Beef and Pasta with Mushroom Sauce and Vegetables
This quick and easy dish, inspired by a Kraft Canada Kitchens recipe, is a great choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s rich in flavor, featuring tender beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and vibrant vegetables combined with bow-tie and rotini pasta. It’s versatile too – vegetarians can omit the beef for a hearty and delicious vegetarian meal. For an extra twist, you can experiment by adding your favorite vegetables or even substituting chicken for the beef.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (cubed or ground) | 1 lb |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Nutmeg (ground) | 2 tsp |
| Bow-tie pasta | 2 cups |
| Rotini pasta | 2 cups |
| Sugar snap peas (or other veggies) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Lipton onion soup mix | 1 packet |
| Canned mushroom soup | 2 cans |
| Olive oil (for cooking) | 2 tbsp |
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 906.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 65.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 76.4 mg |
| Sodium | 936.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g |
| Sugars | 2.5 g |
| Protein | 14.9 g |
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Less than 60 minutes, Easy Dinner, Mushroom Sauce Pasta, Family Dinner, Vegetarian Option
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook both the bow-tie and rotini pasta according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, so it holds up well when combined with the sauce. Once cooked, strain the pasta and run cold water over it to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside. -
-
Prepare the Beef
In a large non-stick skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef (whether using cubed or ground) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. For those who prefer a meatless option, simply skip this step and move on to preparing the sauce. -
Make the Mushroom Sauce
While the beef is cooking, dissolve the Lipton onion soup mix in 1 cup of water. Once the beef is browned, add the dissolved soup mix and 2 cans of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir well to combine, making sure the sauce is smooth and coats the beef evenly. -
Season the Sauce
Add the nutmeg to the skillet, stirring to mix it into the mushroom sauce. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. -
Simmer the Beef and Sauce
Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. If you’re using a vegetarian option, simply allow the sauce to simmer on its own. -
Add Vegetables and Cooked Pasta
After 10 minutes of simmering, stir in the cooked pasta, along with the sugar snap peas (or any other vegetables of your choice). You can also add mushrooms at this point if you want an extra mushroom flavor. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the mushroom sauce. -
Alternative Method (One-Pot Meal Option)
If you’re in a rush or want to simplify the cleanup, you can cook the pasta directly in the skillet with the beef and sauce. After browning the beef, add 3 cups of water (instead of 2) to the skillet along with the mushroom sauce. Bring to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through (about 10 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent sticking. -
Finishing Touches
Once everything is heated through and the vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes of cooking), remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the entire mixture with grated Parmesan cheese to add a rich, savory finish. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy and delicious final dish. -
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef and Pasta with Mushroom Sauce and Vegetables immediately while it’s hot. For the next day, leftovers can be enjoyed as a side dish, or you can pair them with a different protein like sliced London broil. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Variations and Tips
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Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the beef, and you’ll still have a delicious, creamy pasta dish full of flavor. You could also substitute the beef with tofu or plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a meatless meal.
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Chicken Substitution: For a lighter version, substitute chicken breast for the beef. Cook the chicken as directed for the beef, making sure to sauté it until fully cooked through.
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Custom Vegetables: While sugar snap peas add a fresh and crisp bite, feel free to substitute them with broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
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Add Mushrooms: For an extra umami flavor, sauté fresh mushrooms and mix them into the dish along with the peas. Baby bella or cremini mushrooms work particularly well.
This recipe is perfect for families looking for a comforting meal that doesn’t require much prep time. With only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a hearty and flavorful dinner on the table in less than an hour. Whether you decide to include beef or opt for a vegetarian version, this pasta dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
