This creamy and savory casserole combines hearty ground beef, golden sautéed mushrooms, and a rich cream cheese mixture for a comforting, low-carb dinner option. Perfectly baked and optionally topped with melted cheese, this dish is satisfying and simple to prepare for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Yet Sophisticated: Ground beef and mushrooms are elevated with a creamy base and optional cheesy topping.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein and veggies, this recipe fits perfectly into low-carb lifestyles.
One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup and easy preparation make it ideal for busy days.
Customizable: Adapt the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides the savory base for this casserole. If you prefer, substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a velvety, tangy richness to the dish. Soften it before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, creating a cohesive and fluffy casserole.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring earthy flavor and a hearty texture. Cremini or button mushrooms work well, but feel free to use portobello or shiitake for added depth.
Dried Parsley: A touch of parsley enhances the dish with a subtle herbal note. Fresh parsley can also be used for a brighter flavor.
Grated Cheese (Optional): Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan can be sprinkled on top for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ground Beef
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
Grease a casserole dish (9×13-inch works well) with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of lean ground beef.
Use a spatula to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Cream Cheese Mixture
Blend the Cream Cheese and Eggs:
In a food processor, combine 6 ounces of softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth.
Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, blending after each addition. The result should be a silky, creamy mixture.
Combine with Ground Beef:
Pour the cream cheese and egg mixture into the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the creamy mixture.
Preparing the Mushrooms
Cook the Mushrooms:
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add 5 cups of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir occasionally as they cook, allowing them to release their moisture and turn golden brown. This should take 5-7 minutes.
Season the mushrooms with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. For additional flavor, stir in minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Assembling the Casserole
Layer the Ingredients:
Transfer the ground beef and cream cheese mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create the base layer.
Spread the sautéed mushrooms over the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) over the mushrooms for an extra cheesy topping.
Baking
Bake the Casserole:
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
The casserole is done when the top is lightly browned and the mixture is set. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the casserole to dry out.
Serving
Cool and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Cut into squares and serve warm, either on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with side dishes to round out the meal:
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent sides.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up the creamy flavors.
For beverages, try a robust red wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: The casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Variations
Cheesy Mushroom Bake: Mix shredded cheese directly into the cream cheese and egg mixture for an extra creamy, cheesy casserole.
Vegetable-Enhanced: Add cooked spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the layers for added color and nutrition.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the mushrooms for a more aromatic flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Mushroom Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, satisfying base. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up for dinner tonight and savor the simplicity of a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Hamburger Mushroom Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 eggs
- 5 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp butter for sautéing mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- grated cheese optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a food processor, blend cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Pour this mixture into the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
- Melt butter in the skillet and add mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown, then season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Layer the beef and cream cheese mixture in the greased dish. Top with sautéed mushrooms and optionally sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and set. Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
