Creamy Beef Rigatoni Recipe (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 oz rigatoni pasta
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 medium onion, diced
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 cup beef broth
08 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
14 - Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
04 - Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
05 - Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 - Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
08 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

# Cook's Notes:

01 - Rigatoni is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
02 - Ground beef is a great source of protein and iron, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
03 - The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a rich, cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist.