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Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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.