Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

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This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the definition of comfort food heaven. Picture perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta drenched in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, mingling with crumbles of seasoned ground beef, all topped with gooey, bubbling cheese. Every forkful is rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, ideal for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with family and friends.

The magic of this dish lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create complex, heartwarming flavors. It combines the deep umami of beef, the richness of garlic butter, and the smoothness of cream and cheese into one comforting, oven-baked masterpiece. If you’re craving something that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare, this recipe hits the sweet spot.

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What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Choose a high-quality, bronze-cut rigatoni if available. The ridges help catch every bit of that luscious sauce, ensuring full flavor in each bite. Avoid overcooking the pasta before baking—you want it al dente so it doesn’t go mushy after it absorbs the sauce in the oven.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Rigatoni Pasta
A sturdy pasta like rigatoni is ideal for capturing the thick, cheesy sauce and supporting the weight of the beef and cheese.

Ground Beef
Use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease. It brings hearty, savory depth to the dish.

Garlic Butter
A mix of melted butter and fresh garlic forms the backbone of the sauce’s flavor.

Heavy Cream
It adds the essential creamy element, making the sauce silky and luxurious.

Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese
These melt beautifully, giving you that golden, gooey topping and extra sharpness.

Italian Seasoning
Balances the richness with herby notes that tie the entire dish together.

Fresh Parsley (optional)
A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and brightness to finish.

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

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni just until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously, letting the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Add the cooked beef back to the sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss in the cooked rigatoni and mix everything until evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer and Cheese It Up

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Rigatoni

Serve the dish warm right out of the oven. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. For storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne or ziti would work well here. Just make sure it’s a sturdy shape that holds sauce nicely.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the beef while browning for a spicy kick.

What cheese alternatives work well?

You can use provolone, fontina, or a sharp cheddar for a different cheesy profile.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this hearty pasta bake, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory favorites:

• Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo for a bright, zesty one-pan meal.
• Cheesy Tortellini Bake if you’re in the mood for bite-sized cheesy comfort.
• Slow Cooker Italian Beef Ragu for a no-fuss, flavor-packed pasta night.
• Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti when you crave creamy indulgence with a poultry twist.
• Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta to bring a veggie-packed twist to your pasta night.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap in spicy sausage? Did you try using a different cheese blend?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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