Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

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There are comfort food classics, and then there are meals like this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce that go above and beyond. Imagine tender rigatoni noodles swimming in rich garlic butter, coated with a blanket of melty cheeses, and tossed with savory ground beef and bold Italian sausage. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table quiet with that first bite, followed by murmurs of “you have to make this again.”

The magic is in the balance. The sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic deepens the flavor of the beef and sausage, while the garlic butter sauce adds richness without feeling too heavy. Every forkful is a cheesy, meaty, buttery delight that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian bistro. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want some delicious leftovers, this dish brings big flavor with surprisingly simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

This dish delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite baked pasta without needing a long list of ingredients. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of Italian sausage and ground beef means layers of flavor in every bite, and the garlic butter sauce brings everything together with a smooth, savory finish. And let’s not forget: melty mozzarella and sharp parmesan make this dinner feel like a cheesy hug. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or freezing ahead for a comforting meal on hand.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Rigatoni is ideal for this dish because of its ridges and tube-like shape, which help grab onto all that luscious garlic butter and cheese. You can use regular rigatoni or opt for the large, ridged variety for even more sauce-catching power. If you’re craving a little extra texture, try whole wheat or bronze-cut rigatoni—they hold up beautifully against the hearty meat mixture. Just make sure to cook your pasta until just al dente since it will absorb a bit more flavor when mixed with the hot garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

This recipe is all about bold flavors and cozy textures, and the ingredients reflect that beautifully. Each component plays a special role in creating that perfect bite—cheesy, savory, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Unsalted butter
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

How To Make the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta since it will absorb the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it up with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked meats back into the skillet with the garlic butter mixture. Toss in the cooked rigatoni and stir everything together over low heat.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Mix gently until the cheeses melt and coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the cheesy rigatoni into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while it’s melty and warm.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the easiest ways to miss the mark with this dish is by overcooking the pasta. Since rigatoni is meant to hold sauce, letting it go too soft before combining everything can result in a mushy texture. Stick to al dente for that ideal bite.

Another mistake is skipping the fat drain from the cooked meats. Leaving excess grease will make the garlic butter sauce feel heavy and overly oily. Always take a moment to drain the pan before moving to the next step.

Lastly, resist the temptation to crank the heat when melting cheese. Low and slow keeps it creamy and smooth rather than stringy or clumpy.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This rich, cozy rigatoni dish is best served hot from the skillet, piled high into shallow bowls or plates. It makes a hearty dinner that feeds about 6 people comfortably, especially when paired with a side or two.

Leftovers store beautifully. Simply transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A crusty, buttery garlic bread is the obvious soulmate for this pasta. It helps scoop up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.

Simple Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly charred broccoli with a touch of lemon balances the meal with a touch of earthiness.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The slight tang of balsamic brings a delightful brightness to the table.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze are a light and fun addition.

Creamed Spinach

Silky, garlicky spinach pairs well with the meatiness of the rigatoni.

Italian-Style Green Beans

Quick-sautéed green beans with garlic and olive oil round out the plate without overpowering it.

Antipasto Platter

Cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled veggies make a tasty pre-dinner nibble or a side that’s packed with variety.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Big Flavor?

If you’re loving this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni, you’ll probably want to try a few of these pasta-packed comfort meals too:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky goodness.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta brings sun-dried tomato magic into every bite.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gives you creamy comfort in a single pan.
• Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is your go-to if you love layered, cheesy pasta bakes.
• Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni takes the beefy pasta game to a whole new level.

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And if you try this one, let me know how it turned out! Did you go heavy on the cheese or add in some spinach? Maybe even a splash of cream for an extra-luxurious finish?

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Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce isn’t just a meal, it’s a full-on flavor experience. It turns simple, humble ingredients into something that tastes restaurant-worthy with very little effort. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this rigatoni will hit all the right notes of comfort, richness, and satisfaction. So grab your fork, maybe a little extra parmesan, and get ready to dive in.

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