Irresistible Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Beef Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I’m ready to whip up this cheesy rotini with garlic butter beef that promises pure comfort.

Tender pasta spirals coated in rich, creamy sauce and savory meat.

Rich beef sizzles alongside golden garlic, creating an aroma that pulls everyone toward the dining table.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients transform into a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Quick cooking techniques mean you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

One bite guarantees smiles and empty plates around your table.

Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan are perfect for this dish. They melt smoothly and create a rich, creamy sauce with excellent flavor depth.

• Can I use a different pasta shape if I don't have rotini?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or shells will work great. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to match the recipe’s texture.

• How can I make this dish more protein-packed?

The garlic butter beef already adds protein, but you can also sprinkle some additional cooked ground beef or diced chicken into the cheese sauce for extra protein boost.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids typically love cheesy pasta dishes. The mild cheese sauce and tender beef make this a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike.

Why Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef Tastes So Good

• Savor Creamy Cheese Bliss: The homemade cheese sauce transforms simple rotini into a luxurious comfort meal with rich, velvety layers of cheddar and Parmesan that melt perfectly in every bite.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: The versatile dish allows easy modifications like adding vegetables, switching protein types, or adjusting cheese combinations to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Home Cooking: The technique of creating a smooth, golden roux and gradually whisking milk demonstrates professional-level cooking skills that elevate a basic pasta dish into something extraordinary.

What Ingredients Are In Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef

• Rotini: Spiral pasta that holds sauce well, perfect for catching cheesy goodness. Whole wheat or regular options work great.

• Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, creamy components that create a smooth and flavorful cheese sauce. Sharp cheddar adds extra tang.
• Milk: Provides liquid base for creating silky cheese sauce. Whole milk recommended for maximum creaminess.

• Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth texture. All-purpose flour works best.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.

How To Make Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef

Step 1: Boil Rotini Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Gently add the rotini and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Whisk until the cheese melts into a velvety, dreamy sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 3: Brown Garlic Beef

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the beef until it turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing those irresistible aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Unite the worlds of pasta, cheese sauce, and beef in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each rotini is coated in the luscious cheese sauce and studded with savory beef. Plate immediately and watch as your dinner guests’ eyes light up with anticipation.

Optional Garnish:

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Helpful Tricks For Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef

• Pasta Perfection: Cook rotini just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushy texture and ensuring optimal sauce absorption.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Whisk flour and butter constantly to avoid lumps, creating a silky roux that guarantees a velvety, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Warm Milk Magic: Use warm milk when adding to the roux to prevent sudden temperature drops and help create a consistently smooth sauce.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheese yourself for better melting and incorporate it off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a creamy consistency.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap rotini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version that keeps the delicious garlic butter beef flavor intact.

How To Store And Reheat Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain best quality and food safety.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Method: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Prevent Separation: When reheating, go slow and add liquid gradually. The gentle approach helps preserve the cheese sauce's smooth texture and prevents oil from separating.

What Pairs With Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef

• Boost Beef Pairing: Grab a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec wine to complement the rich, savory beef and creamy cheese sauce. These robust red wines cut through the richness and enhance the meaty flavors perfectly.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy pasta. Consider adding fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta for brightness.
• Cool Drink Companion: Serve an ice-cold craft beer like an amber ale or hoppy IPA that matches the richness of the beef and cheese. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Side Support: Roast some garlic-seasoned broccoli or asparagus as a green vegetable side that adds nutritional balance and provides a fresh counterpoint to the creamy pasta dish.

Different Ways To Enjoy Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef

• Spicy Southwest Rotini: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced bell peppers, and mix in jalapeños for a zesty kick. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat.
• Mediterranean Veggie Rotini: Substitute beef with roasted zucchini and eggplant. Use crumbled feta instead of cheddar, and stir in chopped fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Creamy Mushroom Rotini: Swap ground beef for sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake and cremini. Incorporate a touch of truffle oil into the cheese sauce and garnish with fresh thyme for an earthy, rich version.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Rotini: Replace beef with grilled, seasoned chicken breast. Blend in some Greek yogurt to the cheese sauce for extra protein and a tangy profile.

Cheesy Rotini With Garlic Butter Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy rotini with garlic butter beef combines hearty pasta and rich meat in a comfort-driven meal. Melted cheese and bold flavors create a satisfying dinner that brings family together with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef

Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons butter (for beef)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for pasta)
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk (warm)
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 g) rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a spacious cooking vessel, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the rotini and cook until it reaches a perfectly tender yet firm consistency, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta, allowing excess moisture to escape, and reserve for the subsequent culinary steps.
2. Initiate the cheese sauce preparation by selecting a substantial saucepan. Gently melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden, fragrant base. Sprinkle flour into the molten butter, whisking vigorously to form a pale roux. Continue stirring and cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Gradually introduce warm milk into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious, velvety texture. Incorporate shredded cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt completely and blend into a silky, uniform sauce.
4. Season the cheese sauce with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve optimal flavor complexity. Fold the cooked rotini into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta curve is generously coated with the decadent mixture.
5. For the garlic butter beef, heat a skillet until it radiates intense warmth. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles. Cook thoroughly until the meat browns and releases its rich, savory essence.
6. Mince fresh garlic and introduce it to the browned beef, stirring to distribute the aromatic allium throughout the meat. Allow the garlic to release its pungent oils and infuse the beef with deep, robust flavor.
7. Combine the garlic-infused beef with the cheese-coated rotini, gently mixing to create a harmonious, indulgent dish that marries creamy pasta with flavorful meat.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by testing a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest, preventing mushy texture.
• Create silky smooth cheese sauce by gradually adding warm milk and whisking continuously to avoid lumps and achieve creamy consistency.
• Elevate dish for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining sauce’s thickness.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting flour slightly longer in butter, developing deeper nutty undertones without burning the roux.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 604
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 672 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg