Description
Craving a hearty, easy recipe that satisfies everyone at the table? This Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake is your go-to comfort dish. Loaded with savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s the perfect answer for weeknight dinner ideas, cozy weekend meals, or freezer-friendly food ideas. From busy families to pasta lovers, this easy dinner recipe is one that checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 lb rigatoni pasta until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned. Add 1 diced onion and sauté 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Combine the pasta and meat sauce in a large bowl or baking dish, mixing well to coat.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, then top with 1.5 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat.
6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Make sure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness when baked.
Letting the bake rest before slicing helps it set and keeps layers intact.
Double the recipe and freeze one for busy weeks or last-minute guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: beef rigatoni, baked pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake