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Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake
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This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake is a comforting and hearty pasta casserole loaded with tender rigatoni, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or cozy meals, it offers a delicious blend of cheesy, meaty, and pasta flavors with a golden baked top and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauces and Dairy

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rigatoni: Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned with no pink remaining. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef and sauce mixture, and dollops of ricotta cheese. Stir gently to distribute evenly. Transfer half of the mixture into a greased baking dish, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled rigatoni for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; cook rigatoni just shy of al dente to avoid sogginess after baking.
  • Spread cheese layers evenly for consistent gooeyness throughout the dish.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the bake from becoming greasy.
  • Use fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving for added brightness and aroma.
  • Let the bake rest after baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake, Baked Pasta, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Pasta, Italian Casserole

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cheesy-beef-rigatoni-bake/