Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

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Craving a comforting pasta dish that’s rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor? This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated, perfect for cozy nights or casual dinners with friends.

Rotini pasta holds onto the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully, while the seasoned ground beef adds hearty depth. Topped with melty cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, every bite feels like comfort food perfection. This dish doesn’t just satisfy your hunger — it makes you feel taken care of.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get this pasta dish just right, a few key tools make a huge difference:

• Large Pot: You’ll need a spacious pot to boil the rotini without crowding, ensuring even cooking and preventing clumping.
• Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning the ground beef and combining the sauce, a deep skillet provides enough space for everything to come together without spilling over.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps to break up the beef evenly while cooking and stir the pasta gently without damaging its shape.
• Colander: Draining the pasta properly keeps it from becoming waterlogged, ensuring the sauce sticks beautifully.
• Box Grater: If you’re grating your own cheese (which I highly recommend for better melt and flavor), a good grater is essential.

Using the right tools ensures the dish cooks efficiently and maintains its comforting texture from pan to plate.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

• Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape of rotini is perfect for capturing all the buttery, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Ground Beef: Brings savory richness and protein to make this dish hearty and filling.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic sautéed in butter is the soul of the sauce, infusing it with deep, aromatic flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates the base of the sauce and blends beautifully with garlic and cheese.
• Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar: These cheeses melt into a creamy, stretchy layer that ties everything together.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and balances the sharpness of the cheese.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the core flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a deep skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic to the empty space. Let the garlic cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir the beef and garlic butter together. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it starts to simmer. Slowly mix in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rotini into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with extra cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

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Best Way to Serve and Store Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan, while the cheese is still gooey and the sauce clings to every swirl of pasta. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and microwave in short intervals to revive the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta can I use instead of rotini?

You can swap in penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Any pasta with ridges or curves will hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving. Just store the cheese separately and add it fresh when reheating for best results.

Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground beef or ground turkey.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Yes, though the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container and reheat gently with added cream to bring back the smoothness.

What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

Chopped chives, basil, or oregano work well if you want to switch up the final garnish.

How do I avoid the cheese clumping in the sauce?

Make sure to stir continuously and add the cheese slowly into the hot, but not boiling, cream mixture. This ensures a smooth, even melt.

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Want More Pasta Comfort Food Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef, there are plenty more dishes waiting to cozy up your weeknight dinners.

You might enjoy the ultra-creamy and herby Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, a cheesy oven-finished dish with a similar vibe. For something with a Mediterranean touch, check out the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne, a tangy, rich pasta that pairs well with chicken or shrimp.

If you’re into skillet meals, don’t miss the Beef Stroganoff Pasta Skillet, a one-pan wonder packed with tender beef and mushrooms. Want something even quicker? The 15-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta is bright, light, and just as satisfying.

And for those looking to sneak in some greens, the Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake gives you that cheesy pull with an earthy twist.

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Tried it? I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add extra garlic? Go for spicy sausage instead of ground beef? Share your twist in the comments below.

Looking for more everyday recipes? Head over to my Pinterest LadyPlate where I post daily inspirations straight from my kitchen.

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