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Creamy One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Beef and Mushroom Pasta

creamy one-skillet cheesy ground beef and mushroom pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet pasta dish featuring creamy cheese sauce, savory ground beef, and earthy mushrooms. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (225 g) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
  • 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) beef broth
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Pour in the uncooked pasta and beef broth. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
  6. Simmer the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the liquid evaporates too quickly. The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite.
  7. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for a minute.
  8. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and silky, coating the pasta and beef mixture evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

Stir gently but regularly while simmering pasta to prevent sticking and help release starch for a silky sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. If your skillet is not oven-safe and you want a bubbly cheese top, transfer to a baking dish and broil briefly. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added liquid to loosen sauce. Freezing is possible but may affect sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-skillet pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, mushroom pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta