Description
A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef and a rich blend of cheeses, perfect for any busy day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rigatoni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, set aside, and lightly drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously for about one minute.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking constantly. Then pour in heavy cream, whisking until smooth and gently bubbling.
- Lower heat, add softened cream cheese, stir until melted. Gradually add cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, stirring until melted.
- Add the cooked ground beef back, let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add cooked rigatoni, toss gently until coated. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream.
- Simmer on low for another minute. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to serving bowls, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
For added richness, you can use different proteins or vegetables. Serve with a salad and bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Creamy pasta, Beef rigatoni, Comfort food