Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe

Whipping up a creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers adore this hearty dish that combines rich, bold flavors in every single bite.

Smooth, velvety sauce coats thick rigatoni noodles perfectly.

Tender beef crumbles add a delightful protein punch to the meal.

Garlic and butter create an irresistible aromatic base that makes mouths water instantly.

Quick and simple ingredients transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Savor Speedy Comfort: This recipe delivers rich, satisfying flavors without complicated techniques.

• Master Hearty Meal Creation: Beginners can confidently prepare this dish with simple step-by-step instructions, making cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding extra vegetables, or swapping ground beef with alternative proteins like turkey or plant-based options.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight meals that require minimal prep but promise maximum deliciousness, ensuring everyone at the table feels satisfied and content.

Ingredients to Prepare Creamy Rigatoni with Beef

• Rigatoni: A hearty tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying texture to the dish.

• Ground Beef: The main protein that adds rich, savory flavor to the pasta.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, robust base flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Provide a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Melt into a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle heat to the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that brings color and a light herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and beef, adding a subtle fruity undertone.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the rigatoni into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a large skillet and pour in a splash of olive oil. Heat it up over medium-high flames.

Toss in the chopped onions and let them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes. Introduce the ground beef to the pan, breaking it into crumbly pieces with a wooden spoon.

Brown the meat until it’s beautifully caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

• Chopped onions
• Ground beef
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Let the aromatics mingle for another minute. Remove the skillet from heat and set the beef mixture aside.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter until it’s golden and fragrant. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, creating a luxurious base. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes.

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Shower the sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until they melt into a silky smooth creation.

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Beef

Introduce the cooked rigatoni to the creamy sauce, tossing until every pasta tube is generously coated.

Gently fold in the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined and piping hot.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Transfer the creamy rigatoni to serving plates.

Shower with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers.

Tips to Make It Extra Creamy and Delicious

• Cook rigatoni just until al dente to maintain a perfect chewy bite and prevent mushiness during sauce mixing.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a deep, caramelized color on ground beef for maximum flavor development.
• Remove sauce from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a silky, smooth consistency that coats every pasta ridge.
• Toast garlic briefly in butter before adding cream to release its aromatic oils and create a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Taste and adjust salt gradually, remembering that Parmesan cheese adds natural saltiness to the creamy sauce.

Variations to Customize Your Rigatoni

• Spicy Beef Rigatoni: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to intensify heat and create a fiery version of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano for a Greek-inspired pasta variation.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms to create a meat-free alternative.
• Bacon Lovers' Edition: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix them into the sauce for an extra smoky and rich flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well With This Dish

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that balances the rich, creamy pasta with its bright acidity and complementary flavor profile.
• Robust Beer Companion: Choose a crisp amber ale or malty brown ale that cuts through the creamy sauce while matching the hearty beef's robust character, creating a delightful taste harmony.
• Refreshing Side Drink: Opt for a sparkling water with lemon or a light Italian soda to cleanse the palate between bites, providing a refreshing contrast to the dish's richness.
• Flavor-Enhancing Herb Tea: Brew a light chamomile or sage tea that subtly complements the garlic and herb notes in the rigatoni, offering a soothing accompaniment to the meal.

How to Store Creamy Rigatoni with Beef

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little milk or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and continuously until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other tube-shaped pasta like penne or ziti. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well and provide a similar texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils. The creamy garlic sauce will still be delicious and provide rich flavor.

• How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use spicy ground beef or add some hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the beef and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni With Savory Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor pure comfort with this irresistible Garlic Butter Rigatoni featuring rich beef and melted cheese. Pasta perfection meets hearty satisfaction, inviting culinary adventurers to indulge in a soul-warming Italian-inspired classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge rigatoni and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a substantial skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce diced onions, sautéing until translucent and softened, roughly 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, systematically breaking down the meat. Sear until achieving a rich, golden-brown appearance, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow aromatics to develop for an additional minute, then transfer beef mixture to a separate dish.
5. Within the identical skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Introduce garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gently stream heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet. Simmer the liquid, permitting gradual thickening over 4-5 minutes.
7. Gradually integrate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring consistently until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency.
8. Enhance sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Adjust flavoring according to preference.
9. Reunite rigatoni with the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating.
10. Delicately fold reserved beef mixture into the pasta, warming thoroughly.
11. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Offer additional Parmesan on the side for enthusiasts.
12. Serve immediately while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose thick, ridged rigatoni to help sauce cling better and create more delicious bites.
• Ensure ground beef is fully browned with crispy edges for maximum flavor development and texture contrast.
• Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting and more authentic creamy sauce consistency.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version or use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg