Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

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Few dishes satisfy quite like a bubbling skillet of cheesy pasta—and this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is proof. Picture a harmony of savory ground beef and zesty Italian sausage, tangled with tender rigatoni and drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce. Finished off with layers of gooey melted cheese, every bite promises comfort food bliss.

Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner or a hearty potluck crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers both ease and indulgence. The flavors are bold, the textures are dreamy, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as fabulous the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?

Rigatoni is the perfect pick for this recipe because its wide tubes hold onto the savory meat and cheese like little flavor pockets. The ridges on the pasta catch every drop of the garlic butter sauce, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. If you don’t have rigatoni, penne or ziti can pinch-hit pretty well.

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

Rigatoni Pasta – This sturdy pasta holds up well under a hearty sauce and catches every bit of meat and cheese in its ridges.

Ground Beef – Brings richness and protein, adding a classic meatiness to the base of the dish.

Italian Sausage – Offers bold, herby flavors and a juicy contrast to the beef. Choose sweet or spicy depending on your heat preference.

Butter and Garlic – These two form the luxurious backbone of the sauce, infusing the dish with warmth and depth.

Heavy Cream – Adds luscious creaminess to balance out the savory sausage and garlic.

Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into beautiful strings of cheese throughout the pasta.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty punch that complements the garlic butter base.

Salt and Cracked Pepper – Simple seasonings that heighten the rest of the ingredients without overpowering.

Fresh Parsley (Optional) – For a bright, herbaceous finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests. It will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked th

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