This creamy beef mushroom bake transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, restaurant-worthy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Quick Answer: Make this creamy beef mushroom bake by browning ground beef with mushrooms and onions, combining with a rich cream sauce, topping with cheese, and baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Contains dairy
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy sauce with tender beef and earthy mushrooms
- One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
- Budget-friendly comfort food
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Quick Benefits
This creamy beef mushroom bake combines protein-rich ground beef with umami-packed mushrooms in a velvety sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 100 g chopped mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 180 g uncooked white rice
- 295 g canned cream of mushroom soup
- 480 ml beef broth
- 120 g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C and lightly grease a 22×33 cm baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, chopped mushrooms, and diced onion until the beef is well browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture, uncooked white rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top using a spatula.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top if using, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before portioning and serving.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcook the mushrooms – they should be golden but still firm
- Sauce should coat the back of a spoon when properly thickened
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving to set the sauce
- Use a heavy-bottom pan for even heat distribution
- Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or crusty French bread
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles
- Glass of red wine
Creative Variations
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients
- Mix in cooked pasta for a complete one-dish meal
- Try different cheese combinations like Gruyere or Provolone
Cultural Notes
This comfort food dish draws inspiration from classic American casseroles of the 1950s, when convenient one-dish meals gained popularity. It combines elements of traditional stroganoff with modern casserole preparations.
Pro Tips
- Pat mushrooms dry before cooking to achieve better browning
- Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from breaking
- Deglaze pan with wine for extra flavor depth
- Grate cheese fresh for better melting
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this creamy beef mushroom bake?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: What type of mushrooms work best?
A: Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but any variety works.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Heavy cream provides the best texture, but half-and-half can work.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
A: Avoid boiling the sauce and use room temperature dairy products.
Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute cornstarch for flour and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Health Benefits
This creamy beef mushroom bake provides protein from beef, immune-supporting nutrients from mushrooms, and calcium from dairy. Choose lean beef and load up on mushrooms for a more balanced meal.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 12g • Protein: 35g • Fat: 52g • Sodium: 580mg
Notes
For best results, use fresh mushrooms and high-quality beef. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Beef Mushroom Bake
This creamy beef mushroom bake transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, restaurant-worthy casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, use fresh mushrooms and high-quality beef. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.