Name: Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

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This cheesy baked rigatoni with ground beef is hearty, rich, and full of comforting flavors. I love how the tender pasta is coated in savory meat sauce, layered with melty mozzarella, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is adaptable to different tastes. It’s filling, family-friendly, and freezes well for future meals. Whether I serve it at a weeknight dinner or take it to a potluck, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. After draining, I set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned.
I stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
I add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
I spread half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, baking takes 30 minutes, and I allow 5 minutes for resting before serving.

Variations

I sometimes add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce.
For a lighter version, I use ground turkey instead of beef.
I swap half the mozzarella for provolone for a deeper flavor.
For extra creaminess, I stir in a little ricotta or cream cheese before baking.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions. For freezing, I wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, ziti, or medium shells work just as well.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives can be substituted.

How do I make it spicier?

I add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This cheesy baked rigatoni with ground beef is a true comfort food classic — rich, hearty, and satisfying. I love how easy it is to make and how well it works for both family dinners and gatherings. Once baked, the golden, bubbly cheese seals in all that flavor, making it irresistible every time.