Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake: 1 Comforting, Golden Casserole Bursting with Meaty, Melty Goodness
A hearty baked pasta dish loaded with rigatoni, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melty mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. Classic comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
Optional: 1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add beef, seasonings. Cook until browned. Stir in sauce. Simmer 5–10 mins.
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Mix ricotta with salt, garlic powder, and egg (if using).
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In 9×13 dish, layer sauce, pasta, ricotta, and cheeses. Repeat. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F for 20 mins. Uncover and bake 10–15 mins until golden.
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Rest 10 mins before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook pasta. Use fresh mozzarella for best melt. Add veggies or sausage for variation.