NEW: Pasta Bianca With Beef

Recipe Directions

1. For best results, take the beef out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before starting to cook. If you skip this step, you may need to cook the ground beef longer than this recipe card indicates.
2. Fill a 4-6 quart pot 2/3 full with water. Put the pot on the stove over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of salt to the water, (the water should taste salty). Bring up to a boil.
3. While you are waiting for the water to boil, cut open the package of ground beef (a) and place on a plate. Pour the herbs (b) over the meat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Heat a skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan has warmed up, add 1 tbsp of oil or enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Place the beef in the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into smaller pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then pour the roasted garlic sauce (c) over the meat. Bring the mixture up to a simmer and then turn the heat down to medium or medium-low to maintain a simmer.
5. While the meat sauce is simmering, add the farfalle pasta (d) to the pot. Stir. Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on how al dente you like your pasta.
6. When the pasta has cooked for 8 minutes, add the asparagus (e) to the pan of meat sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently stir with a wooden spoon to coat the asparagus with sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. When the pasta has finished cooking, pour into a strainer in your sink and let the water drain out. Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the pan of meat sauce and mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover the pan with the lid and cook for 1 minute. Then remove from the heat.
8. Spoon the pasta on to your serving plates. Spoon the giardiniera (f) on top to suit your taste.