Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage: A Glorious 1-Dish Dinner

Save this recipe on:

Cheesy beef Italian sausage has become my go-to weeknight hero, and I can’t wait for you to try it! I remember the first time I made a dish like this, the aroma of garlic and savory meat filling my kitchen was absolutely intoxicating. This particular ground beef and Italian sausage pasta combines tender rigatoni with a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, all baked under a blanket of bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste. Let’s get cooking this amazing cheesy beef Italian sausage!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:

• It’s incredibly satisfying, with a perfect blend of savory ground beef and zesty Italian sausage.
• The creamy garlic butter sauce coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
• It’s a fantastic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• This truly is an easy cheesy beef Italian sausage recipe; the steps are straightforward and quick.
• The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a wonderfully bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping.
• It’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty pasta bake that feels special but is so simple to prepare.
• You’ll love having this easy cheesy beef Italian sausage recipe in your weeknight rotation.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Gather these ingredients for a truly delicious Italian sausage and beef cheesy rigatoni. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor without fuss! You’ll need:

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta – make sure to cook it al dente!
• ½ lb ground beef – 80/20 is great for flavor.
• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – your choice for a kick!
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter – the base for our rich garlic sauce.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s key!
• 1 cup heavy cream – for that luscious, creamy texture.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for gooey, melty goodness.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth.
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste) – season as you go.
• ½ tsp black pepper – freshly ground is best.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – for a fresh finish.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Bake

Let’s walk through making this incredible cheesy beef Italian sausage bake step-by-step. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a flavorful dish!

1. Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 16 oz rigatoni pasta and cook it according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
2. Step 2: Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ½ lb ground beef and ½ lb Italian sausage. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This is where the savory foundation of our dish really comes to life! Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt the 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced 5 cloves garlic and sauté for just 1–2 minutes. You want to cook the garlic until it’s fragrant and slightly softened, but be careful not to burn it, or it can turn bitter. The smell of garlic blooming in butter is one of my favorite kitchen aromas!
4. Step 4: Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and stir it into the garlic butter. Let this mixture simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly. This is the beginning of our luscious sauce. Season it with the 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; you want it just right before adding the other components.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked ground beef and Italian sausage mixture back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Stir everything together until the meat is well coated. This step is crucial for how to make cheesy beef Italian sausage taste so rich and integrated.
6. Step 6: Now, add the drained, cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so that every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce and meat. If it seems a little too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired saucy consistency.
7. Step 7: Transfer the entire pasta and meat mixture into a large baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese all over the top, making sure to cover it completely. This cheesy blanket is what makes it a true bake!
8. Step 8: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get too dark.
9. Step 9: Once it’s perfectly baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. If you’re using it, sprinkle the 2 tbsp fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Step 10: Serve your amazing cheesy beef Italian sausage hot and enjoy every single cheesy, garlicky bite! This is truly a crowd-pleasing dish that’s worth the effort.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Dish

Want to elevate your cheesy beef Italian sausage experience? Follow these tips for guaranteed success:

• Always use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can prevent a perfectly smooth, melty topping.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially. It will continue to cook in the oven, so al dente is key to avoid mushiness.
• Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process. The salt content in Italian sausage can vary, so a quick taste test of the sauce before adding pasta is important.
• Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and butter mixture for an extra layer of subtle heat.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage?

The secret to a truly perfect and savory cheesy beef Italian sausage dish lies in two things: using quality ingredients and not overcooking the pasta before baking. The combination of rich meats, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with bubbly cheese, creates magic. For more on cooking techniques, you can check out Serious Eats’ cooking techniques.

Can I make Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this entire dish, minus the final baking step, up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through. For more on meal prep, see our contact page for tips.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage?

A couple of common pitfalls include overcooking the pasta, which leads to a mushy texture, and using pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt as smoothly. Always cook your pasta al dente and shred your own cheese for the best results. Learn more about privacy policy and cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Pasta

This hearty ground beef and Italian sausage pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out the experience. For a true Italian-American feast, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta perfectly. Another fantastic option is some crusty garlic bread – ideal for soaking up any leftover delicious sauce. You could also offer a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition. For more serving suggestions, visit our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this delicious cheesy beef Italian sausage dish, per serving:

• Calories: 680
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 890mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of Italian sausage and fat content of the ground beef. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our affiliate disclaimer.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage Bake

This cheesy beef Italian sausage bake easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Once it’s cooled down completely, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. For freshness, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you have a larger batch or want to save some for later, it freezes beautifully for about 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. You can learn more about proper food storage on FoodSafety.gov.

Reheating is simple! For portions from the fridge, you can microwave them for a minute or two until heated through, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. For a quicker reheat from frozen, you can place it directly in a 350°F (175°C) oven, but it will take longer, about 25-30 minutes, until thoroughly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage

What is cheesy beef Italian sausage?

Cheesy beef Italian sausage refers to a pasta dish that combines savory ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage with pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic that’s perfect for family dinners. For more about our site, see our about me page.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic because its ridges hold the sauce so well, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even rotini. Just be sure to cook them al dente, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

How do I make this cheesy beef Italian sausage recipe spicier?

To add some heat to your cheesy beef Italian sausage, opt for spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Experiment to find your perfect level of spice!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily incorporate sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach into the meat mixture before adding the sauce. This adds extra flavor, texture, and nutrients to your cheesy beef Italian sausage bake.

Variations of Cheesy Beef Italian Sausage You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting to see how I can switch things up! Here are a few ideas for variations on this classic cheesy beef Italian sausage dish that you might enjoy:

• Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, swap out the mild Italian sausage for spicy Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra fiery flavor.
• Veggie Power: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding sautéed vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach wilted into the meat mixture make for a delicious and hearty cheesy Italian sausage and ground beef pasta.
• Creamy Tomato Twist: For a slightly different flavor profile, stir in a ¼ cup of tomato paste or a splash of marinara sauce into the garlic butter sauce before adding the meat and pasta. This adds a wonderful depth and a hint of tomato brightness.
• Lighter Option: While it’s a rich dish, you can lighten it slightly by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or by adding more vegetables and reducing the pasta portion.

Print