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
Scale
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.
