Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this casserole is easy to prepare, even on busy days.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and eggs creates a luscious base that complements the savory beef and mushrooms perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Its mild yet satisfying flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 oz (180 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Grated cheese (optional, for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large frying pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt and black pepper. If the meat is too dry, add a bit of light-tasting olive oil or bacon fat. Once cooked, set aside to cool.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Pour this mixture over the cooled ground beef and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the bottom of a small 4-cup (1 L) casserole dish, pressing it down evenly.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and begin to brown. Sprinkle with seasoning salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Layer the sautéed mushrooms over the ground beef mixture in the casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mixture is set. Be careful not to overcook.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach into the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ground beef for a subtle heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). If reheating from frozen, let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power until warm.
FAQs
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Common varieties like button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but you can experiment with shiitake or portobello for a richer flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative. Adjust seasoning as needed to enhance flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
How can I make this dish lower in fat?
Opt for lean ground meat and reduced-fat cream cheese. Additionally, sauté the mushrooms in a non-stick pan with minimal butter or use a cooking spray.
What side dishes complement this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Can I add pasta or rice to the casserole?
While the traditional recipe doesn’t include pasta or rice, you can serve the casserole over cooked pasta or rice, or mix in cooked grains before baking for a heartier dish.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Ensure that the mushrooms are cooked until their moisture evaporates before adding them to the casserole. Also, draining any excess fat from the ground beef can help maintain the desired consistency.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with another ingredient?
Hamburger Mushroom Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hamburger Mushroom Bake is a creamy and savory casserole that combines ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich cream cheese mixture, baked to perfection. It’s a comforting family-friendly meal, ideal for weeknights or gatherings, and pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta or rice. Easy to prepare and versatile, this dish will satisfy your cravings with its hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 oz (180 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Grated cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large frying pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt and black pepper. If needed, add olive oil or beef fat for moisture. Once cooked, set aside to cool. beef fat for moist
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Pour the mixture over the cooled ground beef and stir. Transfer to a small 4-cup (1 L) casserole dish and press down evenly.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned. Sprinkle with seasoning salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Layer the sautéed mushrooms on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture is set and firm.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Variation: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy topping.
- Vegetable Option: Include bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles, Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
