Julia Walton
Few things are as comforting as a plate of cheesy, buttery pasta loaded with savory ground beef. This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is a cozy, flavorful meal that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with the perfect hint of garlic. Each bite of tender rotini is coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce and topped with melted cheese that stretches with every forkful.
This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy families who still crave a warm, homemade meal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the pan or sneaking a late-night leftover bite, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every mouthful.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
While we’re using rotini for its spiral shape that holds onto every drop of cheesy garlic butter sauce, you can easily swap it for penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni. The key is choosing a pasta that has grooves or ridges to trap all that delicious sauce and cheese.
Ingredients for Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
- Rotini Pasta – The spiral shape captures the creamy garlic butter sauce perfectly.
- Ground Beef – Brings rich, savory flavor and makes the dish heartier.
- Butter – Essential for creating that silky, garlicky sauce.
- Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to the butter sauce.
- Shredded Cheese – A combination of mozzarella and parmesan melts into a gooey, flavorful topping.
- Salt & Pepper – To season each layer of the dish to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
How To Make Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to help bind the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and slightly crispy at the edges. Drain excess fat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Add Cheese
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything to coat, then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy, rich sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
This cheesy rotini pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the garlic butter aroma fills the kitchen. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and warm on the stovetop or microwave to restore the creamy texture.
What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta?
1. Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up the extra sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus provide a light, healthy balance.
4. Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzle with balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
5. Sauteed Spinach
A quick sauté of spinach with garlic and olive oil adds a nutritious touch.
6. Bruschetta
Crispy bread topped with marinated tomatoes and basil pairs beautifully with this cheesy pasta.
7. Italian Meatballs
Classic homemade meatballs are a hearty, protein-packed addition to your meal.
Want More Cheesy Pasta Ideas?
If you love this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef, try these mouthwatering recipes too:
- Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for a velvety, cheesy twist.
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a meaty, steak-filled option.
- Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for rich flavor in every bite.
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine for a creamy chicken variation.
- Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Skillet for a smoky, cheesy dinner idea.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find next time you crave a cozy dinner.
Tried it with your own twist? Maybe you added mushrooms, extra spices, or swapped the cheese blend? Share your tips in the comments below!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes. Your next favorite recipe is waiting there!
Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add cooked pasta and browned beef to the skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter.
- Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.