Real Life Dad Meals

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🍝 Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta (Crockpot – Real Life Dad Style)

🧑‍🍳 Intro

This is one of those meals you throw together, walk away from, and come back to something that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.

Between work, kids, and everything else life throws at you, the crockpot can be a lifesaver. This creamy beef and mushroom pasta is hearty, simple, and exactly the kind of meal that works on a busy day.

Set it, forget it, and by dinnertime—you’re ready to eat.

⏱️ Quick Info

  • Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: Up to 6 hours
  • Servings: 5-6

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 lb Stew beef
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cans (10.5oz) Cream of Mushroom soup
  • 1 Cup Beef bone broth
  • 1 Cup Heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Cup sour cream
  • 1-1/2 tsp chopped Basil
  • 1-1/2 tsp dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta of choice (cook separately) I prefer broad egg noodles to make it a bit more hearty.
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

🔪 Instructions

Brown the beef (don’t skip this….unless of course that whole “time” thing is in the way again…LOL)
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

Add to crockpot
Transfer beef to the crockpot. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, and pasta sauce.

In a separate bowl
Add Basil, Oregano, Cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Pour this mixture over the meat in the crockpot.
Ensure complete coverage at this time.

Cook
Cover and cook:

Low: 4–6 hours

High: 2–3 hours

Cook pasta separately
Cook pasta according to package directions. A little on the Al dente side is best for this recipe. Once cooked, drain (don’t rinse!) and then add to the meat mixture.

Make it creamy (last step)
About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in sour cream and Parmesan cheese.

Serve
Spoon into a bowl and top with any leftover grated parmesan and parsley if you have it. ENJOY!!

💡 Real Life Dad Tips

  • Browning the meat first adds way more flavor—worth the extra 5 minutes
  • Add the sour cream at the end so it stays smooth and doesn’t separate
  • If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water
  • This is even better the next day…..IF there is any left!

🍽️ What I Serve This With

  • Garlic bread
  • Side salad
  • Or just a big bowl after a long shift