Creamy Beef Mushroom Bake (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat and Aromatics

01 - 450 grams ground beef, 80% lean
02 - 1 medium onion, diced (approx. 150 grams)
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Mushrooms

04 - 250 grams cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced

→ Sauce

05 - 300 grams cream of mushroom soup (commercially prepared)
06 - 120 grams full-fat sour cream
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

11 - 150 grams shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

→ Serving Suggestions (optional)

12 - Cooked egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring frequently until beef is browned and no longer pink and onions are softened. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until mushrooms are golden and have released their juices and the garlic is fragrant.
03 - Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and homogenous.
04 - Transfer the beef and mushroom mixture to a lightly greased 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
05 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and the casserole is bubbling.
06 - Serve hot, spooned over cooked egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice as desired.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Brown beef and onions thoroughly for maximum flavor. Grate cheese fresh for best melting. Optional: add a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers during the last 10 minutes of baking.
02 - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.