Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Last updated on May 28, 2025

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.