Creamy Beef & Mushroom Pasta 🥩🍄🧄🍝 Rich, Savory, and Ultra-Satisfying With Umami Depth in Every Bite

This is a weeknight upgrade with steakhouse vibes — ground beef and mushrooms simmered in a garlicky cream sauce, then tossed with pasta and Parmesan for a dish that’s both comforting and elevated.

It’s bold, hearty, and wildly satisfying — without a single fancy step.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 8 oz penne, rigatoni, or egg noodles
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water

For the beef & mushrooms

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
• Optional: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or red pepper flakes

For the sauce

• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Optional: splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar

To finish

• Chopped parsley or thyme
• More Parmesan
• Optional: drizzle of truffle oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown well, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté mushrooms and aromatics
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté onion and mushrooms until browned and tender, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, and cook 1 minute more.

Step 4: Deglaze and simmer
Stir in Worcestershire and broth. Scrape up any browned bits. Let simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Make it creamy
Add cream and Parmesan. Return beef to the pan. Simmer gently until sauce thickens. Add pasta and toss to coat, using pasta water to loosen as needed.

Step 6: Serve hot
Top with more cheese, herbs, and optional truffle or chili oil.

Flavor Variations

• Use ground turkey or lamb for a twist
• Add spinach or kale at the end for greens
• Stir in Dijon mustard or horseradish for zing
• Try fontina or Gruyère instead of Parmesan
• Make it spicy with Calabrian chili paste or chipotle

Pro Tips

• Sear mushrooms until deeply browned for max umami
• Don’t rush the cream — simmer gently, not hard boil
• Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor
• Add pasta water a little at a time to control consistency
• Let beef rest off heat briefly to avoid toughness

Final Thoughts

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Pasta is rich, earthy, and packed with comfort — the kind of meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together fast. It’s weekday-friendly with dinner-party depth.

Sear it. Simmer it. Swirl it all together. 🥩🍄🧄🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

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🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
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