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.
