Description
Creamy beef and mushroom carbonara elevates classic Italian pasta with a hearty twist. Rich parmesan, tender beef, and earthy mushrooms blend perfectly, offering you a comforting meal that satisfies deep culinary cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 large eggs
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or your choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Carefully drain and reserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking into crumbles while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked meat to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, add additional olive oil and sauté sliced mushrooms until golden and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an extra 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Whisk eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Reintroduce browned beef into the mushroom mixture. Incorporate cooked pasta, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly. Remove skillet from heat source.
- Gradually pour carbonara mixture over pasta, continuously stirring to prevent egg scrambling. Incrementally add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency and creaminess.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring each portion captures the rich, harmonious blend of flavors.
Notes
- Prevent Egg Scrambling by tempering the eggs with hot pasta water gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce without curdling.
- Enhance Flavor Depth by using a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake and cremini for more complex, earthy undertones in the dish.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs by substituting ground beef with plant-based alternatives or lean turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the recipe’s rich texture.
- Maximize Pasta Texture by cooking the pasta just until al dente, ensuring it can absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy or losing its pleasant bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 669 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 391 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 235 mg