Last week, my neighbor knocked on my door asking for the most comforting meal I could share. Without hesitation, I handed over my recipe for Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Pasta Bake. Her family devoured it within minutes, and she’s been making it weekly ever since.
This Mushroom Beef Casserole combines rich, earthy mushrooms with savory ground beef in a velvety cheese sauce. Furthermore, it’s the perfect solution when you need a satisfying Ground Beef Recipes Dinner that feeds a crowd. Additionally, this Cheesy Pasta Comfort Food delivers restaurant-quality flavors using simple pantry ingredients. Most importantly, this Easy Casserole Recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers or hosting a casual dinner party, this Family Pasta Bake never disappoints. Moreover, the Beef Mushroom Dinner combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious dish. Best of all, this Creamy Weeknight Recipe can be prepared ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Ingredients
This Creamy Pasta Bake requires simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Protein & Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean ratio)
- 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz penne pasta (rigatoni works too)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Cheese & Seasonings:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Possible Substitutions:
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter texture
- Swap button mushrooms for cremini or shiitake varieties
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for leaner protein
- Try whole wheat pasta for added fiber
Timing
This Ground Beef Recipes Dinner requires strategic timing for best results:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Notably, this timeline is 25% faster than traditional layered casseroles. Additionally, you can prep ingredients up to 24 hours ahead. Therefore, busy families can start this Easy Casserole Recipe and have dinner ready in just over an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This foundation sets up your Mushroom Beef Casserole for success.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains. Subsequently, drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. This step builds the meaty foundation for your Family Pasta Bake.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onions to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, incorporate sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook another 5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture. The vegetables add depth to this Beef Mushroom Dinner.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While vegetables cook, add pasta to boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes less than package directions since it will finish cooking in the oven. Consequently, you’ll avoid mushy pasta in your final Creamy Pasta Bake.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir tomato paste into the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Next, reduce heat and slowly pour in heavy cream. Add softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth. This creates the signature creaminess in your Creamy Weeknight Recipe.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Drain the pasta and add it to the creamy beef mixture. Fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let your Cheesy Pasta Comfort Food rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Nutritional Information
This Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Pasta Bake provides substantial nutrition per serving (serves 8):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Calcium | 320mg | 32% |
| Iron | 3.2mg | 18% |
The high protein content makes this Ground Beef Recipes Dinner particularly satisfying. Moreover, the calcium from cheese supports bone health. Additionally, mushrooms provide selenium and B vitamins.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Easy Casserole Recipe into a lighter version with these swaps:
Reduce Calories:
- Use Greek yogurt mixed with milk instead of heavy cream
- Choose part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cheddar
- Add extra mushrooms and reduce beef to 12 oz
Increase Nutrition:
- Mix in diced bell peppers and zucchini
- Use whole grain pasta for added fiber
- Add a handful of fresh spinach before baking
Accommodate Dietary Needs:
- Try ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein
- Use cashew cream for dairy-free version
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option
These modifications maintain the comfort food appeal while boosting nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
This Family Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with complementary sides:
Fresh Options:
- Crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Steamed broccoli with lemon butter
- Roasted asparagus with garlic
Bread Pairings:
- Warm garlic bread for extra comfort
- Crusty Italian bread for sauce-dipping
- Herb-buttered dinner rolls
Wine Suggestions:
- Medium-bodied red wines like Merlot
- Crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with lemon for non-alcoholic option
Serve this Beef Mushroom Dinner family-style for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these pitfalls when making your Creamy Weeknight Recipe:
Pasta Problems:
- Never fully cook pasta before baking, it will become mushy
- Always reserve pasta water in case sauce needs thinning
- Don’t rinse pasta after draining, starch helps sauce adhere
Sauce Issues:
- Avoid adding cold cream to hot pan, it may curdle
- Don’t skip the cream cheese, it prevents sauce separation
- Never boil the cream sauce, gentle simmering maintains smoothness
Assembly Errors:
- Don’t skip the resting period after baking
- Avoid overpacking the baking dish, sauce needs space to bubble
- Never bake uncovered the entire time, cheese will burn
Following these tips guarantees perfect results every time.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize freshness and safety with proper storage:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Cool completely before covering and refrigerating
- Store up to 4 days in airtight containers
- Reheat individual portions in microwave or oven
Freezer Options:
- Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole up to 3 months
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking
Reheating Guidelines:
- Add splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess
- Cover with foil to prevent cheese from browning
- Heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through
Proper storage maintains the quality of this Mushroom Beef Casserole for future meals.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom & Ground Beef Pasta Bake delivers everything you want in comfort food. Rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make, it’s become a staple in countless kitchens. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and melted cheese creates pure magic.
Whether you’re planning a Cheesy Pasta Comfort Food night or need a reliable Easy Casserole Recipe, this dish delivers every time. Most importantly, it brings families together around the dinner table.
Ready to create your own comforting masterpiece? Gather these simple ingredients and start cooking tonight. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you discover!
FAQs
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the complete Family Pasta Bake up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach complement this Creamy Pasta Bake beautifully. Add them when cooking the mushrooms for best results.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Try Gruyere, fontina, or Parmesan for unique flavor profiles. Keep the total cheese amount the same for proper melting.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep temperatures moderate and add cream slowly. The cream cheese acts as a stabilizer, so don’t skip this ingredient in your Creamy Weeknight Recipe.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Ground Beef Recipes Dinner freezes beautifully either baked or unbaked. Properly wrapped, it maintains quality for up to 3 months.
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