Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like a cheeseburger casserole. Imagine the iconic, mouthwatering flavors of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, savory mushrooms, and all the seasonings you love—transformed into a warm, hearty casserole that’s perfect for dinner. The Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is a unique and satisfying twist on a traditional cheeseburger, combining the flavors of the beloved burger in an easy-to-make casserole form.
Casseroles are a classic part of many families’ meal rotations because they are affordable, easy to make, and often serve a crowd. The Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is no exception, providing a delicious and filling dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and can be made in advance for an even more convenient meal.
In this recipe, the richness of beef and the umami of mushrooms come together under a blanket of creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy finish. Whether you’re serving it to a hungry crowd or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is so irresistible:
- Delicious Cheeseburger Flavor: The ground beef, cheese, mushrooms, and seasonings all come together to deliver the rich, savory flavor of a cheeseburger, but in casserole form.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is loaded with protein and flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s a one-pan meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Easy to Make and Perfect for Meal Prep: Preparing the casserole is quick and simple, and it stores well for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add pickles, mustard, or even bacon to enhance the cheeseburger experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Dice the onion and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. This ensures that everything is ready to go when it’s time to cook, which helps the process go smoothly.
If you haven’t already, shred the cheddar cheese and measure out the milk or cream, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) is also recommended at this stage, so it’s ready when you need it.
2. Cooking the Beef and Mushrooms
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms release their moisture and start to caramelize.
Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir everything together until the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.
3. Making the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with the milk or heavy cream, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk or cream if necessary—this will depend on how thick you want the sauce to be.
Once the sauce is ready, pour it into the skillet with the cooked beef and mushroom mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the beef and mushrooms are coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
4. Assembling the Casserole
Transfer the beef and mushroom mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring it’s well-distributed.
If you want to add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer. You can also top it with French fried onions for extra flavor and texture.
5. Baking the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. If you used breadcrumbs, they should have a crisp, golden finish. If you used French fried onions, they’ll be perfectly crispy and delicious.
6. Garnishing and Serving
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve the casserole hot, with a side salad, green beans, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- A Simple Green Salad: The freshness of the salad contrasts nicely with the rich, savory casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the flavors of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve these on the side for some extra carbs and a delicious dipping option.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots are perfect additions to balance the richness of the casserole.
Recipe Variations
1. Low-Carb or Keto Version:
- Use a cauliflower or zucchini base instead of breadcrumbs.
- Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a low-carb option or a homemade creamy sauce made with heavy cream and mushrooms.
2. Vegetarian Version:
- Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat substitutes, or use more mushrooms, lentils, or black beans for a hearty veggie option.
3. Add-ins:
- For a true cheeseburger experience, top the casserole with pickles or incorporate mustard and ketchup in the layers.
Conclusion
This Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole brings the flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting, hearty casserole form that everyone will love. With its savory beef, mushrooms, melty cheese, and creamy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish. Customize it with your favorite cheeseburger toppings or make it lighter with healthier options. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like a cheeseburger casserole. Imagine the iconic, mouthwatering flavors of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, savory mushrooms, and all the seasonings you love—transformed into a warm, hearty casserole that’s perfect for dinner. The Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is a unique and satisfying twist on a traditional cheeseburger, combining the flavors of the beloved burger in an easy-to-make casserole form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups frozen or fresh tater tots (optional, for a tater tot topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat, and to the skillet, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spoon the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Tater Tot Topping (Optional): If you want to top your casserole with tater tots, arrange them on top of the casserole mixture in a single layer. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for more cheesiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy (if using) and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Meat Variations: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Mushroom Types: Feel free to use any mushrooms you like—cremini or baby bella mushrooms add a deeper flavor, while white button mushrooms are milder.
- Tater Tots Alternative: If you prefer, you can also top this casserole with crumbled crackers, breadcrumbs, or potato chips for a different crunchy texture.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can mix in mozzarella or even a bit of Swiss cheese for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead of time. Just assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes to account for it being chilled.