Oh, this one’s comfort food at its finest! If you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and absolutely soul-satisfying, this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is going to hit every single note. It’s rich, meaty, buttery, and dripping in melty cheese basically, pasta perfection. Picture tender rigatoni hugging a creamy garlic butter sauce, wrapped around savory ground beef and Italian sausage, all baked into one hot, bubbly masterpiece. This dish is weeknight magic and weekend-worthy all in one bite. Trust me, you’re going to want seconds… and thirds.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works as a main dish for dinner parties or lazy Sundays with equal ease.
Budget-Friendly: Hearty, filling, and made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Comes together with minimal prep, and most of the magic happens in one pan.
Customizable: Mix up the cheeses, add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or swap pasta shapes.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Here’s the flavor-packed lineup that makes this pasta dish truly unforgettable:

Rigatoni Pasta: The perfect vessel for catching all that savory, cheesy sauce. Its ridges hold flavor like a dream.

Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and makes the dish extra filling.

Italian Sausage: Spicy, herby, and rich it kicks the flavor up several notches.

Butter: The base of the sauce. Rich, silky, and full of flavor.

Garlic: Lots of it. Fresh garlic infuses the butter with bold, mouthwatering aroma.

Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy texture and rich body.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty bite and helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness that stretches with every forkful.

Italian Seasoning: A cozy blend of herbs that pulls everything together beautifully.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but it brings a nice, subtle heat.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

Parsley: Fresh and bright perfect for garnishing and cutting through the richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: You don’t need the oven just yet start by setting a large skillet over medium heat.

Combine Ingredients: Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant about a minute.

Assemble the Dish: Add ground beef and sausage to the garlic butter and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

Cook to Perfection: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it bubble until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Finishing Touches: Add the cooked rigatoni and toss until everything is coated and happy. Top with more mozzarella if desired and cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Every bite is cheesy, garlicky perfection.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 620

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Add warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Pair with a glass of red wine something bold like a cabernet or Chianti works beautifully.
Top with a sprinkle of chili flakes or fresh grated Parmesan at the table for extra flair.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta it’ll keep cooking a bit when tossed with the hot sauce.
Make it a baked pasta! Transfer everything to a casserole dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
To make it spicier, use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes.
Leftovers reheat beautifully add a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.
This recipe freezes well too just cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers.
Swap the meat: Try ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a different twist.
Make it ahead! You can prep everything, then reheat just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely penne, ziti, or even rotini work great in this dish.

2. Is this dish spicy?
Only slightly. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or leave them out entirely.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk or half-and-half is a better substitute.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes! Freeze in individual portions or all together. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth.

6. What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?
Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of added cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Totally just skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

8. Can I add tomato sauce?
Sure! Adding a little marinara to the cream sauce gives a lovely tomato-cream blend.

9. What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
You can use regular sausage or even ground beef only it’ll still be delicious.

10. Can I bake this dish with cheese on top?
Yes! Just sprinkle extra mozzarella or a mix of cheeses on top and bake until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is one of those dishes that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.” It’s cozy, filling, and bursting with flavor, and it comes together surprisingly fast. Whether you’re making it for a quiet dinner at home or a big family meal, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. One bite in, and you’ll understand exactly why.

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