Ingredients
- Large Cremini Mushrooms (Baby Bellas)Choose the largest, firmest caps you can find; these provide the ideal vessel for holding the copious filling.
- Ground BeefLean ground beef works best, providing essential savory depth without adding excessive grease that could make the filling runny.
- Yellow Onion and GarlicThese aromatics are the foundation of the filling, sautéed until soft to release their sweetness and pungent flavor.
- Cream CheeseUse full-fat, softened cream cheese; this provides the essential creaminess and acts as a binder, holding the filling together beautifully.
- Parmesan CheeseFreshly grated Parmesan delivers a necessary salty, nutty punch and helps create that wonderful golden crust when baked.
- Italian Seasoning and Dried ThymeA generous blend of classic herbs provides the signature Italian flavor profile necessary for this copycat recipe.
- Dried Breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian Style)These absorb moisture and prevent the filling from being too dense while adding texture.
- Vegetable BrothA small amount is used during the sautéing process to deglaze the pan and enhance the depth of flavor.
Instructions
- Step 1:Preheat and Prep the Pans
- Step 2:Combine and Cool the Filling
- Step 3:Stuff the Mushroom Caps
- Step 4:Bake Until Golden Brown
- Step 5:Rest and Serve
Notes
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3 days; for future meals, freeze the stuffed but unbaked mushrooms on a tray before transferring them to a bag for long-term storage.
- Skip the microwave when reheating; warm the mushrooms in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covering them with foil to prevent the caps from drying out or the cheese crust from burning.
- These rich, savory bites pair perfectly as an appetizer with a glass of crisp, dry Pinot Grigio or served alongside a simple, brightly dressed arugula salad to balance the richness.
- Don't skip the "cool the filling" step—a chilled filling ensures the cream cheese acts as a stable binder, preventing your stuffing from oozing out and keeping the mushroom caps firm during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American