Beef fillet pasta

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Intensity: Medium

If you’re looking for a rich, savory, and indulgent pasta dish, then this Beef Fillet Pasta with Red Wine and Lots of Cheese is exactly what you need. With tender beef fillet cooked in a flavorful red wine sauce, paired with perfectly cooked pasta and smothered in creamy, melty cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

The red wine adds a depth of flavor to the beef, while the cheese creates a creamy, decadent finish to the dish. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy evening, this pasta recipe will definitely impress anyone who takes a bite!

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

For the Pasta:

• 400g pasta (such as fettuccine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle)

• Salt, for boiling the pasta

For the Beef and Sauce:

• 400g beef fillet (or tenderloin), cut into thin strips or small cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 150ml red wine (use a dry red wine for best results)

• 200ml beef broth (or stock)

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese:

• 200g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus extra for garnish)

• 100g mozzarella cheese, grated (or use any melty cheese like provolone or fontina)

• 100g mascarpone cheese (optional, for added creaminess)

• 50g cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Garnishes:

• Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

• Cracked black pepper

• Extra grated Parmesan

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

2. Sear the Beef
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef fillet strips or cubes to the pan. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Red Wine Sauce

3. Cook the Onion and Garlic
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Deglaze with Red Wine
   Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavor.

5. Add Beef Broth and Balsamic Vinegar
   Stir in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to reduce by about half. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef

6. Add Beef Back to the Sauce
   Return the seared beef fillet to the pan with the red wine sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the beef through and allow it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

7. Mix in the Pasta
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat the pasta with the red wine sauce and beef. If the mixture seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

8. Stir in the Cheese
   Reduce the heat to low, and begin adding the cheeses. Start by adding the grated Parmesan, mozzarella, and mascarpone cheese (if using). Stir until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy, cheesy sauce. The result should be a luscious, cheesy, and rich pasta dish.

9. Optional Cream Cheese
   For extra creaminess, you can add a dollop of cream cheese into the mix. Stir it until it melts completely and enhances the overall texture of the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

10. Plate the Pasta
    Divide the pasta evenly among plates, ensuring each serving has plenty of the beef, sauce, and cheesy goodness.

11. Garnish and Serve
    Garnish with additional grated Parmesan, freshly chopped herbs (like parsley or basil), and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Beef Fillet Pasta with Red Wine and Lots of Cheese:

• Beef Selection: Choose a good-quality beef fillet (tenderloin) for the best tenderness and flavor. If you don’t have beef fillet, you can also use rib-eye or sirloin, but the fillet will give you a more delicate texture.

• Red Wine: Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz. Avoid sweet wines as they can overpower the flavor of the dish. If you’re not a fan of wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth, but the red wine adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.

• Pasta Variety: Feel free to swap the pasta for your favorite type. Fettuccine, tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even penne will work well, but long pasta like fettuccine is ideal for this dish.

• Cheese Choices: The combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and mascarpone creates a rich, creamy texture, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Fontina, Gruyère, or even Gorgonzola (for a sharp contrast) are great alternatives.

• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce for a bit longer or add a touch more cheese. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 650 kcal

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Sugars: 5g

• Protein: 35g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 450mg

• Cholesterol: 95mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used. For more precise nutritional information, use a recipe calculator.

Final Thoughts:

This Beef Fillet Pasta with Red Wine and Lots of Cheese is an indulgent, flavorful dish that combines the tenderness of beef fillet with a rich, creamy sauce. The red wine adds depth and complexity, while the generous use of cheese gives the dish a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the comfort and decadence of this delicious beef fillet pasta with red wine and cheese — it’s a meal everyone will love!