If comfort food had a crown jewel, this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe would surely wear it with pride. Imagine tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, mingling with savory ground beef and earthy mushrooms that have been lovingly sautéed with garlic and onions. Every bite brings a perfect balance of creamy, meaty, and subtly herby flavors that will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish your first plate. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part in building the comforting layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe unforgettable.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy sauce and hearty mix.
- Salt (for boiling water): Essential for seasoning the pasta as it cooks, ensuring flavor from the inside out.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and protein to the dish.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy, meaty texture and balances the beef’s richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of flavor that complements both beef and mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that elevates the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To bring everything into perfect harmony.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Acts as the base for the creamy sauce’s roux.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to its irresistible creamy consistency.
- 2 cups milk: The creamy element that forms the sauce’s silky body.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, cheesy flavor and richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy, umami boost that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook it just until al dente, around 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite to hold up under the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, ready to soak up all the wonderful flavors coming your way.
Step 2: Preparing the Beef and Mushroom Mixture
In a spacious skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step infuses the dish with deep flavor. Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until the mushrooms soften and all those savory juices meld, around five minutes. This mixture already smells like dinner dreams come true.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring for a minute or two; this helps cook out the raw flour taste and forms a roux—the backbone of your luscious sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk, pour by pour, so it blends smoothly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about five minutes. Now, melt in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses along with the Worcestershire sauce. The sauce should be velvety and rich, ready to crown your macaroni and beef mix with a cheesy embrace.
Step 4: Combining Everything
Pour your creamy cheese sauce over the beef and mushroom mixture in the skillet. Add the cooked elbow macaroni and stir everything together until every piece of pasta is coated and the ingredients feel like one happy family. This is where the Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe truly comes alive—perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.
Step 5: Serving
Serve this dish hot and fresh from the stove. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills the room with irresistible aromas.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely finishing touch. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can bring a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to lighten up the meal. For a heartier option, serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the macaroni in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. You can also bake it briefly under a broiler until the top is golden and bubbly, giving a delightful texture contrast to the creamy base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy beef and mushroom macaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, transfer cooled macaroni into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce and restore that creamy consistency. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and excellent at holding the sauce, feel free to swap in shells, penne, or even fusilli. The key is pasta that can trap the creamy sauce to every bite.
Is ground beef the only meat that works in this recipe?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. Just be mindful that they are less rich than beef, so you might want to enhance the sauce seasoning slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add more mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. Consider boosting savory flavor with extra Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce.
What type of cheese works best for the sauce?
The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan is perfect here for flavor and meltability. However, you can experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles.
How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use whole milk or even a mix of milk and cream for a richer sauce. Make sure to whisk the sauce well as it thickens to keep it smooth and silky.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe is a real keeper in my kitchen and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. It’s everything you want from comfort food—creamy, cheesy, meaty, and totally satisfying. Give it a go, invite some friends or family, and watch as the plates come back empty and smiles grow wide. Once you’ve tasted this dish, it’ll be a go-to whenever you crave that warm, delicious hug on a plate.
Print
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a savory mixture of ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy cream sauce flavored with cheddar, Parmesan, and Worcestershire sauce. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- Salt (for boiling water)
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Preparing the Beef and Mushroom Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the mushrooms soften, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Making the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combining Everything: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the beef and mushroom mixture in the skillet. Add the cooked macaroni and gently stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serving: Serve the creamy beef and mushroom macaroni hot. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley. This dish pairs excellently with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for a richer sauce; low-fat milk can be used but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp white cheddar or a blend of mozzarella for different taste experiences.
- Prepare this dish ahead of time but add cheese sauce just before serving to maintain creaminess.
