why make this recipe
This Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce is simple and fast. It gives you a filling meal with rich cheese and a touch of garlic. You get pasta, beef, and a smooth sauce in one pan. If you like rich pasta dishes, try our Garlic Butter Chicken Penne for another creamy option.
introduction
This dish mixes browned ground beef with a garlic butter cream sauce and rigatoni. It cooks quickly and fills the kitchen with a good smell. The sauce is creamy from heavy cream and cream cheese. Mozzarella and Parmesan make it cheesy and smooth. It is a family-friendly dinner you can make any night.
how to make Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cook the pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water.
- Brown the seasoned ground beef in a skillet and set aside.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, and add heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Use pasta water to thin if needed.
- Add the rigatoni and beef back into the sauce and toss until coated.
- Serve hot and garnish as you like.
For a different meat choice, you can also try a steak-based pasta like Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Penne which uses a similar creamy sauce.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if beef is lean)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
- Cracked black pepper (optional garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed and set beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Use pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything – Add cooked rigatoni and ground beef back into the skillet. Toss until pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish – Plate hot and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
how to serve Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce
Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top. A small green salad or steamed vegetables make a good side. Serve with garlic bread if you want more garlic flavor.
how to store Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce
Cool the leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Put in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can freeze for up to 2 months, but texture may change. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Use full-fat cream for the creamiest sauce.
- Save the pasta water to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- Brown the beef well for more flavor. Drain excess grease if skillet gets too oily.
- Soften cream cheese first so it melts easily.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- Reheat slowly and add a bit of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Swap beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Use penne or ziti instead of rigatoni.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in a cup of frozen peas for color and sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this with lean ground beef?
A: Yes. Use olive oil at the start if the beef is very lean so it does not stick and the dish stays moist.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a bit more cream cheese to help thicken.
Q: How do I stop the cheese sauce from splitting?
A: Keep heat low when adding cheese. Stir constantly and add cream cheese gradually. Use reserved pasta water to smooth the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: You can cook components ahead. Reheat and combine just before serving to keep the sauce fresh.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, but the texture may change. Freeze in a good container and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce is easy, comforting, and quick to make for weeknights. If you want a one-pot variation with similar flavors, see this One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta – Butter Be Ready.
Garlic Butter Ground Beef Rigatoni in Creamy Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta until al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the seasoned ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add the rigatoni and browned beef back into the skillet. Toss until fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper if desired.