, and top with cheddar cheese for a Southwestern twist.
Serving Suggestions
While this hamburger mushroom bake is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides takes it to the next level.
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Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
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Steamed Vegetables: Try broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
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Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: These are perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add a crunchy, slightly bitter contrast to the dish.
For beverages, a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a light beer pair wonderfully with the savory flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with lemon or an iced tea.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole is a dream for meal preppers. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Freezer Option: This bake freezes well too. After assembling (but before baking), cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.
Troubleshooting Tips
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Too Watery? Make sure to cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Cheese Not Melting? Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded (which often contains anti-caking agents).
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Bland Taste? Don’t skimp on the seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme bring the flavors together. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also enhance the umami.
A Family Favorite That Stands the Test of Time
The Hamburger Mushroom Bake is more than just a quick dinner idea; it’s a comfort food classic that bridges generations. Whether it’s your grandmother’s casserole with a twist or a new staple in your modern kitchen, this dish hits the mark for simplicity, flavor, and satisfaction.
It’s warm. It’s hearty. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
So next time you’re looking for something to please picky eaters, warm the soul, or bring the family together around the table, remember this humble yet hearty hamburger mushroom bake. It just might become your new go-to.