Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Looking for a quick, comforting meal that combines rich flavors and a creamy texture? Look no further than this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This dish features hearty ground beef and tender rotini pasta, all coated in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. The perfect blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning creates a satisfying sauce that envelops the pasta and meat, making each bite irresistible.

Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the rotini, allowing the sauce to cling to every twist of the pasta. This meal is sure to become a family favorite, especially for those who love rich, cheesy pasta dishes with a savory kick from the ground beef.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The garlic parmesan sauce is the star of this dish. Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy, it’s the perfect complement to the rotini and ground beef, creating a comforting, indulgent meal.

2. Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

3. One-Pot Meal

Everything comes together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. The ground beef, pasta, and sauce are all cooked together, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition, or swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

5. Kid-Friendly

With its cheesy, savory sauce and familiar pasta, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to get everyone around the dinner table in no time!

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta
• Ground beef
• Garlic (minced)
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These lean meats work well in this recipe while still providing a delicious base for the creamy sauce.
• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the beef, or stir them into the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy Version: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic parmesan sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the Parmesan for other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pan with the ground beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and garlic mixture, stirring to coat. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to prevent lumps. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Once the pasta is well-coated and heated through, remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Reserve Pasta Water: When draining the pasta, reserve a small cup of the cooking water. It’s great for thinning the sauce if it becomes too thick, and it also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, it’s ready to move on to the next step.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a more aromatic and bold flavor compared to jarred garlic. Don’t skip this ingredient for the best results!
• Adjust the Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, feel free to add more Parmesan cheese or even a bit of cream cheese. This will make the sauce richer and more indulgent.

How to Serve

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Standalone Meal: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing and reheating. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk or pasta water to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni can be used in place of rotini.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make this dish without flour?

Yes, you can omit the flour, but the sauce may not thicken as much. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as an alternative thickening agent.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While Parmesan is traditional, you can substitute it with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the garlic or cook them with the beef.

6. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, or serve with a dash of hot sauce.

7. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

8. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Heavy cream will give the sauce a richer texture. You can replace some or all of the milk with cream for an even more indulgent dish.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains flour in the sauce and regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the size of your skillet or use a larger pan to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Conclusion

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a perfect go-to dish for when you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and comforting. The rich garlic parmesan sauce coats the rotini and ground beef beautifully, creating a delicious and filling meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and will quickly become a family favorite!

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