Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef: 7 Simple Steps

The smell of the garlic sizzling in butter? Oh my goodness, it filled the whole house! My kids came running into the kitchen, asking what was cooking, and I knew I was onto something good.

The first attempt wasn’t perfect. I added way too much cream (oops!) and the sauce was a bit too runny. But, after a few tweaks, I finally nailed it. Now, this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef is a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but special enough to serve to guests.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and easy. The savory beef combined with the creamy, cheesy sauce is just irresistible. I always have these ingredients on hand, which is a lifesaver when I’m short on time.

Trust me, once you try this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef, you’ll be hooked. It’s become a family favorite for a reason! The kids devour it, and even my picky husband raves about it. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS

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• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

I always use lean ground beef for my creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef because it’s healthier and doesn’t require as much draining. But honestly, whatever ground beef you have on hand will work just fine. You can even experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground bison or lamb, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

When making creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef, you can find good quality rigatoni at most grocery stores. I prefer the kind with ridges because the sauce clings to it better. The ridges, or *rigate*, on the pasta provide more surface area for the creamy sauce to adhere to, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Here’s a creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef trick I learned from my mom: always reserve some of the pasta water before draining. It’s starchy and helps to create a smoother, creamier sauce. The pasta water is rich in starch released during the cooking process, which acts as a natural thickening agent for the sauce.

For a creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef shortcut, I sometimes buy pre-minced garlic to save time. It’s not quite as flavorful as fresh garlic, but it definitely gets the job done in a pinch. If you’re using pre-minced garlic, consider adding a little extra to compensate for the slightly milder flavor.

To save money on creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef ingredients, I buy cheese in bulk and grate it myself. It’s usually cheaper than buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.

Store leftover Parmesan cheese in the fridge in an airtight container. It will last for several weeks. Fresh parsley can be stored in a glass of water in the fridge to keep it fresh longer. All the ingredients in the beef rigatoni recipe are easily sourced.

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP

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1. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining! Pasta Cooking Guide – Barilla. Cooking pasta *al dente*, or “to the tooth,” ensures that it retains a slight firmness, which is essential for the perfect texture in this dish.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper. Breaking up the ground beef into smaller pieces ensures even cooking and prevents large clumps from forming.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the entire dish, so it’s crucial to monitor it closely.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Simmering the heavy cream allows it to thicken slightly, creating a richer and more decadent sauce.
5. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t worry if your creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef sauce seems a little thin at first; it will thicken as it sits. The pasta water not only thins the sauce but also adds a subtle saltiness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
6. Stir in the cooked savory beef to the creamy cheesy sauce to combine with the rigatoni. Make sure the beef is evenly distributed throughout the pasta to ensure that every bite is flavorful.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. The fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.

I learned the hard way with creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef that it’s important to not overcook the garlic. Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish! So keep a close eye on it. The key is to cook the garlic gently until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, but not brown.

In my kitchen, creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef usually takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This makes it an ideal option for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.

While the creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef is cooking, I usually set the table and get the drinks ready. That way, everything is ready to go when the food is done. This helps to streamline the cooking process and ensures that you can enjoy your meal without any last-minute scrambling.

Your creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef should smell like garlicky, cheesy goodness! It’s such a comforting aroma. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates an irresistible scent that will fill your kitchen and entice your family to gather around the table.

For a family-tested creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef shortcut, I sometimes use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch. It’s not quite as good, but it definitely saves time. You can also check out my recipe for creamy garlic sauce.

SERVING

The kids love our creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef when I serve it with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce, and the salad adds a bit of freshness to the meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

This creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from family gatherings to informal get-togethers.

For creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef presentation tips, I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and parsley on top before serving. It just makes it look a bit more fancy. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley can elevate the visual appeal of the dish.

If you have extra creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef, it’s great reheated for lunch the next day. Just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep it from drying out. This helps to prevent the pasta from becoming dry and ensures that it retains its creamy texture.

For a seasonal creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef variation, try adding some roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the dish, creating a more complex and flavorful experience.

My friends always ask for this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s become my signature dish! The cheesy beef rigatoni is always a hit. It is truly a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While rigatoni is my favorite for this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well. The key is to choose a pasta that has some ridges or texture so that the sauce clings to it nicely. You know what I do when my creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef craving hits and I’m out of rigatoni? I use penne instead. It’s almost as good!

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

A: Of course! Ground turkey or chicken would be a great substitute for ground beef in this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly. I sometimes use ground turkey when I’m trying to make a healthier version of this dish. The taste is only slightly different.

Q: Can I make this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this beef rigatoni recipe ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with the pasta. You may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to thin out the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef?

A: I don’t recommend freezing this creamy beef pasta dish because the sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked ground beef separately and then make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to use it. Freezing the cooked ground beef in individual portions makes it easy to thaw and add to the sauce when you’re ready to prepare the dish.

Q: What can I add to make it spicy?

A: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño pepper. My husband loves it when I add a little bit of spice to the creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef.

Q: Is there a way to make this creamy beef pasta lighter?

A: You can use light cream cheese and skim milk, as well as ground turkey to create a lighter version of this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef recipe. Using reduced-fat dairy products and lean ground meat can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

A: I always add a little bit of olive oil to the cooking water to prevent the pasta from sticking together. You should also make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking. If the pasta does stick together, try rinsing it with cold water after draining.

My Final Thoughts:

This creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a symbol of family dinners and happy memories. It’s the dish I turn to when I need something comforting and satisfying, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. The garlic butter beef rigatoni is truly something special.

My Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the pasta! You want it to be al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be slightly firm and not mushy.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. It makes a huge difference! Freshly minced garlic has a pungency and aroma that cannot be replicated by pre-minced or powdered garlic.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic if you think it needs it. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to create a flavor profile that suits your preferences.

Here are a few creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef variations we’ve tried:

1. Mushroom and Spinach: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the sauce for a vegetarian twist.
2. Chicken and Broccoli: Substitute the ground beef with cooked chicken and add steamed broccoli florets.
3. Spicy Sausage: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

My daughter loves the mushroom and spinach version, while my son prefers the classic creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef. My husband is a big fan of the spicy sausage variation.

I hope you’ll give this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef recipe a try and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations until you find your perfect combination. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

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I truly hope you enjoy making this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking! It’s a hearty savory beef pasta dish that everyone loves. I think it will quickly become a family favorite, just like it has in my house.

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef: 7 Simple Steps

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This Creamy Beef Rigatoni is pure comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.