Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

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There’s something soul-warming about a bowl of cheesy pasta, especially when it comes packed with tender ground beef and a garlicky butter sauce that clings to every spiral of rotini. This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is weeknight comfort food at its best. It’s rich without being too heavy, savory without being overpowering, and deeply satisfying in every bite.

Rotini pasta is ideal for catching sauce in all its ridges, which means every forkful brings that buttery, garlicky goodness alongside creamy, melty cheese and the heartiness of beef. It’s the kind of meal you make once and start craving weekly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or meal prepping for yourself, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

This dish brings together everything we love about comfort food: a little bit of cheese, a little bit of garlic, a lot of flavor, and minimal fuss. It requires basic pantry ingredients and simple steps, yet the result tastes like something you’d expect from a cozy Italian-American bistro. Plus, it can easily be made in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver for those weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.

It’s a one-pot wonder that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas, and it’s easy to customize too. Want to add veggies? Toss in some spinach or mushrooms. Want a touch of spice? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes goes a long way. It’s a canvas for creativity.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Cheesy Rotini?

Rotini is the star for good reason. Its corkscrew shape holds onto every bit of the buttery garlic sauce, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor. However, if you don’t have rotini on hand, penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta make great substitutes. The key is to use a shape that traps the sauce well, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor in each bite. Just make sure not to overcook your pasta—al dente is best to soak in all that cheesy, buttery goodness without turning mushy.

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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing either richness, heartiness, or bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering pasta:

• Rotini Pasta
• Ground Beef
• Garlic
• Butter
• Parmesan Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Italian Seasoning

Rotini Pasta provides the perfect shape to hold onto the sauce and cheese. Its spiral ridges trap all the buttery, garlicky goodness for a deeply flavorful bite.

Ground Beef gives the dish its savory, meaty base. It’s cooked until browned and slightly crispy, adding texture and protein that make the meal filling.

Garlic is essential in creating a rich, aromatic butter sauce. The flavor it imparts is unmistakable and elevates the entire dish.

Butter is what forms the heart of the sauce. It creates a silky, indulgent base that clings to every pasta twist.

Parmesan Cheese adds salty depth and a nutty flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Mozzarella Cheese provides the ultimate meltiness. It binds everything together with gooey, stretchy satisfaction.

Salt and Black Pepper enhance every component, helping all the flavors come alive.

Italian Seasoning blends dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for an extra savory layer that ties the dish together.

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

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, and drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet with the beef, then stir in minced garlic. Let it simmer until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the cheese melts and everything is coated in buttery sauce.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, with an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy the cheesy, garlicky, beefy goodness!

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

This hearty pasta dish is perfect for serving straight from the skillet to the dinner table. It’s designed to be filling and cozy, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even casual get-togethers. With the richness of the garlic butter and the savory meat and cheese combo, a simple side salad or steamed vegetable is often all you need.

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. If you happen to have leftovers, they store beautifully. Let the pasta cool before placing it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or water helps bring the sauce back to life. You can also freeze individual portions for meal prep, making it a convenient go-to on busy days.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Classic and irresistible, garlic bread makes the perfect partner to soak up any extra sauce lingering on the plate.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and adds a bit of crunch and color to your meal.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms pair wonderfully with garlic butter and beef, adding an umami boost.

Caprese Skewers

If you’re entertaining, try fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing bite.

Lemon Asparagus

The acidity of lemon and the snap of asparagus are a great way to balance out the creaminess of the dish.

Chopped Italian Salad

Loaded with olives, peppers, and tangy vinaigrette, this vibrant salad plays up all the Italian-inspired flavors of the meal.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Sometimes a simple chunk of good-quality bread is all you need to complete the experience.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the bold flavors and cozy textures of this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef, then you’re in for a treat. These other hearty meals will satisfy your pasta cravings just as well:

• Try our Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for another comforting twist.
• This Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is packed with bold garlic and cheesy richness.
• Our Creamy Mushroom Ravioli brings a meat-free alternative with all the decadent comfort.
• For a lighter dish, check out the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken that’s perfect for warmer nights.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip up cheesy garlic pasta any time the craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with rotini or switch it up with another pasta? Maybe you added spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost? I love seeing all the creative ways you make this recipe your own.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and quick dinner recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite: Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef brings together all the elements of a satisfying meal: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of hearty flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers, or simply when you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of pasta. This is one dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

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