Ground Beef Bake
A hearty ground beef bake with creamy mushroom and chive sour cream topping, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a skillet and cook until it loses its red color.
- Add chopped onions during the last few minutes of cooking. Drain off grease.
- Add parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegetable beef soup to the skillet. Mix well.
- Combine milk and cream of mushroom soup in a bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Blend the mushroom mixture into the meat mixture in the skillet.
- Bring to a boiling point, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream into the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of topping over the hot meat mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more robust taste. To enhance the dish, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef. If you're short on time, pre-cooked beef can streamline the process. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen for a quick meal later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ground Beef Bake with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For heartier fare, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the savory sauce. This dish also complements crusty bread nicely. For a delightful twist, enjoy it with a side of beans from the Beans In Crock-Pot recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ground Beef Bake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Bake contains roughly 646 calories, with 29g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1573mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as leaner meats may cook faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable soup instead of vegetable beef soup and omit the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the bake?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as paprika or cumin, or by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. For a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the meat mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).