Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta

Introduction:
Step into a world of comforting flavors with this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta. This dish, prepared in a slow cooker, merges the tenderness of beef with the earthy tones of mushrooms, enveloped in a creamy sauce. It’s an effortless yet sumptuous meal that promises to make any day feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Rich and Fulfilling: A deeply satisfying dish that fills you with warmth and flavor.
  • Simple Preparation: Just set your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it handle the rest.
  • Flexible and Adaptable: Perfect with any type of pasta and customizable with your preferred herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or your choice of shape)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Detailed Instructions:

  1. Set Up the Beef: In the slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, diced onion, and minced garlic.
  2. Create the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, basil, and oregano. Pour this over the beef, coating it thoroughly.
  3. Slow Cooking: Adjust the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
  4. Pasta Time: About half an hour before serving, boil the pasta as directed until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta to the slow cooker. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
  6. Final Cooking Stage: Keep cooking on low for another 10-15 minutes, letting the pasta soak up the sauce.
  7. Ready to Serve: Dish out the creamy pasta steaming hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.

Storage Options:

  • Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove, adding a little beef broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Delight in the ease and richness of this slow-cooked Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta, a true comfort food masterpiece.