Cajun Garlic Butter Ground Beef with Creamy Three-Cheese Rigatoni

Ingredients:

• 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
• 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

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until tender but still slightly firm in the center. Drain well and set aside.
2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and let it cook until browned.
3. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Transfer the beef to a plate and keep warm.
4. Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat for the sauce. Add the minced garlic and stir gently until fragrant.
5. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as it begins to thicken slightly.
6. Add the mozzarella and stir until melted. Mix in the cheddar and continue stirring until smooth. Finish with the Parmesan and keep stirring until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and glossy.
7. Add the cooked with the rigatoni, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
8. Serve hot.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~950 per serving