If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef. Every forkful wraps you in a velvety embrace of rich cheeses, tender pasta, and gently seasoned beef, all cloaked in a luxurious garlic butter sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing friends at a casual dinner. This recipe is a celebration of flavor and texture, and once you taste it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet how each component brings something vital to the table. Every element is carefully chosen to create layers of flavor, creaminess, and irresistible aroma.

Rigatoni pasta (12 oz): The ridges and tube shape are ideal for capturing every drop of that luscious sauce.
Ground beef (1 lb): Provides hearty, savory depth and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): This is the secret to that velvety, rich mouthfeel and buttery garlic flavor.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Four cloves might seem generous, but they infuse the entire dish with warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just enough to help thicken the sauce so it clings to every piece of pasta.
Beef broth (1 cup): Adds savory complexity and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to that dreamy, creamy consistency we all love in comfort pasta.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty, and essential for depth of flavor and cheesy body.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for that signature gooey, stretchy texture.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle herby note that ties everything together.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce to perfection.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This is so important, because you want the pasta to hold up in the sauce without turning mushy. Drain well and set aside while you get the rest of your Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef ready.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Season it generously with salt, black pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks so you get nice, bite-sized pieces. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside—don’t worry about cleaning the skillet, you’ll want those flavorful brown bits for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Return the skillet to the burner and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant. This step is what gives Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef its signature aroma and depth, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. This ensures there are no lumps in your sauce. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking, followed by the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken and feels silky to the touch.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Mix until everything is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy. The blend of cheeses is what makes this dish truly decadent and gives Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef its unforgettable texture.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the drained rigatoni. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce and the beef is distributed throughout. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes to blend all those amazing flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top. The vibrant green not only makes the dish pop, but also adds a subtle hint of freshness that balances all the richness.

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also top with extra grated Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. These finishing touches add color, flavor, and make your Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or a side of warm garlic bread for soaking up all that extra sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables are also delicious companions, balancing out the richness of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the pasta in individual bowls and sprinkle each with a little extra cheese before broiling for a bubbly, golden crust. You can also fill a platter and let everyone help themselves, or even bake the finished dish in a casserole for a comforting, gratin-style twist on Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through and creamy once again—just be careful not to overcook, so the pasta stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s shape is ideal for holding onto the sauce, penne, ziti, or even shells work just as well in this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef recipe.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you prefer, swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Each option offers a new twist on the classic flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef gluten-free friendly.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition, flavor, and color without sacrificing the creamy texture of the sauce.

How do I make the dish spicier?

For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or finish with a sprinkle on top. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new weeknight favorite or a dish to wow your loved ones, Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the answer. Every bite is pure, cheesy comfort, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious it is!

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a comforting and rich pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked rigatoni with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, savory ground beef, and a blend of melted cheeses. It’s an ideal meal for those craving a hearty, flavorful dinner with Italian-American flair, finished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Meat

1 lb ground beef

Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture and whisk constantly to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Cheeses and Combine: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
Toss Pasta and Simmer: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy beef sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so flavors meld together and the pasta is heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a rich, flavorful dinner.

Notes

Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more robust flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick if desired.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free rigatoni and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian