This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food! With a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, hearty ground beef, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, it’s a dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Whether I’m looking for a delicious family meal or a dish to enjoy on a busy weeknight, this recipe never fails to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe balances savory, creamy, and comforting flavors in every bite. The rich garlic-Parmesan sauce elevates the simple ingredients like pasta and ground beef into something extraordinary. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for those hectic days when I need a satisfying meal without the long wait. It’s also easy to customize with any extra veggies or seasonings I might have on hand.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
I can easily adjust this dish based on my preferences. For a veggie boost, I sometimes add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce. I can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For an extra cheesy touch, I might sprinkle some mozzarella on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, I can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! I can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and beef separately, then combine everything when ready to serve. It reheats well.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this recipe, I can use penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta shape I prefer.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! I can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, I can swap the rotini with gluten-free pasta and ensure the flour is a gluten-free variety.
Can I freeze this dish?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire dish because the creamy sauce might separate. However, I can freeze the sauce separately and reheat it when ready to serve with fresh pasta.
Conclusion
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a quick and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and comfort. It’s perfect for those busy nights when I need something delicious and easy. Whether I’m enjoying it as is or experimenting with new ingredients, it’s always a hit with my family and friends.
📖 Recipe:
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender rotini pasta, hearty ground beef, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. A quick and easy 30-minute dinner, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family meals. The rich, savory sauce makes this dish unforgettable, and you can easily customize it with extra veggies or different proteins. It’s a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. - Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. - Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Customizations: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce for extra flavor. For a cheesy twist, top with shredded mozzarella before serving.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and beef separately, then combine when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
