Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

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Rich, velvety, and indulgent, this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef is the kind of meal that makes a weeknight feel like a celebration. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of tender pasta, juicy seasoned beef, and a luscious sauce that’s both comforting and decadent. The garlic butter creates a luxurious base, while the melted cheese blends in for that irresistible creamy pull.

This dish is perfect for when you want something satisfying but still easy to put together. The ingredients are simple, the cooking steps are straightforward, and the result is pure magic in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a flavor-packed experience that everyone will remember.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together without compromising on taste. The rich garlic butter sauce wraps around the rigatoni like a warm hug, while the beef adds a hearty, savory element that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s adaptable — you can swap in your favorite cheeses or add veggies for a personal twist.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni?

For the best results, choose ground beef with a moderate fat content, around 80/20. This ensures the beef stays juicy and flavorful, blending beautifully with the creamy sauce. Leaner beef works too, but you may need to add a touch more butter or olive oil to keep the richness intact. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing beef with Italian sausage for an extra punch of flavor.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the pasta’s satisfying bite to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties it all together.

• Rigatoni pasta – Its ridged surface and tubular shape are perfect for catching the rich, creamy sauce.
• Ground beef – Brings hearty, savory depth and a satisfying meaty bite.
• Butter – The base for the garlic butter sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
• Garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, velvety base for the cheesy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty element that balances the creaminess.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that signature gooey texture.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley – Offers a pop of color and freshness for garnish.

How To Make the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Brown the beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the creamy sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then add Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine pasta and beef

Return the beef to the skillet, add the cooked rigatoni, and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan before serving warm.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common pitfall is overcooking the pasta. Rigatoni should be cooked until just al dente since it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce. Another mistake is letting the garlic brown too much, which can make it taste bitter instead of fragrant. Lastly, avoid adding cold cheese straight into the sauce, as it can clump instead of melting smoothly.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

This recipe comfortably serves 4 to 5 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. Serve it straight from the skillet for that irresistible just-cooked appeal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate sidekick to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Caramelized veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini add a wholesome touch.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing contrast.

Antipasto Platter

Olives, cured meats, and marinated artichokes create a perfect starter.

Creamy Tomato Soup

A warm and comforting pairing for a cozy dinner.

Bruschetta

Toasted bread topped with fresh tomato, garlic, and basil makes a light, flavorful side.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you enjoyed this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef, you’ll probably love these other favorites from Nina Dishes:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich, sun-dried tomato twist.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you’re craving bold, comforting flavors.
• Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a meaty pasta indulgence.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a quick, satisfying dinner.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with mozzarella or experiment with a sharper cheese? Did you sneak in some spinach or mushrooms?

I love hearing how others put their spin on these recipes. Questions are always welcome — let’s make cooking even more fun together.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and comfort food recipes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite!

Conclusion

Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying, this rigatoni recipe checks every box for a hearty comfort meal. With its tender beef, luscious sauce, and perfect pasta, it’s a dish worth making again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or indulging in a solo treat, this recipe delivers a big bowl of happiness every single time.

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