Step 4: Create the Creamy Marsala Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat evenly.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Once the sauce thickens slightly, add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and mix until well coated.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the skillet if it’s large enough), combine the cooked pasta with the beefy mushroom Marsala sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until every bite of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- For an extra crisp top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad on the side.
🍽️ Tips and Variations
- Add vegetables: Spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
- Make it cheesy: Add ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the beef and use extra mushrooms or lentils instead.
- Use chicken or turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
🥂 Why You’ll Love This Dish
The Beefy Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake combines the best of both worlds—comfort food and elegance. The rich Marsala wine sauce adds depth, the mushrooms bring umami, and the baked cheese topping creates that irresistible golden crust. It’s a cozy dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions.
In summary:
This recipe is more than just a pasta bake—it’s a fusion of Italian comfort and restaurant-quality flavor made simple enough for home cooking. With its creamy sauce, hearty beef, and earthy mushrooms, every bite feels like a warm hug in a dish.
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