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: 300g fettuccine or your pasta of choice; Salt for boiling water; 400g ground beef; 250g mushrooms, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 200ml heavy cream; 100g grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty

I absolutely love making Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta for my family. It combines rich flavors and a creamy texture that everyone enjoys. The savory beef and earthy mushrooms create a delightful balance, while the creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. This dish comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner, yet it feels special enough to serve for friends. I often pair it with a crispy green salad and a glass of white wine to elevate the meal even more.

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:41:35.829Z

After trying various pasta dishes, I always find myself coming back to this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta. The method is straightforward: browning the beef first ensures it’s flavorful while the mushrooms add an incredible depth of taste to the sauce. I also find that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates the dish beyond ordinary pasta.

One trick I learned is to let the sauce simmer a little longer after adding the mushrooms. This intensifies the flavors, making each bite a gourmet experience. It’s truly amazing how something so simple can be so delicious!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich beef flavor enriched by tender mushrooms
Velvety cream sauce that coats every piece of pasta
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Choosing the Right Pasta

While fettuccine is a classic choice for this creamy beef and mushroom sauce, you can experiment with other types of pasta according to your preference. For instance, tagliatelle or pappardelle will also provide a lovely texture that holds the sauce well. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using chickpea or lentil pasta, which brings its own unique flavor and protein boost.

When boiling your pasta, the key is to keep the water at a rolling boil and add enough salt. This enhances the pasta's flavor and helps it to develop a nice texture. Make sure to stir the pasta as it cooks, which prevents sticking and allows for even cooking. Aim for an al dente finish, where the pasta is firm but cooked through; this will ensure it holds up in the final dish.

The Importance of Sautéing

Sautéing the beef until browned is essential, as it develops the Maillard reaction, which creates rich, savory flavors. Use a large skillet to avoid crowding, which can lead to steaming rather than browning. If the beef starts to release a lot of moisture before browning, increase the heat slightly – it’s crucial for achieving that ideal golden color.

Adding in onions and garlic after the beef can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Ensure the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes; this step brings out their sweetness, balancing the earthiness of the mushrooms that come next.

Making the Creamy Sauce

For the sauce, using heavy cream is key to achieving that luxurious, velvety texture. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the dish will be less rich. Another alternative is coconut cream for a dairy-free version, but keep in mind it will impart a slightly different flavor profile.

When adding the mushrooms, look for those that are well-cooked and fully released their moisture before incorporating the cream. This typically takes about 5 minutes. If the sauce appears too thick after adding the cheese, add the reserved pasta water gradually; this not only thins it out but also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

300g fettuccine or your pasta of choice
Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce

400g ground beef
250g mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
200ml heavy cream
100g grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the beef and mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Add the diced onions and minced garlic and cook until onions are translucent.

Make the sauce

Add the sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture and cook until they release their moisture, about 5 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine the pasta and sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.

Serve

Serve the creamy beef and mushroom pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or customize with your favorite vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the enjoyment of your creamy beef and mushroom pasta, consider pairing it with a fresh, crispy green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing will cut through the richness of the pasta, providing a pleasant contrast. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

For a complete meal, a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creaminess and enhances the dish's flavors. For non-drinkers or those looking for a fresh twist, a homemade lemonade can also work well.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy beef and mushroom pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for best results, I recommend storing the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy. Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or milk to reintroduce creaminess.

If you decide to freeze your pasta, it is best to place it in an airtight container. However, consider freezing the sauce separately to maintain the best texture upon reheating. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stove.

Variations and Dietary Swaps

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra nutrient boost. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.

For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative. This dish is versatile, making it easy to adapt for different dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute if desired.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this pasta can be frozen! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or peas are great additions for extra nutrition.