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## **Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake**
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### **Introduction**
Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is a savory, comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce—all baked together with pasta or rice and a golden, cheesy topping. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
This dish has roots in mid-20th-century American comfort food and casserole culture. With influences from classic beef stroganoff and mushroom-based bakes, it reflects the era’s love for one-dish meals made from pantry staples. Popular across the U.S. in community cookbooks and potlucks, this bake speaks to practicality, comfort, and home-style generosity.
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### **Ingredients Quantity**
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|———————————–|————————————-|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Mushrooms (sliced, any variety) | 8 oz (about 2 cups) |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked pasta or rice | 3 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)| 1 cup |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Italian seasoning (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley (optional garnish) | For topping |
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Spinach or Kale**: Stir in for added greens.
– **Peas or Corn**: For a touch of sweetness and texture.
– **Crushed red pepper**: For a spicy kick.
– **Parmesan cheese**: Mixed into the sauce or sprinkled on top.
– **Breadcrumb topping**: For a crispy finish.
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Drain Beef Well**: Prevents a greasy casserole.
– **Sauté Mushrooms Separately**: Helps reduce moisture and concentrate flavor.
– **Undercook Pasta Slightly**: If using pasta, it will finish cooking in the oven.
– **Season Layers**: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
– **Let It Rest**: Let the bake sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to thicken.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat Oven**: To 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook Beef & Veggies**: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cook until softened. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. **Add Mushrooms**: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until tender and most moisture evaporates.
4. **Mix Sauce**: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. **Combine with Pasta/Rice**: Stir cooked pasta or rice into the beef mixture. Mix in half the shredded cheese.
6. **Transfer to Baking Dish**: Pour into a greased 9×13-inch dish. Top with remaining cheese.
7. **Bake**: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden.
8. **Garnish & Serve**: Let sit, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
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### **Description**
Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is rich, meaty, and ultra-comforting. The earthiness of mushrooms balances the savory beef, while the creamy sauce and melted cheese tie it all together. Every bite is hearty and flavorful — like a warm hug on a plate.
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### **Nutritional Information** *(Per Serving — based on 6 servings)*
– **Calories**: ~450
– **Protein**: 25g
– **Fat**: 28g
– **Carbohydrates**: 28g
– **Fiber**: 2g
– **Sodium**: ~800mg
*Exact values may vary depending on ingredients used and serving size.*
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### **Conclusion**
Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Bake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to love and even easier to prepare. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy freezer meal, it hits all the right notes: rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
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### **Recommendation**
Serve it with:
– A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
– Garlic bread or dinner rolls
– A splash of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for heat
It also keeps well for leftovers and reheats beautifully — even better the next day!
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
Make it lighter without sacrificing flavor:
– Use lean ground turkey or chicken
– Sub plain Greek yogurt for sour cream
– Choose whole wheat pasta or brown rice
– Add extra mushrooms or spinach for fiber
– Use reduced-fat cheese or cut the amount in half
These tweaks make it a well-rounded dish that feels indulgent — yet nourishing.
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