Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

why make this recipe

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake is a simple and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of tender rigatoni pasta, flavorful ground beef, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting dish that warms your heart. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also comes together in just one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe hits the spot.

how to make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

how to serve Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

Serve Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake hot from the oven. It pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can enjoy it straight from the baking dish or plate it up for guests. It’s a hearty dish that satisfies everyone at the table.

how to store Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

To store leftovers, let the Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

tips to make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

• For added flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions and bell peppers with the ground beef.
• Use different types of cheese if you prefer. Cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious as well.
• Make it a bit spicy by adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.

variation

You can turn this recipe into a veggie-packed dish by adding vegetables like spinach, diced zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the ground beef for an extra healthy touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or ziti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it directly from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a meat substitute, like lentils or plant-based ground meat. You can also add more vegetables for texture and flavor.

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

A delicious one-dish meal with rigatoni, ground beef, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Meat Mix

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta Cook according to package instructions.
• 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking ground beef.
• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• 2 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for topping.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish Optional.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
2. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Combining and Baking

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
2. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers with the ground beef. Use different types of cheese like cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses. To make it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.