Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this: tender rigatoni pasta swimming in a velvety garlic butter sauce, loaded with savory Italian sausage, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese. This dish is rich, satisfying, and absolutely made for cozy weeknights or impressive potlucks. With bold flavor and a rustic Italian soul, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner rotation or treat friends and family to something memorable, this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni delivers every time. The garlic butter sauce clings to every ridge of rigatoni, making each bite a delicious, cheesy, meaty masterpiece. And best of all, it comes together easily without sacrificing depth of flavor.

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What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

When it comes to rigatoni, quality makes a difference. Choose a bronze-cut, ridged variety if possible, as the sauce will cling beautifully to the textured surface. Dry rigatoni holds up well and provides a toothsome bite, while fresh pasta offers a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Either works, so pick what suits your pantry and preferences.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

• Rigatoni Pasta: This pasta’s tubular shape and ridged exterior are ideal for capturing all the creamy, buttery sauce and bits of meat.
• Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish. Choose lean beef to avoid excess grease.
• Italian Sausage: Provides a burst of herby, savory taste and complements the beef beautifully.
• Garlic: The base of the butter sauce, garlic infuses everything with warm, aromatic depth.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is melted down with garlic to create the base sauce for this recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce creamy and luxurious without overpowering the garlic flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and stretches deliciously throughout the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty edge and finishes the dish with rich umami.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the meat and sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like some heat.

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How To Make the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the meat is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the meat (wipe clean if needed), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Cheese It Up

Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir into the sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni, tossing to coat. Mix in the mozzarella and half the Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over the top, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil. Serve hot, straight from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.

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Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This dish is best served hot and fresh, straight from the pan. The gooey cheese, warm pasta, and aromatic garlic butter sauce are at their peak right off the stove. If you’re serving a crowd, transfer it to a casserole dish and keep it warm in the oven at a low temp until it’s time to eat.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the buttery sauce.

Caesar Salad

A fresh, crunchy Caesar with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan complements the rich pasta beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Try a medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions roasted until tender.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The tangy glaze cuts through the richness of the rigatoni.

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil offer a light, refreshing contrast.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Pairs well as a comforting, warm starter.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Savory bites that mirror the umami notes of the sausage and cheese.

Crisp White Wine

Something like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc helps balance the dish’s creamy depth.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re hooked on hearty pasta bakes like this one, don’t stop here! Check out these other flavorful dishes from the SavorQueen kitchen:

• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with rich broth and herby meatballs.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan that brings the same buttery magic with tender chicken.
• Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for a smooth, cheesy twist on a family favorite.
• Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta if you love bold flavor and savory meat.
• Easy Beef Stroganoff for another comfort classic to add to your rotation.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added mushrooms or swapped in spicy sausage? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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