Irresistible Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe

Creamy beef and mushroom macaroni brings comfort straight to your dinner table with its rich, hearty flavors.

Savory ground beef mingles beautifully with earthy mushrooms in this delightful pasta dish.

Cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats every single noodle.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together during busy weeknights.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the depth of flavor from simple, quality ingredients.

Warmth and satisfaction await in each delectable bite.

Come experience a classic recipe that promises to become a new household favorite.

Ingredients For Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides a rich, meaty foundation for the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a smooth and luxurious sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar: Add creamy texture and sharp, tangy flavor to the sauce.

• Onions, Mushrooms: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste profile with balanced seasoning.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly absorbs and holds the creamy sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Making Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break meat into tiny crumbles, cooking until every bit turns from pink to deliciously brown.

Step 2: Prep Skillet for Vegetables

Remove beef and drain excess fat, keeping the skillet ready for next steps.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Mushrooms

• Diced onions
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook until onions become translucent and mushrooms release their rich, earthy juices.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Combine Beef with Vegetables

Return ground beef to the skillet, gently mixing with the vegetable medley.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 8: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar

Blend until sauce reaches maximum creaminess.

Step 9: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked macaroni into the beef and cheese mixture, ensuring every noodle gets luxuriously coated.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.

Expert Notes For Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni

• Master Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is crumbled into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and better sauce integration.
• Mushroom Magic: Sauté mushrooms until they release moisture and caramelize, developing deeper, richer flavor profiles.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Stir cheeses continuously over medium-low heat to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains dish's delicious essence.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary alongside parsley to elevate the dish's aromatic complexity and add subtle herbal undertones.

Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni Recipe Swaps

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms to create a meat-free alternative that maintains the hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, savory essence of the original recipe.

Sides That Go With Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese sauce with balanced tannins.
• Elevate with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, creamy beef pasta dish.
• Match with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Serve quick-pickled cucumber or dill pickles on the side to add a zesty, acidic element that helps balance the dish's richness and provides a palate-cleansing crunch.

Storing Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni Right

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of milk or water to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs For Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative while maintaining a similar flavor profile and texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain its creamy consistency.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during the seasoning stage to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

Why You’ll Crave Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni

• Boost Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a hearty, creamy dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with its rich beef and cheesy macaroni combination.
• Master Quick Cooking Techniques: Learn simple skillet skills by browning beef, sautéing vegetables, and creating a luxurious sauce in one pan without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding different herbs, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delight everyone at the table with a crowd-pleasing meal that balances protein, pasta, and cheesy goodness, making dinner time a stress-free experience.

Creamy Beef And Mushroom Macaroni Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy beef and mushroom macaroni, blending rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and silky pasta combine for a satisfying meal that promises to comfort and delight you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (250 g)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (100 g)

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
• 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (30 g)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15 g)
• 2 tbsp butter (30 g)
• 1/4 cup diced onions (40 g)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Remove beef from skillet, drain excess fat, and set meat aside while keeping the pan ready for subsequent cooking.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly golden, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
4. Add sliced mushrooms to the onions, cooking until they release moisture and develop a rich, caramelized texture, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the mushroom mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef to the skillet, gently combining with the mushroom and onion mixture.
7. Simultaneously, cook elbow macaroni in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes, then drain.
8. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
9. Incorporate cream cheese and shredded cheddar, continuously stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and uniform.
10. Fold the cooked macaroni into the beef and cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.
12. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the creamy sauce and tender beef to deliver maximum flavor.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef with 85-90% meat content to minimize excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and juicy texture.
• Mushroom Tip: Pat mushrooms dry before cooking to achieve better caramelization and prevent watery sauce consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheeses to prevent potential separation and ensure smooth, silky sauce.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free dairy products for individuals with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 696
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg