Description

This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich, hearty, and ultra-comforting baked pasta dish perfect for dinner ideas, quick meal prep, or a cozy night in. Loaded with ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a buttery garlic sauce, this easy recipe delivers bold flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing option for food ideas ranging from family dinners to potlucks. Looking for a quick dinner, healthy-ish comfort food, or indulgent baked pasta? This one’s got it all.

Ingredients

16 oz rigatoni pasta

1/2 lb ground beef

1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)

2 cups fresh spinach

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

3. In the same skillet, add a little butter if needed and sauté spinach until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1–2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

5. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with garlic butter, browned meats, spinach, and half of the cheeses.

6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheeses.

7. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta — aim for just under al dente since it will continue cooking while baking.

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor — pre-shredded can be dry and waxy.

Let the dish rest after baking so the cheese and sauce set slightly for cleaner serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: cheesy pasta, baked rigatoni, garlic butter pasta, dinner ideas, easy recipe