If you have ever dreamed of a pasta dish that melds creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors into one irresistible meal, then this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s the kind of comfort food that hugs you from the inside out with layers of tender rigatoni, rich ground beef sauce, and three kinds of melty cheeses baked to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish brings an inviting aroma and a crowd-pleasing appeal that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as it sounds, each ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its depth of flavor and luscious texture. From the hearty rigatoni pasta that holds onto sauce like a champ to the aromatic spices that elevate the meat, every addition is essential.
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta: The perfect tube shape that traps sauce and cheese inside every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds savory richness and protein, ensuring a satisfying meal.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth, softening beautifully with the beef.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, pungent aroma without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky touch and a lovely color boost.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend to brighten the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic flavor that makes the sauce sing.
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce: The backbone of the dish, rich with tomatoes and herbs.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds beautiful creaminess and softens the tang of the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Gives a silky texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that dreamy gooey top layer.
- Dried parsley, for garnish: A fresh herbaceous pop and pretty finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds salty sharpness and a nutty nuance.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente – just tender enough to hold its shape but firm enough to offer a nice bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to make way for the sauce magic.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onion
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef along with the chopped onion. As the beef browns, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that subtle spark. Be sure to drain off any excess grease once browned, so your sauce isn’t overly oily.
Step 3: Stir in Garlic, Marinara, and Cream
Once your beef and onions are gorgeously brown and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic. Then pour in the marinara sauce and add the heavy cream, which will transform the tomato sauce into something ultra-smooth and luscious. Mix everything gently and turn off the heat, letting those rich flavors meld together.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and it’s time to build delicious layers! Begin with half of the cooked rigatoni, then spoon over half of the meat sauce mixture. Dollop 1 ½ cups of ricotta cheese across the top, spreading slightly but keeping some whole pockets for creamy surprises. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over everything, then repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients—pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. It’s like creating a pasta lasagna, but with rigatoni tubes that trap every bite of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. The mozzarella will bubble and turn golden brown, sending out irresistible scents throughout your kitchen. This is the moment when all those layers come together in perfect harmony—just wait until you see and taste it!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, take the dish out and sprinkle with dried parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These final touches add a fresh, herbal note plus a salty finish that makes every forkful sing.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe beautifully. A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a pop of green and a mild herbal freshness that cuts through richness. Grated Parmesan on top adds a sharp, nutty bite that complements the creamy cheeses perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy main. Garlic bread or a warm baguette works wonders for soaking up leftover sauce, making sure no delicious bite goes to waste. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus provide a nice contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for personal portions that look charming and handle heat well. Alternatively, before baking, top with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy crust. The Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is versatile enough to pair with a bold red wine or a sparkling non-alcoholic punch for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delightful reheated the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen before baking or after baking. For best results, freeze it uncovered in a single layer on a baking tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or bag. It will keep well for up to three months, perfect for busy days when you need comforting convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from refrigerated leftovers, microwave or oven heat until bubbly hot throughout, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like for freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because of its shape, penne or ziti work wonderfully as substitutes. Just make sure the pasta holds sauce well and cooks to al dente for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. The seasoning and sauce blend will keep the dish full of flavor and just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready. This makes it a great option for entertaining or weeknight dinners.
What type of cheese works best for melting in this recipe?
Mozzarella is your best bet for that classic gooey melt, while ricotta adds creaminess and a mild flavor. Parmesan adds sharpness as a garnish rather than being baked inside. Together, they create perfect cheesy layers.
How spicy is this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe?
The red pepper flakes give it a mild, gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste, or omit it for a completely mild option.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel at home, no matter the day or occasion. The blend of creamy cheeses, hearty beef sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will ask for again. So go ahead, dive in, and treat yourself to this comforting Italian classic that’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring al dente rigatoni pasta baked in a rich, flavorful meat sauce layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and finished with Parmesan and parsley. Perfect for family dinners, it combines savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and a luscious blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and heavy cream, mixing well. Turn off the heat once combined.
- Layer Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the cooked rigatoni evenly across the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Dollop and spread 1 ½ cups of ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and the cheeses are melted perfectly.
- Serve: Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven. Garnish with dried parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy pasta bake.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
- Make sure to drain the pasta well so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving; cover and refrigerate after assembling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
