Description
Savory Mushroom Beef Casserole
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., egg noodles or penne)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish.
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms and Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms are browned and onions are softened. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Sauce:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix until smooth. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and combine.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Optional Topping:
If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crispy topping.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using breadcrumbs, bake until they’re golden brown.
Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: ~400 per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before heating your skillet. When browning the beef, do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and texture. For the sauce, let the mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk come to a gentle simmer before combining with the beef and pasta, which helps the flavors meld. When assembling, lightly press the mixture into the dish for an even layer. For the optional breadcrumb topping, combine with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened for maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try roasted green beans or steamed broccoli. To elevate the presentation, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be reheated in the oven to restore the topping’s texture.
How-to Summary
Brown ground beef and set aside. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in the same pan. Create a sauce by stirring in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Combine sauce with cooked beef and pasta. Transfer to a dish, top with cheese and optional buttered breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup? Make a quick roux with 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, and 1 cup of beef or mushroom broth. Whisk until thick, then stir in 1/4 cup of cream or extra sour cream.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture, or microwave single portions until hot throughout.
My casserole is too dry. What happened? This usually occurs if the pasta was overcooked initially or if it absorbed too much sauce. Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente and consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of milk to the sauce mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta before baking, which leads to a mushy final texture.
- Not seasoning each layer. Season the beef while browning and the vegetables while sautéing.
- Using cold sour cream directly from the fridge, which can cause the sauce to curdle. Let it sit out briefly to temper.
- Skipping the step of sautéing the mushrooms until their liquid evaporates; this prevents a watery casserole.
- Covering the dish while baking, which steams the topping instead of creating a desirable crispy, golden crust.
Conclusion
This Savory Mushroom Beef Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal fuss. Its versatility with ingredients and make-ahead potential makes it a reliable staple for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that truly embodies the magic of mushrooms and hearty beef.