If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is about to be your new favorite dinner. Think rich, buttery garlic sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and tender, flavorful beef—all coated in a velvety blanket of melted cheese. It’s indulgent, hearty, and downright irresistible. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or treating yourself to something extra special, here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: Works as a comforting weeknight meal or a showstopping dish for guests.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the protein, or spice it up to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky—what’s not to love? Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together for BIG flavor.
Rigatoni Pasta: The perfect pasta to hold onto that rich, creamy sauce.
Ground Beef: Savory and juicy, it adds depth and heartiness to the dish.
Garlic Butter: A rich, flavorful base that makes every bite irresistible.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, making the dish extra cheesy.
Beef Broth: Infuses the sauce with even more flavor.
Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the richness.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to enhance the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick, if you love some heat.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season and bring everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic & Onion: In the same skillet, melt the garlic butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any bits from the pan for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the Cheese & Beef: Stir in the cooked beef, then add the shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it thick and creamy.
Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using), then dig in while it’s hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: ~600 kcal
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
This dish is a star on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a crisp Caesar salad for a fresh contrast.
- Pair with garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy, buttery sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly—fresh is always best!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Rigatoni should be al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Want More Flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Store & Reheat: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or even fettuccine work well.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything and reheat it when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Stir well and add a splash of cream to fix the texture.
4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a blend of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter version.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, a little cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers would be delicious additions.
7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
8. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would work great.
9. Can I make this in one pot?
Yes! Cook the pasta in less broth and add the cream and cheese towards the end.
10. What’s the best cheese for extra creaminess?
Adding a little cream cheese or ricotta will make it even richer!
Conclusion
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. So go ahead, grab a fork, and get ready to fall in love with this cheesy, garlicky, beefy goodness!
Print
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This indulgent pasta dish features al dente rigatoni tossed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce loaded with melted cheeses and savory ground beef. Enhanced with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed for browning the beef)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
– In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and the ground beef.
– Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
– Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
– Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet (with the beef or in a clean pan if preferred).
– Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
– Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
– If desired, add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
4. Combine:
– Add the cooked rigatoni and browned beef into the creamy sauce.
– Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve:
– Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
– Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash (about 1/4 cup) of white wine after sautéing the garlic; let it reduce before stirring in the cream.
• You can substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• This dish is best served hot and makes great leftovers—simply reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Fat: ~35 g
- Saturated Fat: ~20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~15 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~50 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~30 g
- Cholesterol: ~110 mg