Lorenzo Devereaux
Get ready to dive into a dish that’s equal parts comfort and crave-worthy. This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef brings together the bold flavor of seasoned beef, the velvety richness of garlic butter, and the gooey pull of melted cheese in every single bite. It’s a one-pan, weeknight wonder that tastes like it came from your favorite local bistro.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for leftovers, this recipe has your back. It’s simple enough for busy evenings, indulgent enough for weekend cozy dinners, and reheats like a dream. Say hello to your new favorite go-to for fuss-free, flavor-packed dinners.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Cheesy Rotini Pasta?
Rotini is perfect for this dish because those spiral grooves catch all the garlic butter and cheesy goodness. But if you’re out of rotini, you can sub in penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. The key is to use a pasta that holds sauce well.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
- Rotini Pasta: The base that holds all the flavor, with spiral ridges that grab onto the sauce.
- Ground Beef: Hearty and savory, it provides the protein-packed foundation of the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with deep aromatic flavor.
- Butter: A must for that smooth, indulgent garlic butter base.
- Shredded Cheese Blend: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combo—this adds melty, gooey layers.
- Tomato Paste: For depth and a slight tang to balance the richness.
- Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor while keeping the pasta moist.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that ties the dish together.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to highlight every bite.
- Parsley (optional): A fresh, herby finish to brighten up the dish.
How To Make the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook the rotini in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—you want those spirals to hold up in the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic to the cleared space. Stir the garlic in the butter until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Stir the beef back into the garlic butter. Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese
Toss in the cooked rotini and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the top and reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts into a gooey layer.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Give it a final stir and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Serving and Storing Cheesy Rotini Pasta
This pasta is best served hot right off the stove, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the garlic butter sauce is silky and rich. For storing, let the dish cool and transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats well in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of broth.
If you want to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.
What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Classic and irresistible—perfect for scooping up every bit of cheesy sauce.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing balance the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted with olive oil and garlic for a healthy, crunchy side.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a fresh and vibrant touch to the meal.
Green Beans Almondine
Lightly sautéed green beans with slivered almonds for a nutty crunch.
Creamed Spinach
A silky, creamy side that complements the garlicky beefy pasta base.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tangy carrots roasted until tender—a colorful contrast.
Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Crispy and cheesy, these are a guilt-free way to add texture and flavor.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Cheesy Rotini Pasta, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cozy and satisfying meals:
- Try the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a super quick and creamy fix.
- Explore Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich twist on a classic.
- Craving something loaded with flavor? Go for the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta.
- The Creamy Beef and Shells is another quick weeknight dinner winner.
- Or keep it bold and hearty with this A Comforting and Flavorful Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra cheesy? Toss in some red pepper flakes? I love seeing all the unique spins on these favorites!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 225 g rotini pasta
- 450 g ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Push beef aside and melt butter with minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Top with shredded cheese and cover until melted.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.