Cream of mushroom soup is a pantry staple that has long been a favorite in the classic green bean casserole. However, its potential extends far beyond this traditional use. In fact, there are over a dozen creative ways to incorporate this versatile soup into your meals, and countless ingredients that can elevate its flavor. Here are some of the best cream of mushroom soup recipes to try.
1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This dish is a comforting and easy - to - make dinner option. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium - high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides until they have a nice golden color. Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish.
In the same skillet, add a cup of sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they release their moisture and start to brown. Pour in a can of cream of mushroom soup, a half - cup of chicken broth, and a quarter - cup of sour cream. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Pour this creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Mushroom Soup Stuffed Bell Peppers
For this recipe, you'll need four large bell peppers of your choice (red, green, or yellow). Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish with a little bit of water at the bottom to prevent them from drying out.
In a large pan, cook a cup of ground beef over medium heat until it's browned. Drain any excess fat. Add a chopped onion and a cup of sliced mushrooms to the pan and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup, a half - cup of cooked rice, and a quarter - cup of shredded cheese. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Spoon the mushroom - beef mixture into the bell peppers. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Uncover the dish and sprinkle some more shredded cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Boil a pound of your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, in a large saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add a cup of sliced mushrooms and a chopped shallot to the pan. Sauté them until the mushrooms are soft and the shallot is translucent.
Pour in a can of cream of mushroom soup, a half - cup of heavy cream, and a quarter - cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the saucepan with the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it's well - coated. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
4. Mushroom Soup and Vegetable Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini. Cut them into bite - sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables with a can of cream of mushroom soup, a quarter - cup of breadcrumbs, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the soup and breadcrumb mixture.
Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This is a great side dish that can also be a main course if you add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to it.
These are just a few of the many ways you can use cream of mushroom soup to create delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a more elaborate dish for a special occasion, cream of mushroom soup can be your secret ingredient to culinary success.