Description
Creamy Cheesy Beef Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting pasta dish made with tender rigatoni noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s loaded with flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use penne or ziti if rigatoni is unavailable.
- For extra richness, top with more cheese and broil for a few minutes before serving.
- This dish makes great leftovers and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: cheesy beef rigatoni, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, comfort food, family dinner