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

Scale

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

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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.