This Creamy Ground Beef and Mushroom Sauce is an easy, comforting weeknight dinner made in one skillet. Ready in about 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s rich, creamy, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
The sauce comes together gently, creating a savory, creamy texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s simple to make, yet satisfying and full of flavor.
Spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, or serve it with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
This creamy ground beef and mushroom sauce works so well because each ingredient is used with intention and cooked in the right order. Browning the beef separately keeps it juicy and flavorful, while slowly cooking the onions and mushrooms builds a deep, savory base. The mushrooms release their moisture, then caramelize slightly, giving the sauce richness without heaviness.
White wine lifts the flavors and deglazes the pan, Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and depth without overpowering, and cream brings everything together into a smooth, balanced sauce. Finished with Parmesan, the result is a creamy ground beef mushroom gravy that’s comforting, rich, and perfectly suited for mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
This is the kind of creamy ground beef gravy that works just as well for casual weeknight dinners as it does for comfort-style meals.
Simple Ingredients, Big Comfort
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together into a rich, creamy ground beef sauce with plenty of savory depth. You’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef – forms the hearty, flavorful base of the sauce
- Onion – adds sweetness and balance as it softens
- Mushrooms – bring a deep, savory flavor and meaty texture
- Garlic – adds warmth and aroma
- Thyme – a subtle herbal note that pairs well with beef
- Dry white wine – helps lift flavors and deglaze the pan
- Dijon mustard – adds gentle tang and depth
- Heavy cream – creates a smooth, velvety sauce
- Water – loosens the sauce and keeps it balanced
- Parmesan – finishes the sauce with savory richness
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
What to Serve with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce
This creamy ground beef mushroom sauce pairs especially well with mashed potatoes, but it’s just as good over rice, pasta, egg noodles, or even toast for an easy comfort meal.
Making Creamy Ground Beef and Mushroom Sauce
This sauce comes together in one skillet, and the key is letting each step build flavor. If you’re wondering how to make creamy ground beef sauce that’s rich but not heavy, take your time browning the beef and cooking the mushrooms until their moisture cooks off.
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef and let it cook until fully browned, breaking it up gently as it cooks. When the beef is nicely caramelized, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, add the onion and let it cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook them slowly. They will release moisture at first, then begin to turn lightly golden as that moisture cooks off.
Stir in the garlic and thyme and let them warm through just until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine and gently scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, just until the alcohol cooks off and the sauce smells mellow and balanced.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix in the Dijon mustard. Add the water and heavy cream, then stir gently to combine. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, until it becomes smooth, creamy, and well blended.
Stir in the Parmesan, then season with salt and black pepper. Let everything melt together into a smooth, cohesive sauce, then remove the skillet from the heat.
At this point, the sauce should be smooth, creamy, and well balanced. Once everything is seasoned to taste, the skillet can be removed from the heat and the sauce is ready to serve.
This easy creamy beef sauce recipe works well with potatoes, rice, or pasta and is flexible enough for everyday cooking.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
A few small details make a big difference here. Letting the mushrooms cook until their moisture evaporates builds deeper flavor, and simmering the sauce gently helps it thicken without becoming heavy. Always taste at the end, especially after adding the Parmesan, since it naturally adds saltiness.
This creamy ground beef sauce is easy to customize and works with whatever you have on hand. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or egg noodles for a simple, comforting meal that fits easily into a busy weeknight routine.
Try swapping thyme for rosemary or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. You can also serve this over egg noodles or with toasted bread to soak up the sauce. If you prefer to cook without wine, swap it for beef broth (or water) and add a tiny squeeze of lemon for brightness.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers keep well and reheat beautifully. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This sauce also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly until smooth and creamy.
