Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender rotini pasta with a creamy garlic butter sauce and savory ground beef, making it a delightful meal that will please family and friends alike. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates a deliciously creamy sauce that enhances the beef and pasta.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and tender pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the rotini to the perfect al dente texture.
- Skillet: Allows for even cooking of the ground beef while providing an ideal surface for creating the creamy sauce.
- Wooden spoon: Great for breaking apart the ground beef without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz rotini pasta
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
For Cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Once hot, reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the drained rotini. Toss gently until everything is well coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with a Fresh Green Salad
- A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers complements the richness of the cheesy rotini. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for added zest.
Add Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor. The buttery, garlicky taste pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Top with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving. It adds not only flavor but also an appealing visual element to your dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish but also adds freshness. Consider adding basil or thyme for a different aromatic touch.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- For a more elegant presentation, serve the cheesy rotini in individual bowls topped with parsley. This makes it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
How to Perfect Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
To ensure your Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, resulting in a smoother sauce.
Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the rotini retains its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Sauté garlic carefully: Keep an eye on the minced garlic while sautéing; it can burn quickly and turn bitter if overcooked.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste your sauce before serving; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning for a personalized flavor.
Incorporate vegetables: Adding spinach or steamed broccoli can boost nutrition without compromising the delicious flavors of the dish.
Let leftovers rest: If you have any leftovers, let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating to maintain their texture when reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
A well-rounded meal often includes side dishes that complement the main course. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out the creamy richness of the rotini.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables offers sweetness and texture that pairs well with cheesy pasta.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad brings crunch and tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce of the rotini.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing side that enhances the overall meal experience.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that complements the flavors of beef and cheese.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus adds a sophisticated touch while offering nutrients that balance out your plate.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad packed with olives, cucumbers, and feta offers a light yet flavorful contrast to your rich main dish.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter makes for a fun, seasonal side that’s always popular at family meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not salting the pasta water: Failing to salt your water can lead to bland pasta. Add a generous amount of salt to your boiling water before cooking the rotini for better flavor.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef too long can dry it out. Brown it just until fully cooked and then remove from heat to retain moisture.
- Skipping the garlic sautéing step: If you add garlic directly to the sauce without sautéing, it may taste raw. Always sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant for the best flavor.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well, affecting the sauce’s creaminess. Opt for high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella for a rich, cheesy experience.
- Forgetting to reserve pasta water: Not reserving some pasta water can hinder your sauce’s consistency. Save a cup of pasta water before draining; you can use it to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or extra cheese as a garnish can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
- You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The dish will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a splash of broth or cream, then stir in the leftover pasta until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will work well in this recipe while providing a lighter option.
How do I make Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free rotini pasta as a substitute. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What other meats can I use besides beef?
Feel free to substitute ground lamb or chicken if you prefer different flavors or textures in your dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe is not inherently spicy but you can add red pepper flakes if desired for some heat!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is not only delicious but also versatile. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or swap out proteins based on what you have on hand. This creamy pasta dish is perfect for any dinner table and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef, a dish that effortlessly combines rich, creamy textures with savory notes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this quick meal features tender rotini pasta enveloped in a velvety garlic butter sauce, complemented by the hearty goodness of ground beef. With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy more time at the dinner table with family and friends. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also adaptable; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or alternative proteins.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the rotini: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rotini until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook until browned; remove from skillet.
- 3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- 4. Make the sauce: Add beef broth and cream to the skillet; stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and mix in cheeses until melted.
- 5. Combine: Return beef and rotini to the skillet; toss until coated in sauce.
- 6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg