If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that combines hearty flavors with a luscious texture, this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender elbow macaroni bathed in a rich, velvety sauce made from ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and melty cheese—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, delicious hug at the end of a busy day. Every bite offers a perfect balance of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and creamy goodness that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish delivers satisfaction and comfort in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe lies in its simplicity—with just a handful of ingredients, you create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting textures. Each component plays its part, from the elbow macaroni providing a chewy base, to the mushrooms adding an earthy twist, and the cheese tying everything together in that indulgent, creamy sauce.
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty richness and protein, making the dish truly satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften onions and mushrooms while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the savory base.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a delicious punch to the dish.
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced): Their earthiness complements the beef and adds tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the underlying flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle spiciness that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for that irresistibly creamy sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Builds savory depth and unmatched umami flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess without overwhelming the other tastes.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious richness, making the sauce indulgently smooth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until just al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This ensures the pasta won’t turn mushy later when coated in the rich sauce. Drain the macaroni and set it aside—this is the canvas for your creamy masterpiece.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until it softens and starts to turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir and cook them together for another 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a lovely, golden-brown color that amps up the flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to your sautéed veggies along with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Break the beef apart with your spoon, cooking until it’s fully browned and deliciously savory. If there’s excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it off, so the sauce doesn’t get too oily.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and mushroom mixture. Stir it in and cook for about 1 minute—this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps build that luscious creamy texture. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly, then add the milk and heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming rich and velvety.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pasta
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until it melts completely, turning your sauce smooth and dreamy. Finally, fold in the cooked macaroni, making sure every piece is generously coated with the creamy beef and mushroom sauce. Give it a good toss so no bite is left behind.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top right before serving for a touch of freshness and a lovely splash of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also add a light dusting of extra shredded cheese if you’re a big fan of cheesiness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a hearty main, but pairing it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli and green beans adds crispness that balances the rich, creamy macaroni perfectly. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe in individual casserole dishes or ramekins and broil with extra cheese on top until golden and bubbly. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! You can also try sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy contrast that will elevate every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy beef and mushroom macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
This creamy pasta freezes well for up to 2 months. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Stir frequently to restore that creamy consistency and prevent sticking or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works perfectly for this recipe, feel free to use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it stays al dente.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter version. The beef broth and mushrooms help maintain richness, but you might want to add a touch more seasoning to boost flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. It’s still deeply satisfying and creamy.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are both excellent choices, but you can experiment with gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack for a fun twist. Just pick cheeses that melt nicely for that creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers can be stirred in during the cooking process to add color, nutrition, and a fresh crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy beef and mushroom macaroni.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about curling up with a bowl of this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make—a perfect answer to those nights when you want a homemade dinner that feels special without the fuss. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and savor every warm, cheesy bite like it was made just for you.
Print
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni is a comforting American main course that combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious cheesy sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner, offering a rich blend of flavors and a creamy texture that delights the palate. It’s a one-pot style meal cooked on the stovetop, ensuring convenience without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 4–5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and slightly browned.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and to start thickening the sauce.
- Create the Sauce: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to combine fully. Add the milk and heavy cream next. Stir the mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 5–6 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the sauce until it melts smoothly, making the sauce rich and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece in the cheesy creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef and mushroom macaroni hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and heavy cream mixture to lighten the dish.
- Add spinach or peas along with the mushrooms for extra vegetables and color.
- Leftovers reheat well and are great for next-day meals.
