Hamburger Mushroom Bake is a creamy, savory casserole that’s simple to make and full of comforting flavors. This easy, low-carb dish combines seasoned ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and a rich cream cheese base, making it a perfect choice for a hearty dinner. With its creamy texture and rich umami from the mushrooms, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 6 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • 3 eggs

  • 5 cups mushrooms (sliced)

  • 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing mushrooms)

  • 1 tsp dried parsley

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Grated cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Mixture: In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Mix this creamy blend into the cooked ground beef, stirring until well combined.

4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Melt butter in the skillet and sauté the mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, and dried parsley.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the beef and cream cheese mixture in the greased casserole dish. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and sprinkle with grated cheese if desired.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 23g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 165mg

• Sodium: 450mg

• Potassium: 560mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 630 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 75mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Key Ingredients: Ground Beef and Mushrooms

At the heart of the Hamburger Mushroom Bake are two essential ingredients: lean ground beef and mushrooms. Ground beef is the perfect base for this casserole, as it provides the dish with protein and a savory, meaty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the cream cheese. The beef is cooked and seasoned with salt and pepper, giving it a rich, savory foundation for the rest of the ingredients.

Mushrooms, on the other hand, bring a deep umami flavor to the dish, elevating the overall taste and adding texture. When sautéed, mushrooms become tender and golden brown, releasing their natural flavors and making them the perfect complement to the beef. Their earthy, rich taste balances out the richness of the cream cheese, giving the casserole a layered and satisfying flavor profile.

The Creamy Base: Cream Cheese and Eggs

The creamy mixture that binds the casserole together is made from softened cream cheese and eggs. Blending the cream cheese until smooth creates a velvety base, and adding the eggs one at a time ensures the mixture is well combined and smooth. This creamy blend is then mixed with the cooked ground beef, creating a luscious, creamy filling that holds the dish together and gives it its signature texture.

The cream cheese adds a mild tang and richness to the casserole, while the eggs contribute structure and help bind the ingredients together. The result is a creamy, flavorful base that perfectly complements the sautéed mushrooms and ground beef, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Sautéing the Mushrooms: Adding Flavor and Texture

Sautéing the mushrooms in butter is a crucial step in this recipe. The butter helps to enhance the mushrooms’ natural flavors, making them golden brown and tender. Cooking the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes brings out their umami richness, creating a depth of flavor that perfectly balances the creamy mixture and the savory beef.

Seasoning the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and dried parsley as they cook enhances their flavor, making them a perfect topping for the casserole. The sautéed mushrooms bring a layer of texture to the dish, providing a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the beef and cream cheese mixture.

Assembling the Casserole

Assembling the Hamburger Mushroom Bake is a straightforward process. After preparing the beef and creamy mixture and sautéing the mushrooms, the next step is to layer everything in a greased casserole dish. First, the beef and cream cheese mixture is spread evenly across the bottom of the dish. The sautéed mushrooms are then layered on top, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors. If you desire an extra layer of richness, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the top before baking.

Once assembled, the casserole is baked in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set. The baking time ensures that the flavors meld together, creating a cohesive dish with a perfect texture. The result is a golden, bubbly casserole with a deliciously creamy interior and a lightly browned, savory topping.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Mushroom Bake is a comforting meal that is satisfying on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of sides for an even more complete meal. A side of mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables would complement the casserole beautifully, adding a touch of freshness and balance to the richness of the dish. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

This casserole also makes for great leftovers. You can store it in the fridge and reheat it for a quick, satisfying meal the next day. It’s a great dish for meal prepping, as it holds up well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Hamburger Mushroom Bake contains approximately 320 calories, with 23 grams of protein, 23 grams of fat, and only 6 grams of carbohydrates. The dish is low in carbs, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet. It also provides a good amount of fat (including 10 grams of saturated fat) for those looking for a filling and satisfying meal.

In terms of micronutrients, each serving provides 630 IU of vitamin A, 3 mg of vitamin C, and 75 mg of calcium, along with 3 mg of iron. While it’s important to be mindful of the sodium content (450 mg per serving), you can adjust the seasoning to suit your dietary needs.

Conclusion: A Rich and Comforting Meal

Hamburger Mushroom Bake is a comforting, creamy casserole that’s easy to make and full of savory, satisfying flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich cream cheese base creates a dish that is both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner option or just craving a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, it’s the perfect dish for busy nights when you need something quick, flavorful, and filling.