Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni

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A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a creamy bowl of pasta. This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and perfectly cooked macaroni in a rich, creamy sauce that is bound to become a household favorite. It’s a fantastic dish for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

Here’s how to make this delectable pasta dish, along with a few helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients:

To make Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the pasta:

  • 8 oz macaroni pasta (about 2 cups)
  • Salt for pasta water

For the creamy beef and mushroom sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce in case you need to adjust the consistency.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef into smaller pieces with a spoon until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  2. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any residual oil in the skillet for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

  1. To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

  1. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  2. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth, followed by the milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, along with any juices, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Stir in the cooked macaroni, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  2. For extra creaminess and flavor, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni

  • Use a flavorful beef: Ground beef with a bit of fat (like 80/20) adds extra flavor to the dish.
  • Brown the mushrooms well: Sautéing the mushrooms until golden will deepen their flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the sauce.
  • Adjust the creaminess: Heavy cream will make the sauce richer and silkier, but whole milk works as well if you prefer a lighter texture.
  • Add cheese to taste: A sprinkle of shredded cheese can add even more flavor, but it’s optional if you’d like a lighter sauce.

Variations

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Add green peas, spinach, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
  • Protein Swap: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • Pasta Options: Substitute macaroni with penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together pasta, beef, and mushrooms in a way that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s a cold evening or you simply crave something indulgent, this recipe is sure to please every pasta lover in your home.