Name: Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta (Can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne.); 1 lb ground beef (Lean ground beef is preferred, but turkey or plant-based substitutes work.); 3 cups marinara sauce (Store-bought or homemade work well.); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (Can use fresh mozzarella, shredded.); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Avoid pre-shredded cheese for better melt.); 1 medium onion, diced (Yellow onion is preferred.); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh or jarred garlic can be used.); 1 tablespoon olive oil (Can substitute with vegetable oil.); to taste salt and pepper (Essential for flavor.); optional fresh basil or parsley (For garnish.)

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked to perfection for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use this recipe as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, it doesn’t get much easier than this. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your hungry crew at home, this dish is so satisfying that everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients Breakdown

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside (remember, we don’t want mushy pasta!).
Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent about 5 minutes. Oh, it smells so good already!
Brown the Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat—we don’t want a greasy dish!
Add Marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce, mixing until every piece of pasta is coated in that yummy sauce.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer half of the rigatoni mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. The layering here is key for super cheesy bites!
Add Remaining Rigatoni: Add the remaining rigatoni on top and then finish it off with the remaining mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan cheese. Get ready for melty goodness!
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Yes, you’re definitely allowed to peek in a few times, the smell will have you drooling!
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot. Just make sure to let it cool for a couple minutes, nobody wants a burnt tongue!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m not shy to admit that this is my go-to recipe when I’m having a busy week or when the family just needs something really comforting. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, I’m a real sucker for meals that use ingredients I already have on hand. This cheesy baked rigatoni is a fantastic way to clean out my fridge, and, honestly, leftovers taste even better the next day. You’re going to fall in love with this dish just like my family did, trust me!

If you loved this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef, be sure to check out my One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese, my Gordon Ramsay Sausage Onion Gravy, or my Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish screams comfort food! It’s savory, cheesy, and just downright irresistible. Perfect for those long days when you just want something warm and filling.

Quick & Easy

It literally comes together all in one pot and a baking dish! Minimal prep and cleanup, what’s not to love? You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, leaving you with more time to spend with your family.

Customizable

Feel free to get creative! Want to add some veggies? Go for it! You can throw in some chopped spinach or even mushrooms. Want to make it spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes! The best part is you can use whatever ingredients you have.

Crowd-Pleaser

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crew! The whole family will love it, my picky eater even asks for this on a weekly basis. It’s hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied but simple enough to throw together during busy weeknights.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing this cheesy baked rigatoni with a simple side salad drizzled with Italian dressing and some crunchy garlic bread, everyone likes a good breadstick, right? It balances the meal perfectly!

Storage

This dish will keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days without compromising flavor. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

For reheating, pop the dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on top again. You can also microwave individual servings for when you’re in a rush!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This dish is freezer-friendly! Just wrap it well in aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the instructions above.

So there you have it! This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is not only a breeze to make but totally satisfies those cravings for comfort food. I promise you’re going to want to add this to your meal rotation ASAP! Enjoy, my friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!