Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta

Name: Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti; Salt for boiling water; 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Cooking

I absolutely love this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta recipe! It’s a delightful dish that comes together quickly while delivering rich flavors. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce creates a comforting meal that everyone enjoys. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner, this dish never disappoints. Plus, I often customize it with fresh herbs or extra veggies to keep it exciting. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your weekly rotation!

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:13:36.892Z

When I first made this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta, I knew I had struck gold. The rich combination of sautéed beef and mushrooms in a silky garlic cream sauce was everything I hoped for and more. One tip I learned is to not skip toasting the garlic slightly before adding the cream; it elevates the entire flavor profile!

Another fun fact is that using fresh pasta can make a world of difference. I often use a quality dried pasta for convenience, but when I have the time, fresh pasta cooks beautifully and absorbs more of the sauce, enhancing the overall experience. Trust me, it's worth a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta
Tender beef with a savory mushroom flavor that pairs wonderfully
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights

The Role of Each Ingredient

The tender beef is the star of this dish, adding a hearty protein component that complements the creamy texture beautifully. When selecting ground beef, opt for a blend with moderate fat content, like 80/20, as it lends extra flavor and richness to the sauce. Leaner cuts can result in a drier dish, so don’t shy away from a bit of fat that brings moisture and depth to your sauce.

Mushrooms not only provide an earthy flavor but also contribute to the dish's overall umami profile. Variety matters here—cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms can be used interchangeably, but each offers a slightly different flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you might try adding some dried porcini mushrooms, which can heighten the dish’s richness when rehydrated in warm water before adding them to the skillet.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

Achieving that luxurious creaminess starts with the right balance of heavy cream and beef broth. For an extra punch, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after browning the beef. Allow it to reduce so the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a depth of flavor that you'll appreciate with each bite. Make sure not to let the sauce boil vigorously after adding the cream; keeping it on low heat prevents curdling.

Incorporating the Parmesan cheese slowly is key to a smooth sauce. Stir in the grated cheese gradually, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. As it combines, the sauce will become glossy and cling beautifully to the pasta, creating an inviting presentation. If you find that the sauce is too thick, adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water can help adjust the consistency without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce

1 lb ground beef
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Increase the heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add Mushrooms and Garlic

Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Prepare the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Slowly incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce after cooking the beef, letting it simmer for a minute before adding the cream.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta is excellent for meal prepping. You can cook the pasta and sauce a day in advance, storing them separately. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the sauce on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it before mixing it with the reheated pasta. Make sure not to microwave the pasta directly, as it can become gummy; stovetop reheating ensures better texture.

If you're considering freezing leftovers, it’s best to do so before adding the cream and cheese. Prepare the beef and mushroom mixture and freeze it in an airtight container. When you're ready to savor it, thaw the base in the refrigerator overnight and follow the last steps of the recipe by reintroducing the cream and cheese. This method preserves the texture and flavor dramatically better than freezing the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish can easily be transformed into an exquisite meal by pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. A fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes on top before serving, as they can provide a delightful kick.

To elevate this dish further, think about garnishing it with fresh herbs like thyme or chives. These not only add a splash of color but also brighten the overall flavor. I always recommend a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper as well; it complements the creaminess and enhances the savoriness of the beef and mushrooms beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works great in this recipe.

→ What type of mushrooms should I use?

You can use cremini, shiitake, or any preferred type of mushroom for a delicious flavor.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it with the cooked pasta for a quick meal.