Comfort Food at Its Finest: Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta Bake
[Picture: A warm, golden-brown pasta bake dish topped with melted mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of paprika. The dish is surrounded by a soft, warm glow, evoking feelings of coziness and comfort.]
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef and mushroom mixture, and grated cheddar cheese. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- To make this recipe more substantial, add some diced bell peppers or sliced cooked bacon to the skillet with the beef and mushrooms.
- For an extra creamy sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the beef and mushroom mixture before adding the cream and beef broth.
- To make this recipe in advance, prepare the pasta mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Then, assemble the dish and bake as directed.
Comfort Food at Its Finest:
This creamy beef and mushroom pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food. The rich, savory sauce coats every piece of pasta, while the melted mozzarella cheese adds a velvety smoothness. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, cozy up with a warm bowl, and let the comfort food wash over you!
