Beefy Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake

—

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

#### 2. **Cook the Beef:**
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside.

#### 3. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms over medium heat until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

#### 4. **Create the Marsala Sauce:**
Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for about 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly. Add the beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

#### 5. **Combine Pasta and Beef:**
Add the cooked pasta and browned ground beef back into the skillet with the Marsala sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

#### 6. **Assemble the Pasta Bake:**
Transfer the beefy mushroom mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

#### 7. **Bake and Serve:**
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

#### 8. **Garnish and Enjoy:**
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy with a side salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

—

### Why It Works:

The **Marsala wine** gives this pasta bake a deep, rich flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the savory beef and earthy mushrooms. The creamy sauce binds it all together, while the melted mozzarella provides that irresistible, gooey texture. Baking it all together gives you a dish that’s both hearty and comforting with every forkful.

—

### Tips & Variations:

– **Vegetarian Option:** Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
– **Cheese Lovers:** Add an extra layer of mozzarella or provolone for an even cheesier bake.
– **Make-Ahead:** This dish is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Assemble everything in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
– **Wine Substitution:** If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can use a dry white wine or even a rich balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.

—

**Beefy Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake** is a perfect combination of comfort and flavor—rich, savory, and totally satisfying. It’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite and is guaranteed to please a crowd.

—

Would you like more tips on wine pairings or additional side dish suggestions to serve alongside this hearty meal?