Name: Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 12 oz rotini pasta; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup chicken or beef broth; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

If you’re craving comfort food that checks every box of indulgence, look no further than this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce. This dish is everything you want after a long day: hearty, savory, and bubbling with melted cheese. The combination of tender rigatoni pasta, rich beef and sausage, and a silky garlic butter sauce creates the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds.

The first bite of this dish will convince you it belongs in your regular rotation. The garlic butter sauce isn’t just an afterthought — it soaks into every crevice of the rigatoni, turning each forkful into a luscious, flavorful experience. And with the bold flavors of Italian sausage alongside well-seasoned ground beef, the savory factor is off the charts.

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

This pasta bake delivers on flavor without making you babysit a stovetop sauce for hours. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need something satisfying, but also impressive enough to serve at casual gatherings. The balance between spicy sausage and buttery garlic tones means it appeals to a wide range of taste buds. Plus, that golden cheese crust? Irresistible.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is a top choice for this recipe because its ridges and hollow center make it perfect for capturing the sauce and meaty filling. However, you can substitute penne or ziti if that’s what you have on hand. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti; they just don’t hold the sauce as well in baked dishes like this.

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

This dish brings together layers of flavor with just a handful of approachable ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building the comforting and rich profile that defines this pasta bake. Let’s break it down.

Rigatoni pasta: Its ridged texture helps hold onto the garlic butter sauce and the hearty meat mixture.
Ground beef: Brings a deep, meaty flavor and bulk to the dish.
Italian sausage: Adds spice, fat, and that unmistakable Italian aroma that sets this recipe apart.
Garlic: Fresh cloves infuse the butter with bold flavor that runs through every bite.
Butter: Forms the base of the rich, silky sauce that ties the whole dish together.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, golden topping and fills the dish with gooey comfort.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the depth of the dish.
Heavy cream: Lends creaminess to the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook; the pasta will bake more in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Break the meat apart as it cooks and drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the heavy cream. Let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Layer

Add the cooked rigatoni to the pan with the sauce and meat. Mix everything until evenly coated. Pour half into a baking dish, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and parmesan, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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

This dish is hearty and filling, making it an ideal one-pan meal that comfortably feeds 6 hungry people. Serve it straight from the oven, and you’ll have a golden cheese crust that everyone will fight over. A garnish of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through. You can also reheat it in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect match for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil tossed in olive oil and balsamic offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Add a veggie side that pairs effortlessly with Italian flavors. Try our Roasted Zucchini and Squash recipe.

Caesar Salad

Creamy, crisp, and tangy — it’s a dependable classic that fits right in.

Creamy Mushroom Ravioli

Double up on pasta with this luxurious Creamy Mushroom Ravioli as a small side or appetizer.

Grilled Asparagus

If you’re looking for something simple, grilled asparagus brings a smoky element that plays well with garlic and cheese.

One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

For a garlic-forward dinner party spread, pair this dish with our One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Need more protein? Serve it alongside our Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a robust spread that satisfies big appetites.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta dishes too:

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you’re craving a little heat.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a similar vibe with fewer dishes.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce if you’re looking for a high-protein twist.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a rich and savory seafood variation.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta for creamy, herby goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add red pepper flakes or switch up the cheese? Maybe threw in some spinach?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, cozy casseroles, and weekday comfort food on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is a celebration of everything we love about comfort food: bold, rich, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a homemade meal that hits every note, this pasta bake belongs in your lineup. One taste, and you’ll be making it again and again.