Creamy Horseradish Beef Rigatoni

Featured in: International BBQ Flavors

This robust dish brings together rigatoni pasta and ground beef, enveloped in a creamy horseradish sauce balanced by crème fraîche and hearty beef broth. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, the tang of horseradish delivers a memorable kick while the protein-rich ingredients make it a satisfying main. Simple steps—boil pasta, sauté beef and onion, blend in sauce, and combine—allow for easy weeknight cooking. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra dash of horseradish easily personalizes the flavor profile. Enjoy European comfort with a peppery twist and creamy finish, perfect for four servings.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:40:00 GMT
Savory creamy horseradish beef rigatoni garnished with fresh herbs on a plate.  Save
Savory creamy horseradish beef rigatoni garnished with fresh herbs on a plate. | bitegrill.com

A savory pasta dish with a sharp twist from horseradish, blended into a creamy sauce that brings European flavor to your table.

I discovered the magic of horseradish in pasta after a trip to central Europe, and have enjoyed recreating this unique creamy beef rigatoni ever since.

Ingredients

  • Rigatoni: 300 g
  • Ground beef: 400 g
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Prepared horseradish: 1 tbsp
  • Crème fraîche: ½ cup
  • Beef broth: ½ cup

Instructions

Cook pasta:
Boil rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
Sauté beef and onion:
In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Make sauce:
Add horseradish, beef broth, and crème fraîche to skillet. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine and serve:
Mix sauce with drained pasta and serve while warm.
Delicious creamy horseradish beef rigatoni served warm, perfect for dinner.  Save
Delicious creamy horseradish beef rigatoni served warm, perfect for dinner. | bitegrill.com

My family loves requesting this dish for Sunday dinners because it always brings a little extra flavor and comfort to the table.

Required Tools

Pot for boiling pasta and a skillet for making the beef and sauce.

Allergen Information

The dish contains dairy (crème fraîche) and wheat (rigatoni) ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 510 calories, 21 g total fat, 46 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein.

Rich and flavorful creamy horseradish beef rigatoni, a comforting pasta dish. Save
Rich and flavorful creamy horseradish beef rigatoni, a comforting pasta dish. | bitegrill.com

This creamy beef rigatoni is quick to prepare and the bold horseradish makes the flavor unforgettable. Try it soon for a comforting twist on pasta night.

Recipe FAQ

What is the best type of rigatoni for this dish?

Regular durum wheat rigatoni works well, but bronze-cut pasta provides extra sauce cling.

Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared?

Yes, freshly grated horseradish offers more pronounced sharpness. Start with half the amount and adjust.

Is it possible to substitute crème fraîche?

Full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt can replace crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture.

What garnish pairs well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, chives, or cracked black pepper add aromatic touches and flavor balance.

How can I make this meal gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure other ingredients are wheat-free.

Does this dish reheat well?

Yes, gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.

Creamy Horseradish Beef Rigatoni

Savor tangy horseradish, rich beef, and smooth crème fraîche with hearty rigatoni in this main dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Medium

Heritage European

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Pasta & Protein

01 10 ounces rigatoni
02 14 ounces ground beef
03 1 medium onion, chopped

Sauce

01 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
02 1/2 cup crème fraîche
03 1/2 cup beef broth

Method

Phase 01

Boil Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain thoroughly.

Phase 02

Brown Beef and Onion: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, stirring frequently until beef is fully browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.

Phase 03

Prepare Creamy Sauce: Stir in prepared horseradish, beef broth, and crème fraîche with the beef and onion mixture. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce is smooth and gently thickened.

Phase 04

Combine and Serve: Fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, mixing until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished to preference.

Tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Skillet

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains dairy and wheat.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 510
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 35 g