Name: Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 1 pound ground beef (85/15); 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

If I had to choose one comforting dish that never fails to satisfy, it would be this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef. It’s everything I love in a hearty meal: creamy, cheesy, rich with flavor, and deeply satisfying. The rotini holds onto the velvety garlic butter sauce like it was made for it, while the juicy ground beef adds that extra layer of savoriness that turns this into more than just a quick pasta—it becomes an experience.

This is my go-to when I need something indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. I’ve made it for lazy Sundays, post-work evenings, and even casual dinner parties—and every time, it gets polished off faster than I expect. The best part? It uses everyday pantry ingredients, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

This dish checks every box for what makes a dinner unforgettable. It’s ultra-creamy thanks to the melty cheese and buttery sauce. The rotini spirals soak up every drop of garlicky richness, making each bite bold and flavorful. Plus, the beef gives it a protein boost, turning a side pasta into a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, comforting food for the soul, or a kid-approved option that adults will devour too—this one’s a winner.

What Type of Ground Beef Works Best for Cheesy Rotini Pasta?

For this recipe, I usually go with 85/15 ground beef—it’s the perfect balance of flavor and moisture without being overly greasy. If you opt for leaner beef like 90/10, just be sure to add a splash more butter or a drizzle of olive oil to keep everything rich and flavorful. On the flip side, fattier beef like 80/20 will give you extra richness, but be prepared to drain off the excess grease after browning.

You can also try a mix of beef and pork for a more robust flavor, or even ground turkey if you’re aiming for a lighter version. No matter the choice, what matters most is browning it well to build that deep, savory base.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is flexible, which is why I love it even more. Here are some ways you can make it your own:

Pasta: No rotini? Use penne, fusilli, shells, or even elbow macaroni. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work great.
Cheese: Cheddar brings boldness, mozzarella brings stretch, and Parmesan brings depth. Mix and match as needed—or even try Monterey Jack or provolone.
Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re going meatless.
Butter Sauce: You can use olive oil for a lighter version or toss in a splash of cream if you want an ultra-luxurious texture.
Herbs and Spices: Add crushed red pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for an herby boost, or smoked paprika for a touch of warmth.

This recipe welcomes your creativity—just keep the garlic, butter, and cheese front and center!

Ingredients for Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Rotini Pasta
Rotini is the ideal pasta for this dish—the spirals grip the sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Ground Beef (85/15)
Provides a rich, savory base that balances the creaminess of the sauce while adding protein to the dish.
Butter
Butter is the heart of the garlic sauce—it gives the dish a silky texture and deep, comforting flavor.
Garlic (freshly minced)
A key player that infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic notes that elevate every ingredient it touches.
Heavy Cream
Creates a luxurious, velvety consistency that wraps around each piece of pasta and ties everything together.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Adds a sharp, cheesy punch that melts perfectly into the cream sauce for irresistible gooeyness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Brings the creamy melt and that beloved cheese pull, making the dish even more decadent.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the cheese blend and intensifies the flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential seasonings to balance the richness and highlight the natural flavors of the dish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional)
A pop of freshness and color that gives a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter.

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks, and drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so it thickens slightly and absorbs the garlic flavor.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt completely into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the cheese sauce and beef. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes to prepare:

Boiling the pasta: 8–10 minutes
Browning the beef: 6–8 minutes
Making the sauce and combining everything: 10–12 minutes

This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans when you want comfort food fast.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Salt your pasta water well. It’s the only chance you’ll get to flavor the pasta itself.
Use freshly minced garlic. Pre-minced garlic works, but fresh makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente since it will cook a bit more when tossed with the hot sauce.
Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.
Add pasta water gradually. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash or two of reserved pasta water will loosen it up without diluting the flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently. Don’t boil it—this can cause the cheese to become grainy.
Taste and adjust. Before serving, taste and tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the pasta: Rotini should be al dente—overcooked pasta becomes mushy and won’t hold the sauce well.
Skipping the pasta water: That starchy water is key for adjusting sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter if left unattended. Sauté just until fragrant.
Adding cheese over high heat: This can cause the sauce to split or become grainy. Always lower the heat before adding cheese.
Forgetting to drain grease from beef: Excess grease can make the dish feel heavy or greasy. Drain lightly for the perfect balance.
Using pre-shredded cheese only: It doesn’t melt as smoothly and might leave the sauce clumpy—grating your own makes a difference.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef?

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks

A classic pairing—perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy garlic sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Something crisp and fresh like romaine, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts

They add texture, a caramelized flavor, and a nice savory companion to the cheesy pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil add a refreshing and light contrast to the boldness of the pasta.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked in butter and herbs bring another umami layer to the plate.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

If you’re serving adults, a glass of red like Merlot works beautifully—or keep it refreshing with chilled sparkling water.

Antipasto Platter

Offer some olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies to start the meal off with flavor variety.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Especially great in summer—adds sweetness and a bit of smoky crunch to the meal.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), storing this cheesy rotini pasta is simple:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: It can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.

The pasta absorbs a lot of sauce as it sits, so don’t be afraid to rehydrate it a little when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

This estimate is based on 6 servings:

Calories: 610
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 520mg

Keep in mind these numbers may vary slightly based on the cheese types and exact portions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk (though the sauce will be thinner), use ground turkey instead of beef, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. It’ll still be comforting but a bit less rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything as directed, then let it cool and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce before serving.

Can I bake this pasta after cooking?

Absolutely! Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. It’s like a bonus comfort layer.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! It’s cheesy, creamy, and not spicy, making it a big hit with kids. You can sneak in some finely chopped veggies too if you want.

What if I don’t have rotini?

No problem—use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, bowties, or even macaroni. Just avoid long pastas like spaghetti for this sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the ground beef or replace it with plant-based crumbles. You could also toss in sautéed mushrooms or lentils for extra heartiness.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?

Lower the heat before adding cheese, and stir continuously. Also, use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting—it makes a big difference.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger pot or skillet to accommodate the volume, and taste as you go to make sure the seasoning and sauce balance stays spot on.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is more than a weeknight dinner—it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s simple enough to throw together on a busy evening, yet delicious enough to impress guests or satisfy picky eaters. With its rich garlic butter base, melty cheese, and tender ground beef, it hits every craving in one creamy, cheesy swirl of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe to add to your dinner rotation or something to bring the family together around the table, this one delivers—every time.