why make this recipe
This cheesy baked rigatoni is warm, simple, and filling. It uses easy ingredients and cooks in one dish. The bake is great for family meals or for a guest. If you like easy cheesy dinners, try our cheesy cauliflower rice with sausage for another quick option.
introduction
This recipe mixes pasta, ground beef, and three kinds of cheese. You can make it in under an hour. The flavors are familiar and kids often like it. It is a good weeknight meal and works well for leftovers.
how to make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
Follow the steps below. Read all directions first. Prepare your ingredients before you start to make the cook smooth.
Ingredients :
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
how to serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
Serve hot from the oven. Add a green salad or steamed veggies on the side. A simple garlic bread fits well. For a heartier meal, serve with a side like the country ground beef skillet dinner for more meat and veggies.
how to store Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
Cool the dish to room temperature first. Cover and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in short bursts.
tips to make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for better flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds up in the bake.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a watery sauce.
- Let the bake rest a few minutes after oven time so it sets and is easier to serve.
- For a different mix of flavors, try the cheesy sausage with veggies casserole method of mixing meats and veggies.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more veggies.
- Swap half the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melt and taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Use penne or ziti if you do not have rigatoni.
Q: Do I need to cook the pasta fully before baking?
A: Cook pasta to al dente. It will finish cooking slightly in the oven.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep covered in the fridge. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: How do I keep the top from burning?
A: If the top browns too fast, cover lightly with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Conclusion
For a classic baked pasta that fills the table, this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is a reliable pick. For another version and inspiration, see the full recipe notes at Cheesy Baked Rigatoni – Cooking in the Midwest.
Print
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and filling baked pasta dish featuring rigatoni, ground beef, and three kinds of cheese, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh grated Parmesan for better flavor. Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds up in the bake. Drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a watery sauce. Let the bake rest a few minutes after oven time for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked rigatoni, cheesy pasta, ground beef, family meal, easy dinner