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If you’re craving something deeply comforting, packed with ooey-gooey cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta, this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a dish that takes simple everyday ingredients and transforms them into a bubbling casserole of pure joy that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe brings together rich flavors and creamy textures in a way that’s impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe. Each item plays a critical role, layering flavors and textures that build up to the perfect dish—meaty, cheesy, and satisfyingly rich.
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta: Rigatoni’s ridged tubes hold onto sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 lb ground beef: Gives the dish a hearty, savory backbone that’s deeply satisfying.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spicy warmth to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes and complements the fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a gentle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a classic blend of herbs that tie everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a touch to add a gentle kick without overwhelming heat.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold aroma and flavor.
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that carries the whole dish.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds silky creaminess to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds a luscious texture layer in the bake.
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts flawlessly to create that irresistible golden cheese crust.
- Dried parsley, for garnish: A sprinkle of color and mild herbaceous note at the finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds a sharp, nutty brightness to finish off the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking it just right now ensures that it won’t get mushy when baked later.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Build the Sauce
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes while the beef browns evenly. Once cooked through, drain away excess grease to keep the sauce from being too oily. Stir in minced garlic, the marinara sauce, and heavy cream, then turn off the heat. This mixture will be rich and hearty, the perfect hug for the pasta.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then start layering your masterpiece. First, add half of the cooked rigatoni, then spoon over half of the beef sauce, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese, and finish this layer with half the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers exactly with the remaining ingredients so every bite is just as delicious as the first. These layers build the luscious textures that make this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden brown. This roasting step lets all the flavors marry together and adds a satisfying crust that everyone will love.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with dried parsley and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. These finishing touches brighten the dish visually and add a touch of extra flavor complexity. Scoop it out right away and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a fresh herbal pop of color, while grated Parmesan cheese offers a sharp, nutty accent that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy layers. Feel free to add a little cracked black pepper on top for an extra kick if you like. These simple garnishes turn the baking dish into a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables balances the meal nicely. A fresh Caesar salad or garlic-roasted broccoli would provide a lovely crunch and lighten the richness, making your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for company or a special occasion, consider portioning the rigatoni bake into individual ramekins before baking. This makes a charming presentation and makes serving effortless. You could also top each portion with a fresh basil leaf or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Freeze it in portions or as a whole casserole before baking by wrapping tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor and cheesiness.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out, removing the foil during the last few minutes to refresh the golden crust. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven method keeps the texture intact best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the sauce with its ridged tubes, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even rigatoni’s little sister, ditalini, will work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to the sauce for that hearty texture. The cheese and sauce layers will still give you plenty of richness.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them to suit your taste, but they perfectly balance the richness of the cheese and meat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, cover tightly with foil, and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This makes dinner prep much easier and keeps flavors fresh.
What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese or mascarpone can be good alternatives. They keep the creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melty mozzarella on top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe—how simple ingredients come together to create layers of comfort and joy in every bite. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather friends or family around the table and make some delicious memories. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll become a favorite you return to again and again.
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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Baked Rigatoni recipe featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta layered with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. This oven-baked dish is finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping and garnished with parsley and Parmesan, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or gatherings.
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
Cheese and Garnishes
- 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). Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta and set it aside for layering.
- Brown Beef and Make Sauce: In a large skillet heated over medium-high, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Layer Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin by layering half of the cooked rigatoni pasta evenly at the bottom, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture. Spread all of the ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the layered casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly, signaling it is perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven. Garnish with dried parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the dish hot to enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can increase the heavy cream to ¾ cup.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking to avoid a mushy casserole.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Use fresh parsley for a more vibrant garnish if available.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
