Skillet Beef & Mushroom Rigatoni with Classic Dark Balsamic

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni or similar short pasta
1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons Garlic Mushroom Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup marinara or crushed tomatoes
¼ cup Star Classic Dark Balsamic Vinegar
½ cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing
Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
• Heat 1½ tablespoons Garlic Mushroom Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until deeply browned and moisture has cooked off. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add remaining Garlic Mushroom Olive Oil. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, breaking meat into crumbles.
• Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add marinara and Classic Dark Balsamic. Simmer 3–4 minutes to build a rich, steakhouse-style sauce.
• Return mushrooms to the skillet and stir to combine.
• Add cooked pasta and toss well. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen and coat the pasta.
• Serve hot with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Chef’s Tip

Classic Dark Balsamic gives this a true steakhouse ragu feel — let it simmer just long enough to deepen without turning sweet.

Flavor Variations

Swap Classic Dark with Espresso Bean Balsamic for deeper roasted notes, or Bordeaux Cherry Balsamic for rich, dark fruit complexity that still plays perfectly with beef and mushrooms.

Pairings

Garlic bread, roasted broccolini, or a simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon.

Recipe Notes

This recipe is built entirely around Garlic Mushroom Olive Oil and Classic Dark Balsamic for deep, savory, umami-forward flavor. Fresh mushrooms reinforce the steakhouse profile and match the skillet presentation.