Hamburger Mushroom Bake

1 pound lean ground beef

6 ounces cream cheese softened

3 eggs

5 cups sliced mushrooms

2 tbsp butter for sautéing mushrooms

1 tsp dried parsley

salt and pepper to taste

grated cheese optional, for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ground Beef

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
Grease a casserole dish (9×13-inch works well) with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of lean ground beef.
Use a spatula to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Making the Cream Cheese Mixture

Blend the Cream Cheese and Eggs:
In a food processor, combine 6 ounces of softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth.
Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, blending after each addition. The result should be a silky, creamy mixture.

Combine with Ground Beef:
Pour the cream cheese and egg mixture into the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the creamy mixture.

Preparing the Mushrooms

Cook the Mushrooms:
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add 5 cups of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir occasionally as they cook, allowing them to release their moisture and turn golden brown. This should take 5-7 minutes.
Season the mushrooms with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. For additional flavor, stir in minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Assembling the Casserole

Layer the Ingredients:
Transfer the ground beef and cream cheese mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create the base layer.
Spread the sautéed mushrooms over the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) over the mushrooms for an extra cheesy topping.

Baking

Bake the Casserole:
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
The casserole is done when the top is lightly browned and the mixture is set. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the casserole to dry out.

Serving

Cool and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Cut into squares and serve warm, either on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.