Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

If you’re searching for a comforting meal that satisfies the whole family, look no further than Cheesy Baked Rigatoni. This dish combines hearty rigatoni pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It’s a cozy meal that brings everyone together, perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also straightforward to make. Ready to dive into this cheesy delight? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

There’s a lot to love about Cheesy Baked Rigatoni. First, it’s incredibly filling and offers a lovely blend of flavors and textures. The pasta is perfectly tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheeses provide that gooey, melty goodness that makes every bite enjoyable. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite ingredients—whether you want to add vegetables or swap the meat.

This recipe is a great way to feed a crowd, and it also works wonderfully as leftovers for lunch the next day. Have you heard the saying, “Leftovers are the best part”? It surely holds true with this dish! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, Cheesy Baked Rigatoni won’t disappoint.

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a hearty, comforting pasta bake loaded with ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich marinara sauce. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta – Perfectly ridged to hold all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
• 1 lb ground beef – Adds hearty flavor and protein to the dish.
• 1 chopped onion – Provides a sweet and savory base.
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper – Basic but essential seasonings.
• 1 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning – Adds depth and aromatic warmth.
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional for a touch of heat.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic – Fresh flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade version.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese – Adds rich creaminess to the layered pasta.
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese – For that melty, gooey topping.
• Dried parsley – For garnish and color contrast.
• Parmesan cheese – A flavorful finish sprinkled before serving.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Vegetables – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Different meats – Ground turkey or Italian sausage for variety.
• Cheese variations – Provolone, fontina, or even gouda for a unique flavor twist.

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with dried parsley.
8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• To make ahead, assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Freezes well – bake first, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Pair with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: undefined
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: undefined
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: Cheesy Baked Rigatoni, Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Ricotta Pasta, Easy Family Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

To make this tasty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta: This pasta shape, with its ridges, holds the sauce beautifully.
• 1 lb ground beef: The protein for the dish, providing heartiness and flavor.
• 1 chopped onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
• 1 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning: These spices contribute depth and warmth.
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, this is optional but recommended.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a noticeable punch of flavor.
• 2 24 oz jars marinara sauce: The heart of the dish; use your favorite brand or homemade.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: To make the sauce rich and creamy.
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: This cheese introduces a creamy texture and is essential.
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: For that cheesy, gooey topping.
• Dried parsley: For garnish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a distinct flavor and is sprinkled on top before serving.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed with the meat for extra nutrition.
• Different meats: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
• Cheese Variations: You could try other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique taste.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Step by Step

Creating Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is straightforward. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is essential to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 16 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This means it should still be slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef along with 1 chopped onion. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, as well as 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. If you enjoy spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook until the beef is no longer pink.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and give it a good stir. Then, pour in the 2 jars of marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Mix well until everything is combined, and then turn off the heat.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Take a greased 9×13 baking dish and pour half of the cooked pasta into the bottom. Next, add half of the meat and sauce mixture on top of the pasta. Stir the pasta around to coat it in the sauce evenly.

Step 6: Add Ricotta Cheese

Using a large spoon, dollop about 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese all over the first layer of pasta. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; it will melt into the dish as it bakes.

Step 7: Finish Layering

Top the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then add the remaining pasta and the rest of the meat and sauce mixture, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top with bubbling cheese.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle dried parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch. Enjoy this mouthwatering meal!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a hearty dish that stands beautifully on its own. However, you can elevate your meal with these serving ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread paired with baked rigatoni allows you to soak up every last bit of sauce.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the cheese and meat.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted veggies would complement this dish wonderfully, adding freshness and color.

Feel free to get creative and adapt these suggestions based on your preferences!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake further in the oven, cook it just until al dente. This will prevent it from becoming mushy.

2. Experiment with Sauces: If you prefer a specific flavor, swap out marinara for another pasta sauce, like Alfredo or a meat-based sauce.

3. Make it Ahead of Time: This dish can be made ahead of time. After assembling, cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from the fridge.

4. Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle more mozzarella or add different varieties of cheese for a flavor boost.

5. Garnish for Color and Flavor: Consider adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish right before serving to bring a fresh touch.

Easy Variations for Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

There are ways to mix things up for this recipe. Here are a few easy variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a meatless version. This keeps the dish hearty while catering to vegetarian diets.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes to give the dish an extra kick.
• Creamy Spinach: Mix chopped cooked spinach through the ricotta layer to add a boost of nutrients and flavor.
• Pesto Twist: Swirl some basil pesto into the marinara sauce for a fresh, herby twist on the traditional flavor profile.

Storage Tips to Store Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

If you have leftovers or made a batch ahead of time, here’s how to store Cheesy Baked Rigatoni properly:

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze portions of your Cheesy Baked Rigatoni. Use an airtight container or freezer bag, and try to consume it within 2-3 months for the best flavor and texture.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. If baking from frozen, you may need to extend the cook time to get it heated evenly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in the form of pasta. This recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty meal that is customizable, perfect for sharing, and provides fantastic leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Gather your ingredients, follow the straightforward steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying this comforting classic!

FAQs About Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Enjoy making this delightful Cheesy Baked Rigatoni, and happy cooking!

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