There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that just hits the spot every single time. This Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when friends and family gather around the table, offering a perfect harmony of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and golden melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize, making it a dependable go-to dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking to whip up a dish that’s both homey and impressive, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the savory meat and aromatic herbs to the ooey-gooey cheese and perfectly cooked rigatoni.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for holding sauce, creating a delightful bite every time.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a robust, meaty base; you can also substitute with Italian sausage for added spice.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to a tender perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped): Packs a punch of fragrant warmth in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil: Brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens the rich sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses classic Italian flavors throughout.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat to balance the richness.
- 4 cups marinara or pasta sauce: The heart of this dish, choose jarred or homemade for that saucy goodness.
- Black pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked for a subtle kick.
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy top layer.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates every forkful.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the pasta bake doesn’t stick and helps achieve that lovely golden crust on the cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rigatoni. Cook it until just al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing sogginess. Once done, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy sauce. Next, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is wonderfully aromatic.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and aromatics, stirring well to combine. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the cooked rigatoni into a large bowl and toss it well with the meat sauce until every piece of pasta is enveloped in rich, savory goodness.
Step 6: Layer the Pasta and Cheese
Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, then finish by scattering the remaining cheese over everything.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This two-step baking process creates that perfect texture, giving you a light crust and a melty, creamy layer beneath.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Allow the baked rigatoni to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief pause helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a pop of vibrant green and herbal brightness against the hearty meat and cheese. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes sprinkled on top can also add a sophisticated touch to each serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad. Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making the meal utterly indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style vibe. For a dinner party, use individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal portions topped with a sprig of basil and a shaving of Parmesan. It’s an easy way to dress up the presentation while keeping things approachable and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the dish has cooled completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta bake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool fully, then freeze in portions to make reheating simpler.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through to maintain that crisp cheesy top. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, covering loosely to avoid drying out, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp as oven reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding sauce, penne, ziti, or even penne rigate work wonderfully too. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can swap ground beef with Italian sausage for added flavor, ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free rigatoni or your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep this dish accessible without compromising on taste or texture.
How spicy is this baked rigatoni?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle, pleasant heat that complements the robustness of the sauce without overpowering it. You can always adjust the amount or leave them out if you prefer a milder version.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining when you want to save time on the day of.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that brings comfort, joy, and smiles around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, its layers of rich sauce, hearty meat, and melty cheese promise a satisfying bite every time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, and that’s a delicious problem to have!
PrintBaked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe
This hearty baked rigatoni with ground beef is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring al dente pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines tender rigatoni with a flavorful, aromatic sauce and melted cheese that creates a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- Kosher salt, for pasta water
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, casing removed)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups marinara or pasta sauce (jarred or homemade)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
Cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish and set it aside to be ready for assembling the rigatoni.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it until just al dente, meaning it should be slightly undercooked since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess grease if necessary. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic, minced fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the marinara or pasta sauce into the skillet with the meat and aromatics. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Transfer the cooked rigatoni to a large bowl and toss it thoroughly with the meat sauce until the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the Dish – First Layer: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta layer.
- Assemble the Dish – Second Layer: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to heat through and help the cheeses melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked rigatoni rest for about 5 minutes before serving, which helps it set. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves or extra grated cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly according to your taste.
- You can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef for a richer flavor profile.
- Use fresh pasta sauce or homemade marinara for a more authentic taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling, as it will bake further in the oven.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute rigatoni with gluten-free pasta.
