Name: Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz rigatoni; 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 4 tbsp butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

When it comes to indulgent pasta dishes that warm the soul and light up the dinner table, this cheesy beef and Italian sausage rigatoni in garlic butter sauce checks every box. Imagine tender rigatoni tubes wrapped in a creamy, buttery garlic sauce, layered with savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and topped off with melty cheese that forms the ultimate blanket of flavor. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and it’s impossible not to go back for seconds.

This recipe brings together all the comforting notes of a classic Italian-American pasta bake with a luxurious twist. The garlic butter sauce adds depth and velvety smoothness, while the dual-meat blend creates an irresistible savory backbone. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a cozy dinner night, this dish will have everyone asking for your secret.

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

It’s bold in flavor but so simple to make. The garlic butter sauce elevates this from a weeknight meal to something that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. You get richness from the cheese, spice from the sausage, and comforting familiarity from the pasta. This rigatoni is also easy to customize with vegetables or different cheeses. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Rigatoni is the star shape here for a reason—those ridges are perfect for grabbing onto the creamy garlic sauce. Choose a bronze-cut or ridged variety for maximum texture and sauce cling. You want pasta that holds up to the hearty meat mixture and doesn’t turn mushy after baking. If rigatoni isn’t available, penne or ziti will work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that signature chew.

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

The ingredients in this dish are simple but work together like a dream. Each one builds a layer of flavor and texture, creating a pasta bake that tastes like it’s been simmering in a family kitchen for generations. Here’s what you need to bring this comfort meal to life:

Rigatoni
Ground beef
Italian sausage
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly, then drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the meat is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the meat, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss in the cooked meat and mix to combine.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, mix the rigatoni with the sauce and meat mixture. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it rest for a few minutes after baking, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.

Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This dish is made for sharing. One pan of cheesy beef and Italian sausage rigatoni can easily feed six to eight people, especially when paired with a side or two. It’s ideal for casual dinner parties, potlucks, or those nights when everyone shows up hungry and ready to eat. The thick, hearty sauce keeps the pasta moist and flavorful even after reheating.

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crunchy garlic bread is the ultimate companion. Use it to mop up every drop of sauce.

Caesar Salad

A cool, crisp Caesar salad brings balance to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds a healthy, charred contrast that pairs beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on toothpicks make a light and flavorful starter.

Italian Antipasto Platter

Olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies are great for nibbling before dinner.

Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

A tangy, caramelized side that cuts through the creaminess.

Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Zinfandel complements the bold flavors in the meat sauce.

Tiramisu or Cannoli

Finish with a traditional Italian dessert for a full comfort food experience.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce has you hooked, we’ve got even more creamy, savory dishes to add to your rotation:

Try this ultra comforting Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe if you’re craving a quick weeknight pasta.
For a stovetop-only option, the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is loaded with flavor and fewer dishes.
Want to switch up the pasta shape? Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings bold Philly-style flair.
Don’t miss the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a garlicky spin on a family favorite.
Or go all in on cheesy with our crowd-pleasing Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce.