Savory Garlic Beef Helper

Name: Savory Garlic Beef Helper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 8

Introducing the Savory Garlic Beef Helper — a hearty, one-pan wonder that brings comfort and flavor to your weeknight dinners. This recipe pairs the rich taste of beef with the earthy aroma of garlic, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving something deeply savory.

Print Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup required, so you spend less time washing dishes.
Rich flavor: A delightful blend of beef, garlic, and creamy sauce with a hint of thyme.
Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Ingredients Explained

Ground beef serves as the savory base, providing richness and protein. Elbow macaroni acts as the comforting carbohydrate that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a touch of healthy fat. Onion and garlic build the aromatic foundation, infusing the dish with depth. Mushrooms and red bell pepper add a layer of texture and earthy sweetness. Beef broth enhances the beefy flavor and helps cook the pasta. Heavy cream adds a rich and silky finish to the sauce. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and dried thyme rounds out the seasoning, while Parmesan cheese provides a nutty, savory kick. Lastly, fresh parsley offers a bright, fresh garnish.

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
Don't be afraid to adjust the cream or broth to your desired sauce consistency.
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.

Detailed Instructions

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and let it sauté until it's translucent — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and that's when you add the minced garlic. Stir it around for another minute until it's fragrant but not browned.

Now, increase the heat to medium-high and introduce your ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. This step is crucial for developing the dish's flavor, so don't rush it. Once the beef is browned, stir in the mushrooms and red bell pepper. Cook these until they're softened, around 5 minutes.

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the macaroni. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.

With the pasta cooked, it's time to stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and coat every piece of pasta and beef.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and well combined. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and brown it while breaking it up with a spatula.

4. Stir in the mushrooms and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the beef broth, bring to a simmer, then add the macaroni and cover. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

6. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your liking.

7. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A slice of crusty bread can help you scoop up every bit of the creamy sauce, making it a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! Penne or rotini would work well if you prefer a change from elbow macaroni.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?: You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you're looking to cut down on dairy.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!