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
Scale
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.
