A rich, comforting pasta loaded with savory ground beef, tender rotini, garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese — perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Servings

4–6 servings

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Ingredients

Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 tbsp salt for pasta water

Ground Beef

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup beef broth or pasta water
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Extra parmesan
• Cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook rotini until al dente according to package directions.

Reserve:

• ½ cup pasta water

Drain pasta and set aside.

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2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef.

Break apart using a spoon.

Season with:

• salt
• pepper
• Italian seasoning
• paprika

Cook:

• 6–8 minutes

Until browned and fully cooked.

Safe internal temperature:

$160^\circ F$160∘F

Drain excess grease if needed.

Transfer beef to a plate temporarily.

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3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet reduce heat to medium.

Add butter.

Once melted, add garlic.

Cook:

• 30–45 seconds

until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour over butter mixture and whisk for 1 minute.

Slowly pour in:

• milk
• broth or pasta water

Whisk continuously until smooth.

Add:

• onion powder
• chili flakes if using

Simmer:

• 3–5 minutes

until slightly thickened.

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4. Melt the Cheese

Lower heat.

Gradually stir in:

• cheddar
• mozzarella
• parmesan

Stir until fully melted and creamy.

If sauce becomes too thick:

• add reserved pasta water a little at a time

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5. Combine Everything

Return cooked beef to skillet.

Add rotini pasta.

Toss thoroughly until pasta is coated in cheesy garlic butter sauce.

Cook:

• 1–2 more minutes

to blend flavors.

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Serving Suggestions

Top with:

• parsley
• parmesan
• black pepper

Serve with:

• garlic bread
• roasted broccoli
• Caesar salad
• sautéed green beans

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Storage

Refrigerator

• Store up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently with:

• a splash of milk
  or
• broth

to loosen sauce.

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Tips for Best Flavor

• Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
• Shred cheese from a block for smoother melting.
• Don’t boil the cheese sauce aggressively or it may separate.
• Rotini holds sauce especially well because of its spiral shape.

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Easy Variations

Spicy Version

Add:

• jalapeños
• cayenne
• extra chili flakes

Extra Creamy

Add:

• 2 oz cream cheese

Veggie Boost

Add:

• spinach
• mushrooms
• peas
• roasted peppers