Beef and Rotini in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This dish is the perfect weeknight comfort food — hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that coats every bite. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. (You can drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking.)
2. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Drain excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
4. Make the Sauce Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir well to form a roux.
- Cook this mixture for about 1–2 minutes, until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy base.
5. Add Flavor
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
6. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet.
- Gently fold in the cooked rotini, making sure every piece is coated with that rich garlic-Parmesan sauce.
- Cook together for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes