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Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake
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Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake is a comforting, hearty oven-baked pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni, savory ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, a flavorful tomato sauce, and a luscious blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers an easy, customizable meal with minimal cleanup and satisfying layers of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces dried rigatoni pasta

Beef Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or quality jarred)

Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente, typically 1–2 minutes less than package instructions to avoid overcooking during baking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Beef Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in the tomato sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked rigatoni with the prepared beef sauce until fully coated, ensuring each bite is balanced with meat and sauce.
  4. Assemble and Add Cheese: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top, covering the surface well.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the bake to set and layers to hold.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for deeper flavor and a better cheese melt.
  • Allow the baked dish to rest before serving so it firms up and slices cleanly.
  • Brown the beef well to develop deeper flavor and a better texture.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for brightness and garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef rigatoni bake, baked pasta, comfort food, ground beef pasta, oven baked rigatoni, family dinner recipe

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