
Stuffed mushrooms with ground beef are a delicious and versatile appetizer or side dish that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the hearty richness of seasoned ground beef. To make this dish, start by carefully removing the stems from fresh button or cremini mushrooms and setting the caps aside. Sauté the chopped stems with garlic and onions, then mix them with cooked ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. Stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and crispy. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to add ingredients like bacon, spinach, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Mushrooms (button or cremini), Ground Beef |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-50 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 (as an appetizer) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Key Ingredients | Mushrooms, Ground Beef, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Onion, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning |
| Cooking Method | Baking |
| Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| Stuffing Texture | Hearty, Savory |
| Flavor Profile | Umami, Garlicky, Cheesy |
| Optional Add-ins | Diced Bell Peppers, Spinach, Mozzarella Cheese, Red Pepper Flakes |
| Serving Suggestion | As an appetizer or side dish, garnished with fresh parsley or basil |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days |
| Reheating | Best reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes |
| Dietary Notes | Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs |
| Popular Variations | Adding marinara sauce on top, using turkey instead of beef, incorporating bacon bits |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepping Mushrooms: Clean, de-stem, and hollow mushroom caps for stuffing
- Cooking Ground Beef: Brown beef with garlic, onions, and seasonings
- Making Filling: Mix cooked beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs for stuffing
- Stuffing Mushrooms: Fill caps with beef mixture, pressing gently to pack
- Baking Process: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked

Prepping Mushrooms: Clean, de-stem, and hollow mushroom caps for stuffing
To begin prepping mushrooms for your stuffed mushroom dish with ground beef, start by selecting fresh, firm, and medium to large-sized button or cremini mushrooms. These varieties hold their shape well and provide ample space for stuffing. Before cleaning, gently brush off any visible dirt or debris from the mushroom caps using a soft pastry brush or a clean paper towel. Avoid rinsing them under water at this stage, as mushrooms absorb moisture quickly, which can affect their texture during cooking.
Next, clean the mushroom caps more thoroughly by wiping them with a damp paper towel or a cloth dipped in water. This method ensures that you remove any remaining dirt without saturating the mushrooms. If the mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can quickly rinse them under cold water, but be sure to pat them dry immediately with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Proper cleaning is essential to ensure that your stuffed mushrooms are not only delicious but also free from grit.
Once the mushroom caps are clean, carefully de-stem them by holding the stem firmly and twisting it gently until it separates from the cap. You can also use a small paring knife to cut the stem away if twisting proves difficult. Save the stems, as they can be finely chopped and added to the ground beef stuffing mixture for extra flavor. After removing the stems, use a small spoon, melon baller, or the tip of your paring knife to hollow out the inside of each mushroom cap slightly, creating a small cavity for the stuffing. Be cautious not to pierce through the bottom or sides of the cap.
Hollowing the mushroom caps not only makes room for the stuffing but also helps them retain their shape during baking. After hollowing, arrange the prepared mushroom caps on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, with the cavity side up, ready to be filled. If you notice any excess moisture inside the caps after hollowing, gently blot them with a paper towel to keep them as dry as possible. Properly prepped mushroom caps are the foundation of a successful stuffed mushroom dish.
Finally, ensure that your workspace is clean and organized before moving on to preparing the ground beef stuffing. Having the mushroom caps cleaned, de-stemmed, and hollowed ahead of time streamlines the cooking process and allows you to focus on creating a flavorful stuffing mixture. With the mushrooms prepped correctly, you’re now ready to fill them with the seasoned ground beef mixture and proceed with baking, resulting in a delicious and satisfying appetizer or side dish.
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Cooking Ground Beef: Brown beef with garlic, onions, and seasonings
To begin cooking the ground beef for your stuffed mushrooms, start by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop 2-3 cloves of garlic and half a medium onion. The key to infusing the beef with flavor lies in these aromatics, so take your time to chop them evenly. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or unsalted butter. Allow the fat to heat until it shimmers but not smokes, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan evenly. This step is crucial for preventing the beef from sticking and promoting even browning.
Once the skillet is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. This softens the onions and releases their natural sweetness, which will complement the savory beef. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it to ensure it turns fragrant without turning bitter. The combination of softened onions and aromatic garlic creates a flavorful base for the ground beef.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Ensure the beef is spread evenly across the pan to allow for even browning. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until it is no longer pink. As the beef cooks, use your utensil to crumble it into small, even pieces, which will make it easier to stuff into the mushroom caps later. The goal here is to achieve a deep brown color on the beef, as this enhances its flavor and texture.
While the beef is browning, add your desired seasonings. A simple combination of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes works well, but you can also incorporate dried herbs like oregano or thyme for added depth. Stir the seasonings into the beef mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Taste a small piece of the cooked beef and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the flavors will meld with the mushrooms later, so the beef should be well-seasoned on its own.
Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Use this time to prepare your mushroom caps by cleaning and hollowing them out. The cooked ground beef should be moist but not greasy, with a rich, savory flavor from the garlic, onions, and seasonings. This mixture will serve as the hearty filling for your stuffed mushrooms, creating a delicious contrast with the tender mushroom caps. With the beef prepared, you’re now ready to assemble and bake your stuffed mushrooms to perfection.
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Making Filling: Mix cooked beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs for stuffing
To begin making the filling for your stuffed mushrooms, start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even distribution in the filling. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy mixture. This step is crucial as it forms the savory base of your stuffing.
Next, transfer the cooked ground beef to a mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs to the bowl, which will help bind the filling together and absorb any remaining moisture. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs per pound of ground beef, depending on your preferred texture. Panko breadcrumbs work well for a lighter, crispier texture, while regular breadcrumbs provide a denser consistency. Mix the breadcrumbs thoroughly with the beef to ensure they are evenly incorporated.
Now, it’s time to add cheese to the mixture for richness and flavor. Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses. Add about 1/2 cup of cheese per pound of beef, adjusting to taste. Stir the cheese into the beef and breadcrumbs until well combined. The cheese will melt when baked, creating a gooey, delicious center for your stuffed mushrooms.
Herbs are essential for adding depth and freshness to the filling. Finely chop fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano, or use dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per pound of beef. Mix the herbs into the beef mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Finally, season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for added complexity. Stir the mixture one last time to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Your filling is now ready to be spooned into the mushroom caps for baking. This flavorful combination of cooked beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs will create a mouthwatering stuffing that complements the earthy taste of the mushrooms perfectly.
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Stuffing Mushrooms: Fill caps with beef mixture, pressing gently to pack
To begin stuffing your mushrooms, prepare the mushroom caps by carefully removing the stems. This creates a hollow space that will be filled with the flavorful ground beef mixture. Ensure the caps are clean and dry, as any excess moisture can affect the texture of the final dish. Once the caps are ready, it’s time to focus on the stuffing process. Take a spoonful of the cooked ground beef mixture and place it into the center of each mushroom cap. The mixture should be a combination of browned ground beef, finely chopped mushroom stems, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic, and herbs like parsley or thyme, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The key here is to fill the caps generously but not to overstuff them, as the mixture will slightly expand during baking.
When filling the caps, use the back of a spoon or your fingertips to gently press the beef mixture into the cavity. This ensures the stuffing is compact and holds together well during cooking. Pressing gently also helps the flavors meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious bite. Be mindful not to press too hard, as you want to maintain the integrity of the mushroom cap and avoid tearing it. The goal is to create a neatly packed mushroom that looks as appetizing as it tastes.
As you work, ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed across all the mushroom caps. If some caps are larger than others, adjust the amount of filling accordingly. Smaller caps may require less mixture, while larger ones can accommodate a bit more. Consistency in filling ensures that each stuffed mushroom cooks evenly and has a balanced flavor profile. If any excess mixture falls onto the baking dish, simply leave it—it will add extra flavor to the dish as it bakes.
Once all the caps are filled, take a moment to inspect your work. The stuffed mushrooms should appear full but not overflowing. If there are gaps or uneven spots, gently add a bit more mixture and press it into place. This attention to detail ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. At this stage, the mushrooms are almost ready for the oven, but the gentle packing of the beef mixture is what sets the foundation for a successful dish.
Finally, as you place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, consider drizzling them lightly with olive oil or topping them with a sprinkle of additional cheese for extra richness. The gentle pressing of the beef mixture into the caps not only helps them hold their shape but also maximizes the flavor in every bite. With the stuffing step complete, your mushrooms are now ready to be baked until golden and bubbly, resulting in a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish.
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Baking Process: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked
Preheating your oven to 375°F is the first critical step in the baking process for stuffed mushrooms with ground beef. This temperature ensures that the mushrooms cook evenly and the ground beef filling reaches a safe internal temperature. While the oven heats up, arrange your prepared mushroom caps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning. Placing the mushrooms evenly on the sheet allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
Once the oven is preheated and your mushrooms are ready, carefully place the baking sheet on the center rack. This position ensures consistent heat distribution, preventing the bottoms from burning while the tops remain undercooked. Set a timer for 20 minutes to start, as baking times can vary slightly depending on the size of your mushrooms and the moisture content of the filling. During this time, the ground beef will cook thoroughly, and the mushrooms will begin to release their natural juices, blending flavors beautifully.
After 20 minutes, check the stuffed mushrooms for doneness. The tops should be golden brown, and the ground beef filling should be fully cooked, with no pink remaining. If the mushrooms are not yet golden or the filling is still raw, return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry mushrooms and a tough texture. Use an oven mitt to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven once the desired doneness is achieved.
Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the filling set, ensuring it stays intact when you serve the mushrooms. The internal temperature of the ground beef should reach at least 160°F for food safety, so consider using a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure. This step guarantees that your dish is both delicious and safe to eat.
Finally, transfer the baked stuffed mushrooms to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal. The baking process at 375°F for 20-25 minutes ensures that the mushrooms are tender, the ground beef is fully cooked, and the flavors are perfectly melded. This method delivers a dish that is both comforting and elegant, ideal for appetizers or as a side dish. Enjoy the fruits of your labor while the mushrooms are still warm, as this is when they are at their most flavorful.
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Frequently asked questions
You’ll need button or cremini mushrooms, ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Gently twist off the mushroom stems, then scoop out the gills with a spoon to create a hollow cavity. Chop the stems finely to use in the stuffing mixture.
Sauté the chopped mushroom stems, garlic, and onion in a pan until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir in breadcrumbs and Parmesan for texture.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill the mushroom caps with the ground beef mixture, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.

























