Name: Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups rigatoni pasta (uncooked); 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound Italian sausage; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Cracked black pepper, to taste

There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that brings together rich cheese, hearty meat, and silky pasta into a single, flavor-packed bite. This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in warmth and leaves everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

With golden broiled cheese bubbling over savory beef and sausage, and each tube of rigatoni soaked in a velvety garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers both taste and texture. The slight crisp on the top and the creamy stretch of mozzarella within make this an irresistible weeknight dinner or a stunning addition to your weekend gatherings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this mouthwatering meal, let’s set the stage with the right tools. A large pot is essential for boiling the rigatoni evenly without clumping. For browning the meat, a deep skillet or sauté pan helps develop flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

A sturdy wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula is crucial for breaking up and stirring the meats as they cook. Once it comes to assembling, a 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly to layer and melt all the cheesy goodness uniformly.

Finally, a broiler-safe oven and a grater for freshly shredding cheese will elevate this dish from good to unforgettable. It’s the small choices in your kitchen setup that make a big impact on taste and texture.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Rigatoni Pasta – Its large, ridged tubes hold the sauce and cheese beautifully, making every bite rich and textured.

Ground Beef – Adds heartiness and a deep, savory flavor that forms the base of the meat mixture.
Italian Sausage – Brings bold, spiced notes and a juicy contrast to the beef.
Fresh Garlic – Essential for building that rich, aromatic butter sauce.

Unsalted Butter – Acts as the creamy backbone of the sauce, absorbing garlic and herb flavors.
Heavy Cream – Creates the silky texture in the garlic butter sauce.
Fresh Spinach – Adds a layer of freshness and color, balancing out the rich meat and dairy.

Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into gooey strings throughout the pasta, perfect for that stretch factor.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharp, nutty undertones and helps crisp the top under the broiler.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that enhances the meat and sauce profile.

Salt & Cracked Black Pepper – Crucial for seasoning every component from the pasta water to the final layer.

How To Make the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Step 1: Brown and Season the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and Italian sausage. Break them up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add salt to taste, then fold in fresh spinach until wilted.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Combine and Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, garlic butter sauce, and half the mozzarella. Stir well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Cheese and Bake

Top the dish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Step 6: Broil for Perfection

Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and slightly crisp.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Serve this dish fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still bubbling and gooey. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra pop of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or warm garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven for best results—bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual servings with a splash of cream to maintain its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

You can swap Italian sausage with spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even ground chicken with added fennel and herbs for a similar flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Does this freeze well?

Absolutely. Let the baked rigatoni cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What pasta shapes work if I don’t have rigatoni?

Penne, ziti, or large shells are great alternatives. Just choose something sturdy that can hold the sauce.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Definitely. Mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini would complement the flavors beautifully.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or choose a spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Cheesy Comfort?

If you loved this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni, these other pasta favorites are must-tries for your next cozy dinner:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a vegetarian twist with creamy ricotta.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta that balances spice, butter, and savory steak.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce when you’re craving rich and creamy goodness.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce that turns chicken into pasta magic.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for layers of cheese-filled indulgence.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always within reach on busy weeknights or for a comforting weekend dinner. Follow me on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration!

And once you try it, come back and let me know how it went. Did you add more cheese? Toss in mushrooms or kick up the spice? I love hearing how you made it your own.

Have a question or tweak to share? Drop it in the comments—let’s make dinner even better, together.

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is the ultimate comfort food for any pasta lover. Juicy meat, creamy garlic butter, tender rigatoni, and melty cheese all baked into one bubbly, golden dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence, this one’s a family favorite that never fails to satisfy.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Break up the meat and cook thoroughly. Drain excess grease.

2. Season meat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.

3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add salt to taste.

5. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

7. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix pasta, meat, garlic butter sauce, and half the mozzarella. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

8. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

9. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly.

10. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown on top.