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
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
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.
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∘F
Drain excess grease if needed.
Transfer beef to a plate temporarily.
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.
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
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.
Serving Suggestions
Top with:
- parsley
- parmesan
- black pepper
Serve with:
- garlic bread
- roasted broccoli
- Caesar salad
- sautéed green beans
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently with:
- a splash of milk
or - broth
to loosen sauce.
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.
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
