Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan: Prepare to be transported to a world of savory comfort with this incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple dish! Imagine tender, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, generously coated in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce, studded with flavorful ground beef. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family begging for seconds.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition like some Italian classics, Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan has quickly become a modern favorite, a testament to its adaptability and universal appeal. It takes the beloved flavors of garlic parmesan and elevates them with the heartiness of beef, creating a complete and fulfilling meal.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the sharp tang of parmesan, the pungent aroma of garlic, and the savory depth of beef. The rotini pasta, with its delightful spirals, captures every drop of the luscious sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preparing the Beef and Sauce:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Build the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Add the Italian seasoning, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the sauce will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
5. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir to combine.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and refers to pasta that is firm to the bite.
2. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. The pasta water is starchy and can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Making the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms. This is called a roux, and it’s the base for the cream sauce. Cooking the roux removes the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the sauce.

Combining and Serving:

1. Combine Pasta and Beef Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the pot with the beef sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Stir in Parmesan Cream Sauce: Gently fold in the Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley.
4. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat, if desired.

Tips for the Best Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good quality beef chuck, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef is essential for developing a rich, deep flavor in the sauce.
• Simmer the Sauce Low and Slow: Simmering the sauce for a long time allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese.
• Add a Touch of Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Make it Ahead: The beef sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
• Use Different Meat: Substitute ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken for the beef chuck.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier dish.
• Add Cream Cheese: Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese to the Parmesan cream sauce for an extra creamy and rich flavor.
• Use Different Pasta: Substitute penne, rigatoni, or farfalle pasta for the rotini.
• Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
• Pair with a glass of red wine.
• Garnish with fresh basil and parsley.
• Serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese.

Conclusion:

This Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the savory richness of the beef to the creamy, garlicky embrace of the Parmesan sauce, every bite is a comforting and satisfying experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant price tag. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will adore, and it’s impressive enough to serve to guests.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat – ground turkey or chicken would work beautifully. For a vegetarian option, you could substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty and flavorful twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve the Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* Elevated Elegance: For a more sophisticated presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with a glass of your favorite red wine for a truly memorable meal.
* Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love this dish! Cut the rotini into smaller pieces for easier eating and serve with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots. You can even sneak in some finely chopped vegetables into the sauce for added nutrients.
* Spice It Up: As mentioned before, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick. You could also incorporate some Italian sausage for a spicier, meatier flavor.
* Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese! A blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago would create a complex and flavorful sauce. A touch of mozzarella melted on top adds a gooey, cheesy finish.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan as much as I do. It’s a recipe that I keep coming back to time and time again, and I’m always amazed at how simple it is to create such a delicious and satisfying meal. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation, and the taste will leave you wanting more.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade pasta perfection.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy your delicious Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan!