Smothered Ground Beef
A hearty, comforting ground beef dish with creamy mushroom flavor, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, served over toast, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add salt, pepper, mushroom soup, and water to the skillet.
- Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes.
- Serve on hard toast, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with homemade mushroom sauce or a different cream soup, like cream of celery. Add chopped onions or garlic to the beef while browning for extra depth. If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served over hard toast, cornbread, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. It also goes well with biscuits for a comforting breakfast option or as a filling for a savory pie. Enjoy it alongside a glass of your favorite red wine for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover smothered ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smothered Ground Beef contains roughly 214 calories, with 14g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (208% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% 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 ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey may require additional seasoning, as it can be milder in flavor. You may want to add extra herbs or spices to enhance the taste.
Can I freeze the smothered ground beef?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dish before or after cooking. If freezing after cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve alongside smothered ground beef?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options include mashed potatoes or cornbread. You could also serve it with rice or egg noodles for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, a side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad works well.
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).