Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (hamburger)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (add other seasonings as desired)
Butter, for browning the patties
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup cooking sherry
Directions:
1. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like. Divide the meat and form into evenly sized patties so they cook uniformly.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. When the butter is melted and hot, brown the patties on both sides until they have a golden crust. You do not need to cook them through at this stage; just develop color and flavor.
3. Transfer the browned patties to a baking dish in a single layer.
4. Using the same skillet, pour in the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and the cooking sherry. Warm the mixture gently over low to medium heat, stirring until smooth and combined. Heat until the sauce is just warmed through—do not boil.
5. Pour the warmed mushroom-and-sherry sauce evenly over the patties in the baking dish, coating each patty.
6. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15 minutes, until the patties are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and set to your liking.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to settle.
Serving Suggestions:
This simple mushroom-sherry hamburger bake pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables. A green salad or steamed green beans make a nice, light side. Spoon extra sauce over the potatoes or rice to highlight the mushroom flavor.
Yields: Serves 4–6, depending on portion size.
Preparation time: About 10 minutes.
Total time: Approximately 36 minutes (including browning and baking).