Description
A comforting and hearty casserole combining savory ground beef, crisp green beans, and earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed; fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
- 1 cup sliced button or baby bella mushrooms
- 3 tsp minced garlic (fresh is best)
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (use 1 cup for a lighter version)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking it up until no pink remains. Drain the fat, reserving 1 tablespoon in the pan, and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the reserved fat, cook the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Add Beans & Seasonings: Stir in the green beans, minced garlic, and broth. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beans turn bright green and maintain a crisp-tender texture.
- Create Creamy Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the cream cheese in the skillet, stirring until smooth, then blend in the sour cream for a creamy sauce.
- Combine & Season: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Gently stir until everything is well-coated.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack evenly over the surface.
- Melt & Serve: Option A (broiler): Place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Option B (stovetop): Cover and cook on low for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American