Indulge in Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight

Ah, the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta dish! There’s something truly magical about twirling forkfuls of cheesy, saucy goodness that warms your heart and fills your belly. I remember the first time I made this delightful Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce. It was a chilly evening in late fall, and the leaves were crunching beneath my feet. I wanted to create something cozy that would bring everyone together. With the aroma of garlic wafting through my kitchen, laughter ensued, and before I knew it, my family was around the table, plates piled high, ready to dig in. Sounds lovely, right? Let’s dive into this recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly meal that tastes gourmet.
• Comforting flavors that remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Customizable with herbs, spices, and toppings.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni to life:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking!

1. Cook the Rigatoni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside. Remember, you want that perfect bite!
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Make sure to drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Push the meat to one side of the skillet and melt the butter on the other side. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the oregano and red pepper flakes, mixing everything together. This is when your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together. Add a pinch of salt and pepper here for taste.
5. Make it Creamy: Gently stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend with the sauce. This is where things start to get luxurious! Bring it just to a simmer.
6. Cheesy Goodness: Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir until melted and creamy. Keep some mozzarella aside for later—it’s time to get cheesy!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained rigatoni into the sauce, making sure each piece is coated with that luscious goodness. Mixing it all together is my favorite part—every bite will be filled with cheesy, meaty delight!
8. Finish with Cheese: Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish for some oven love. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rigatoni for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melty and slightly golden. Stick around, as the aroma wafts through your home, you’ll definitely start getting hungry!
10. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before you serve. If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are a few fun twists to keep in mind:

• Spice it Up: Add some chopped jalapeños or use spicy sausage to really kick it up a notch.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can totally elevate the flavors. Just sprinkle them in at the end for a fresh touch.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Swap: If mozzarella isn’t your jam, feel free to try provolone, fontina, or even havarti for a different flavor profile!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce, or a fresh Caesar salad for some crispness. A warm slice of French bread or even a glass of red wine can elevate your dining experience, making it one cozy Italian night. Picture this—sitting around a warm table, digging into cheesy rigatoni, with laughter and chatter filling the air. It’s simply heartwarming!

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your rigatoni tasting just as good as the first time:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy!
• Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully! Just cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding onto sauce and cheese, feel free to use penne, ziti, or even shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Sure thing! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage, and substitute a lower-fat cream for the heavy cream. You might realize you love it even more!

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

No problem at all! Omit the meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can even add some lentils or beans for protein.

What should I serve with it?

A simple side salad, some steamed broccoli, or a warm piece of garlic bread would go wonderfully with this dish. It’s quite versatile!

Conclusion

I hope this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce fills your home with warmth and good vibes, just like it did for mine. It’s all about creating memorable moments around the dinner table, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to drop a comment below with your experiences or any fun twists you might have tried. Happy cooking, my friend!

Indulge in Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight

---

• Author: mery
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight in rich garlic butter sauce Perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner 148 chars

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Garlic and Spices: Push the meat to one side of the skillet and melt the butter on the other side. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle oregano and red pepper flakes, mixing everything together.

Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Creamy: Gently stir in the heavy cream and bring it just to a simmer.

Cheesy Goodness: Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained rigatoni into the sauce until completely coated.

Finish with Cheese: Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle reserved mozzarella on top.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melty and slightly golden.

Garnish and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g

Keywords: Cheesy Rigatoni, Beef and Sausage Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe