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

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven—especially when it’s loaded with savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. This Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake checks all the boxes for a satisfying weeknight meal: quick prep, minimal ingredients, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish is a dependable go-to.

At the core of this bake is a blend of ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and sweet onions, all brought together with a rich combination of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. A touch of paprika adds warmth, while thyme gives it an herbaceous edge—optional, but highly recommended for depth. Once baked under a generous layer of melty cheese, the result is a creamy, cheesy, deeply savory casserole that feels like a hug in food form.

This recipe is versatile enough to serve with whatever you’ve got on hand. Classic egg noodles? Perfect. Fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice? Also great. Or keep it low-carb and scoop it right onto your plate as is—hearty and flavorful without the extras.

Best of all, it’s weeknight-friendly. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven, you’ve got a dinner that tastes like it took all day. Comfort food has never been so easy, or so delicious.

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Optional for serving: cooked egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5–6 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
7. Serve over cooked noodles, rice, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb, comforting meal.

Variations:

• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas or chopped spinach for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Switch the Cheese: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend for different flavors.
• Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken also work well in place of beef.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the mushrooms in the skillet—they’ll finish softening in the oven.
• Use low-sodium soup if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking—it thickens slightly and serves more neatly.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal prep solution.

Rich, creamy, and topped with gooey cheese, this mushroom and ground beef bake is everything you want in a comfort food dinner. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect addition to your weeknight rotation.