Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned. Once finished, remove the meat from the pan and drain the excess grease, but be sure to leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet to flavor your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onions to the same skillet with the reserved beef fat. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to brown.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Toss in the green beans, minced garlic, and your chosen broth. Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes until the green beans reach your desired level of tenderness. Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.

Step 4: Finish and Broil

Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet along with the sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet in the oven and broil for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips

• Always save a little bit of the beef grease after browning the meat; it adds a depth of flavor to the onions and mushrooms that you cannot replace.
• If you do not have an oven-safe cast-iron skillet, simply transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before adding the cheese and broiling.
• To avoid the broiler, you can turn the heat down to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it sit for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
• Make sure not to overcook the green beans during the sauté phase so they maintain a nice “snap” after the casserole finishes in the oven.