Name: Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms (sliced, fresh or canned); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade substitute); 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cups cooked pasta or rice; 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend); Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, tender mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked together with pasta or rice and topped with a golden layer of cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and always gets second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s satisfying, flavorful, and simple to put together. It uses everyday ingredients and turns them into a filling casserole that tastes like I spent all day cooking. The creamy mushroom sauce coats every bite, and the combination of beef, herbs, and melty cheese is pure comfort food. It’s also great for making ahead, freezing, and reheating—so I always have dinner ready when I need it.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Mushrooms (fresh or canned)
Cream of mushroom soup (or homemade sauce)
Sour cream or heavy cream
Worcestershire sauce
Italian seasoning or dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Cooked pasta or rice
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain excess grease.
I add chopped onions and cook until softened, then stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for a few minutes until tender.
I stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, letting it all simmer for a couple of minutes.
I combine the beef mixture with cooked pasta or rice, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
I sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and top with fresh parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. I spend around 15 minutes prepping and 25 minutes baking, so the whole dish is ready in about 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
When I want extra veggies, I add spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the mix.
For a deeper mushroom flavor, I use a splash of white wine or beef broth in the sauce.
I’ve used egg noodles, penne, or even brown rice depending on what I have in the pantry.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it seems dry, I stir in a little extra cream or broth before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. When I’m ready, I bake it straight from the fridge—just adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

I make a quick homemade version by combining butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms, seasoned with garlic and onion powder.

Can I freeze this bake?

Yes. I let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What cheese works best?

I usually go for sharp cheddar or mozzarella, but I’ve also used Monterey Jack or a blend for more flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy texture and cheesy topping usually win everyone over—even picky eaters.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is one of those go-to recipes I always keep in my back pocket. It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. Once I’ve made it, I’m already thinking about when I’ll make it again.