If you are craving a comforting and satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together beautifully. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special, yet comes together quickly enough for any busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role to build layers of richness, heartiness, and that irresistible creamy consistency.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to catch and hold the luscious sauce.
- Ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty base that makes the dish filling and flavorful.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté veggies with a subtle fruitiness.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant punch that complements beef and mushrooms perfectly.
- Mushrooms (sliced): Bring an earthy, meaty texture that pairs wonderfully with beef.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that silky, creamy finish.
- Beef broth: Infuses more beefy flavor and keeps the sauce savory.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the savory notes.
- Sour cream: Brings tangy richness that brightens the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: A umami booster with subtle sweet and tangy notes.
- Dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbaceous aroma that rounds out flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every component.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts into the sauce for extra gooey indulgence.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. This ensures your pasta has a tender bite and won’t turn mushy once mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned. Breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks helps everything brown evenly and develop that rich beefy flavor. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
To the skillet with the beef, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms release their beautiful, earthy juices. This step builds a strong flavor foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and veggies, stirring well to coat everything. This acts as your thickening agent. Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Add Final Flavor Boosters
Now, stir in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Each ingredient adds a layer of complexity—the tang from sour cream, the savory depth from Worcestershire, and the herbaceous lift from thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before moving forward.
Step 6: Combine and Melt Cheese
Add the cooked macaroni directly to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in that creamy beef and mushroom sauce. If you’re going for the cheesy route, sprinkle in shredded cheddar or mozzarella and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt indulgently into the mixture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve your creamy beef and mushroom macaroni piping hot. This dish is truly meant to be enjoyed right away to savor every creamy, savory bite.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful green contrast but also delivers a subtle freshness that balances the rich sauce. For some extra zest, try a little grated Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make excellent companions to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also complement the flavors nicely without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve it right from the skillet to bring a cozy, communal vibe to the table. Alternatively, portion into individual ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a golden crust that kids and adults alike will adore. You could even stuff the creamy beef and mushroom macaroni into bell peppers for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy beef and mushroom macaroni keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it ideal for quick lunches or busy weeknights when you need a ready-made meal full of comfort and flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring into a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When freezing, consider leaving out the cheese topping as it can sometimes change texture upon thawing—adding fresh cheese when reheating gives the dish a fresher feel.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy beef and mushroom macaroni gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help revive the sauce’s smooth texture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is ideal for catching the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini would work beautifully too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure al dente perfection.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken can lighten the dish without sacrificing protein and flavor. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream also cuts some calories while keeping the creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe?
Definitely! Frozen peas, fresh spinach, or even diced bell peppers can be stirred into the sauce near the end of cooking for added color, texture, and nutrition.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar offers a great sharp flavor that melts well, while mozzarella provides a milder, gooey texture. You can also mix different cheeses for a more complex taste. Parmesan as a finishing touch adds a lovely salty kick.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe is wonderfully quick, with about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it a 35-minute meal that won’t keep you waiting for comfort food.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring hearty, homemade goodness to the table without any fuss. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and relatively simple steps make it a total winner for busy nights or cozy dinners. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this delicious dish!
Print
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni is a hearty and flavorful skillet dinner combining tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal that satisfies the whole family with comforting flavors and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their moisture.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat. Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni back into the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy beef and mushroom sauce.
- Add Cheese and Heat Through: If using, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of this dish.
- Substitute Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier and healthier alternative.
- Add frozen peas or fresh spinach to the skillet for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
