Description
What’s your favorite twist on a classic pasta dish—one that’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness? This Beef and Mushroom Carbonara is a deliciously indulgent version of the traditional carbonara, featuring ground beef and mushrooms in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or your choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour in the carbonara sauce, tossing quickly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the beef and mushroom carbonara warm, and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors in every bite!
Notes
For an even richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese. Be sure to toss the pasta off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes