If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to warm your soul and fill your kitchen with delicious aromas, look no further than Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and perfectly cooked macaroni in a decadent, creamy cheese sauce that the whole family will love. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager forks, and it’s destined to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, bringing richness, depth, and irresistible flavor to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): The classic pasta shape catches all that luscious sauce in every bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty backbone of the dish, offering savory depth and meaty flavor.
Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
Mushrooms, sliced (8 ounces): Cremini or baby bella are perfect, adding earthiness and an extra layer of umami.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce for that signature creamy texture.
Beef broth (2 cups): Deepens the savory notes and binds the sauce together.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides velvety richness and turns the sauce positively decadent.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A splash of bold, tangy flavor that enhances the beef.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing, balancing out the richness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing every flavor to life.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of warmth.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Offers a salty, nutty finish that’s truly irresistible.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—tender but with a little bite. Drain well and set aside. This step ensures the pasta doesn’t get mushy later when it’s tossed with the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, which should only take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off for a silkier sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

To the browned beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook with the beef mixture for about 5 more minutes, until they’re tender and their earthy flavor is released.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and mushroom mixture, stirring to coat everything. This step is key for thickening your sauce later. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens just a bit—it’ll look glossy and inviting.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Time to add the magic! Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to come together into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan right into the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted and the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious sauce. Remove from heat and, if you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a welcome freshness and a pop of color to your Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni. You can also add a few extra shavings of Parmesan or a dusting of black pepper for an extra-special touch—these little details make each serving feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add some lightness to your plate. Garlic bread or a fluffy dinner roll is also a great choice for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni to the next level, try serving it in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and broiled until bubbly. Or, spoon the pasta into a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist. It’s also a hit served in a big family-style dish in the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool slightly before storing, and be sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly to maintain freshness and food safety.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, you can absolutely freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Spoon the cooled macaroni into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating. The sauce will return to its creamy glory with just a little extra liquid.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni, you can swap in shells, rotini, or penne—whatever you have on hand will work beautifully and soak up the sauce just as well.

What mushrooms work best in this recipe?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are my personal favorites for their deep, earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms are a fine substitute. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of wild mushrooms for even more complexity.

Is there a lighter version of Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use half-and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. The result will be a bit lighter but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni up to a day in advance, then simply reheat with a splash of milk or cream before serving. It’s a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To keep your sauce perfectly smooth, be sure to add the cream to the pan over low to medium heat and avoid boiling after the dairy has been added. Stirring constantly and adding the cheese off the heat will help ensure a silky, creamy sauce every time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni as I am to share it with you. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic to any dinner table. Give it a try the next time you want something truly satisfying—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef and mushrooms. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or baby bella)

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses and Garnish

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease as needed.
Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes until they are tender.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the flour.
Add Liquids and Flavorings: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Then add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Mix in the cooked macaroni along with the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy, fully coating the pasta.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.