If you are craving something warm and cheesy, you found it. This Baked Cheesy Beef Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food. It is perfect for those cold winter nights. Your family will ask for seconds every single time.
It is 6pm and you need dinner fast. This Baked Cheesy Beef Rigatoni is the answer. It delivers big flavor with very little effort. You will love how simple this is to assemble.
Why You Will Make This Baked Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Again
This dish is the definition of comfort food. It is perfect for a chilly winter evening. The rigatoni holds the sauce inside every tube. You get the perfect bite every single time.
It is a family-friendly meal that everyone loves. You will appreciate how easy the cleanup is. You get a hearty meal without spending hours cooking. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
How This Comes Together
This recipe follows a very simple process. You brown the meat while the pasta boils. Then you mix everything with savory marinara sauce. The oven does the hard work of melting cheese. It is a foolproof method for any home cook.
What You Will Need
These ingredients are simple and reliable. You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water. Stop two minutes before it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the beef and onion over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Toss the par-cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce. Ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Layer half the pasta in the dish. Sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve It
Scoop a large portion into a wide bowl. The cheese should be stretchy and warm. Pair it with a simple side of steamed broccoli. A glass of red wine makes it feel special. It is ideal for a cozy night in.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any extra pasta in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze individual portions for later. Reheat it in the oven to keep the cheese melty. A splash of water helps keep the sauce moist. It tastes even better the next day.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta in the boiling water.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner meal option.
- Buy pre-shredded cheese to save five minutes of prep.
- This is a great dish for feeding a crowd during holidays.
- Add a layer of ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent freezer burn if storing long-term.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Add diced bell peppers for a vegetable boost.
- Use spicy marinara for a little extra heat.
- Swap rigatoni for gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Mix in some spinach for a fresh spring twist.
Quick Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, you can use penne or ziti instead. Just make sure the pasta has ridges to hold the sauce. Cook it slightly less than the box directions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish a day early. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready. Add five minutes to the baking time if cold.
I hope you love this cozy meal as much as I do. It is the perfect way to end a long day. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
— Ethan
Baked Cheesy Beef Rigatoni
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until 2 minutes short of al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef and diced onion until meat is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Toss the par-cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the remaining mozzarella and the grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
