Short description

A comforting, creamy pasta bake loaded with seasoned ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and rich cheese—all baked to golden perfection for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy one-dish comfort—minimal prep and cleanup with big, hearty flavors.
Creamy and cheesy delight—mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar create a luscious sauce.
Family-friendly and filling—perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Adaptable and customizable—swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or adjust cheese to suit your taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

Preheat the oven
- Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Sauté aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
Brown the beef
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking into crumbles until browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
Cook the mushrooms
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook 5 minutes until they release moisture and soften.
Make the creamy sauce
- Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, heavy cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir thoroughly and simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Combine with pasta
- Remove skillet from heat and add cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
Bake with cheese
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
Garnish and serve
- Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main course, Casserole

Variations

Veggie packed: Stir in spinach, broccoli florets, or peas before baking.
Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Creamier option: Add extra cream or stir in cream cheese for extra richness.
Mexican twist: Use taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 °F for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Freeze: Bake without cheese; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then top with cheese and bake until bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free pasta and a GF cream-of-mushroom soup.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Absolutely—use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter version.

3. Is there a way to reduce calories?

Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or skip the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

4. Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes—assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) up to a day in advance. Add cheese and bake before serving.

5. How can I make the dish crispier on top?

Broil for 2–3 minutes after baking to get a bubbly, browned cheese crust.

6. What pasta works best?

Penne, rotini, or ziti hold sauce well and work beautifully; any shape is fine.

7. Can I omit the mushrooms?

Yes—but mushrooms add flavor and moisture; you may reduce cooking liquid if omitted.

8. Can I add herbs?

Yes—fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil stirred into the sauce before baking enhances flavor.

9. What temperature should leftovers be reheated to?

Heat to at least 165 °F (74 °C) internal temperature for safety and best flavor.

10. Can I add a crunchy topping?

Yes—mix panko bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a crisp finish.

Conclusion

This Savory Creamy Mushroom and Ground Beef Bake with Cheese is a delightful blend of comforting flavors and textures. Its creamy sauce, hearty beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese make it a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for cozy nights, casual dinners, or batch cooking. Whip it up when you crave homemade comfort with minimal fuss—every cheesy, savory bite is worth it!