Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in olive oil in a large 7-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir to coat in the fat.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes, until caramelized and dark golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. If onions start to scorch, reduce heat slightly and add additional butter or olive oil.
- Once onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the water and half of the evaporated milk to the pot. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining evaporated milk until smooth, then add to the pot. Increase heat to high.
- Stir in the beef bouillon, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, and pepper. Stir until bouillon dissolves and mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Add the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to medium-high to maintain a strong simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently and pushing pasta into an even layer so it stays submerged. The pasta should reach al dente with excess liquid remaining. Add water 1/2 cup at a time if liquid evaporates before pasta is done.
- Remove pot from heat. Add Gruyere cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely before adding more. Follow with Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. For a saucier consistency, stir in additional water or milk a few tablespoons at a time. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheating: Microwave small portions for 1 minute, stir, then heat in 30-second intervals. For larger portions, reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat with splash of water or milk. Make-ahead: Slice onions and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Can caramelize onions and prepare sauce base (without pasta and cheese), then refrigerate and finish when ready to serve. Use large pot: 6-8 quart Dutch oven recommended. Cheese: Use freshly shredded Gruyere and Parmesan for best melting. Variations: Make vegetarian with vegetable broth, add cooked ground beef or sausage, use different pasta shapes (radiatori, shells, rotini), add mushrooms or spinach.
