This Cajun Garlic Butter Ground Beef with Creamy Three-Cheese Rigatoni is rich, bold, and absolutely irresistible. Juicy, seasoned ground beef cooked in garlic butter meets a silky three-cheese cream sauce that coats every bite of tender rigatoni.
The Cajun spices bring just the right amount of warmth, while the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan melt together into a smooth, creamy sauce that tastes like comfort food at its finest. This is the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For Cajun Garlic Butter Ground Beef
1½ lbs ground beef
1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp salt
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
For Creamy Three-Cheese Rigatoni
12 oz rigatoni
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella
¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until tender but slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Cajun Ground Beef
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the ground beef. Break apart and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Season the Beef
Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to combine. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer beef to a plate and keep warm.
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the Cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Cheese
Stir in mozzarella until melted. Add cheddar and stir until smooth. Finish with Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
Combine Everything
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the Cajun ground beef to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
Serve
Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Best Flavor
Use freshly grated cheese for smoother sauce
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat
Top with fresh parsley for color and freshness
Storage
Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days
Reheat with a splash of cream or milk
Not recommended for freezing due to cream sauce
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~950
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 65g
