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If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine perfectly al dente rigatoni pasta enveloped in a luscious, spiced meat sauce infused with marinara and a touch of cream, all layered generously with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses before being baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a feast that dazzles with layers of texture and flavor, bringing family and friends together around the table with cozy smiles and satisfied sighs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly but packs a big punch in taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role in building the comforting, cheesy richness this dish is known for.
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta: The ridges and tubular shape of rigatoni perfectly hold onto all the sauce and cheese.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth that’s the backbone of the sauce.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the meat mixture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and brings balance to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory essence without overpowering the fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, smoky hint that deepens the sauce’s character.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the sauce its classic Italian soul.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle, spicy kick to keep things exciting.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that ties all the flavors beautifully together.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds silkiness and a subtle richness to the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Offers creamy, luscious pockets of softness inside the casserole.
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that irresistible gooey, stringy texture.
- Dried parsley, for garnish: A touch of color and fresh herbal brightness at the finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds a final savory, nutty flourish that complements the cheeses.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Draining it properly is key—rinse just enough to stop the cooking but keep some starch for better sauce adhesion. Set it aside to await its cheesy destiny.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Make Sauce
Next up, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef with your chopped onion. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to build layers of flavor right from the start. As the beef browns and the onion softens, drain away any excess grease to keep the sauce rich but not oily. Stir in the minced garlic, pour in the marinara sauce, and add the heavy cream, which will give the sauce a velvety texture and mellow sweetness. Turn off the heat once everything is combined to let the flavors marry.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish—it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Start with spreading half of the cooked rigatoni evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon half the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by dollops of the ricotta cheese spread across the layer, and finish this first tier with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Layer it all over again, repeating with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top turns golden brown, bubbles up invitingly, and releases those mouthwatering aromas that announce dinner is served. This stage locks in all those flavors and produces that irresistible crust that makes baked pasta so special.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe visually and in flavor, sprinkle some dried parsley right after it comes out of the oven for a bright pop of color and freshness. A generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, sharp edge that perfectly balances the creamy richness in every bite. These simple garnishes make all the difference in presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, saucy pasta pairs beautifully with lighter sides that refresh the palate. A simple mixed green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp counterpoint, while garlic bread or crusty Italian bread lets you scoop up every last bit of sauce and cheese. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, also provide a healthy texture contrast without stealing the spotlight from the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for single servings that look restaurant-worthy. Alternatively, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top before serving for a fragrant, colorful touch. You can even top each portion with a sunny-side-up egg for an indulgent brunch or dinner variation that adds richness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Baked Rigatoni keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it perfect for next-day meals. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for longer, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it yet—wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prepped ahead for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly again. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual helpings or reheat in the oven to restore that just-baked texture and gooey cheese pull we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni’s ridges and hollow centers are perfect for holding sauce and cheese, penne or ziti are excellent substitutes that work just as well in this baked pasta dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative to maintain the hearty texture without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge, and enjoy fresh, warm, cheesy rigatoni on your schedule.
How spicy is the Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe?
The recipe includes a mild amount of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to your taste, or omit it if you prefer a completely mild dish.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella is essential for its meltability and stretchiness, but mixing in a bit of Parmesan cheese before baking adds an extra savory bite. Ricotta adds softness inside, but isn’t typically used as a topping.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings comforting flavors and gooey cheese together in a way that feels like home on a plate. Whether for a family dinner, casual get-together, or simply when you need a delicious pick-me-up, this recipe is pure joy from the first forkful to the last. I encourage you to grab your favorite pot, gather these simple ingredients, and dive into this cheesy, saucy delight—you may just find yourself making it 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: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta layered with a rich, seasoned ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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). Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Beef and Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Layer Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering by spreading half of the cooked rigatoni evenly in the dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce mixture over the pasta, then dollop and spread all of the ricotta cheese atop the sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella to form a second layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- For a creamier sauce, increase heavy cream to ¾ cup.
- Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta since it will bake longer in the oven to avoid mushiness.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
