Name: Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley; ½ cup reserved pasta water

I’m a sucker for cozy, cheesy pasta dishes, especially when they come together in one skillet with little effort and maximum flavor. This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef hits every comfort food note just right. It’s rich, buttery, meaty, and gooey with melted cheese—all wrapped around tender rotini that soaks up the savory garlic butter sauce.

I first made this on a weeknight when I was craving something warm and satisfying but didn’t want to be stuck at the stove for hours. What surprised me was how such a humble combination—ground beef, garlic, butter, and cheese—could taste like something from a cozy Italian bistro. It’s now a staple in my dinner rotation, especially when I want something the whole table will devour without a word of complaint.

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

Ultra comforting: It’s cheesy, buttery, and saucy in all the right ways.
Quick to make: Perfect for a weeknight dinner—ready in 30 minutes or less.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the flavors and textures.
Customizable: You can add veggies, switch up the protein, or spice it up to suit your taste.
Leftovers are amazing: The flavors deepen even more the next day!

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef?

Rotini is my top pick for this recipe because of its spiraled shape—it grabs onto the sauce and cheese like a pro, making every bite full of flavor. But if you don’t have rotini on hand, don’t stress. Penne, fusilli, or even cavatappi are all great substitutes. The key is choosing a pasta with ridges or twists so the garlic butter and beefy sauce can cling to every curve.

I’ve tried it with spaghetti before, and while it still tasted good, the sauce didn’t coat it the same way. Trust me—rotini or a similarly shaped pasta makes a huge difference in texture and flavor delivery.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re short on ingredients or want to tweak the dish to match your dietary needs, here are a few swaps that work beautifully:

Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or olive oil.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts like a dream, but cheddar, provolone, or a shredded cheese blend also work well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder will do in a pinch—just use half the amount.
Pasta: Gluten-free rotini or another short, sturdy pasta will hold up just as well.
Add-ins: Feel free to stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

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

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s important:

Rotini pasta – The spiral shape captures the sauce and cheese, giving every bite a perfect coating.
Ground beef – Adds heartiness and richness. It’s the savory backbone of the dish.
Butter – Forms the base of the garlic butter sauce, adding silky depth and flavor.
Fresh garlic – Infuses the butter sauce with bold, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the pasta, creating that irresistible cheesy layer.
Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a sharp, nutty punch to balance the richness.
Salt and black pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.
Dried Italian herbs or parsley – A sprinkle adds a fresh, herbal lift and color.
Pasta water (reserved) – Helps emulsify the garlic butter sauce and brings everything together smoothly.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water—this will help loosen and bind the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet with the beef, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This is where all the flavor starts building.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rotini to the skillet with the garlic butter and beef. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a light, silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. Alternatively, you can pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs or chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and cheesy right out of the skillet.

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

This dish is all about quick comfort. Here’s how the time breaks down:

Pasta boiling time: About 8–10 minutes for al dente rotini
Beef browning: 6–8 minutes
Garlic butter sauce: 2 minutes
Combining and melting cheese: 5 minutes tops

Total cook time: Around 20–25 minutes, making it perfect for a fast, satisfying dinner. If you’re using pre-shredded cheese and multitask while the pasta boils, you could have this on the table in under 30 minutes.

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

Salt the pasta water well – It’s your first layer of seasoning. It really does make a difference in flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta – You want it firm enough to hold up once it’s stirred into the sauce and cheese.
Use freshly grated cheese if possible – It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Reserve pasta water – Just half a cup can help the butter and cheese coat the noodles beautifully.
Cover the pan for cheese melt – Trapping the steam helps melt the cheese faster and more evenly.
Taste as you go – Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs at the end to suit your flavor preference.
Garnish last minute – Fresh parsley or herbs give that final fresh note to balance the richness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this can go sideways with a few common missteps. Here’s what to avoid so your Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef turns out spot-on every time:

Overcooking the pasta – Mushy rotini doesn’t hold the sauce well. Always aim for al dente.
Skipping the pasta water – This starchy liquid is gold for making the sauce creamy and cohesive.
Using lean beef without enough fat – If your beef is too lean, the dish can come out dry. Add a splash of olive oil or an extra tablespoon of butter if needed.
Burning the garlic – Garlic burns fast and turns bitter. Keep the heat low and watch it closely.
Adding cheese too early – If you stir the cheese into high heat, it can clump. Always melt it gently at the end.
Not seasoning enough – Ground beef needs a good hit of salt and pepper to shine. Don’t skimp.

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

This dish is hearty on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with sides that bring balance or brightness. Here are some great options:

Simple Green Salad

A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the butter and cheese.

Garlic Bread

Double down on the garlic theme—crusty garlic bread is a natural fit.

Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan

The roasted edges and salty cheese give this veggie side just enough personality to stand up to the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, savory pasta.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms add umami and depth—especially good if you’re skipping the beef.

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon

Simple, fast, and a great way to add a bright, clean bite to the meal.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you enjoy wine with dinner, a light red like Pinot Noir complements the garlic and beef beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef are just as satisfying the next day—maybe even better. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: If you’d like to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Just note that the cheese texture may change slightly after thawing.
Reheating: Warm it in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce. Stir halfway through for even heating. For stovetop, reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a little extra butter or reserved pasta water if needed.

Estimated Nutrition

While this can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on a 4-serving batch):

Calories: ~580
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 640mg

This is a hearty, protein-rich dish best enjoyed in balance—paired with veggies or a fresh salad if you’re looking to round it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best for melting into the pasta?

Mozzarella is the go-to for a stretchy, melty texture, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mild cheddar work well too. For extra flavor, mix in a bit of Parmesan.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the full dish and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Just reheat with a splash of pasta water or broth to refresh the sauce.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Cook it over low heat and add it after melting the butter. Stir constantly and only cook it for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce when combining the pasta.

What protein can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, Italian sausage, ground chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes all work well. Just adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, both are great substitutes. Whole wheat will add a nuttier flavor and gluten-free rotini holds up just fine in this saucy dish.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, but with a note: the texture of the cheese might change slightly after freezing. Store in an airtight container and reheat slowly for best results.

What if I don’t have pasta water?

No problem—use warm chicken broth or even a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—rich, quick, satisfying, and customizable. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like comfort in a bowl, but doesn’t take hours to make. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own twist on it, this dish is sure to find a permanent spot in your rotation.