There’s nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish to bring people together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every craving. Imagine tender rigatoni pasta smothered in a savory meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan – all baked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, this cheesy baked rigatoni is the answer. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this cheesy, savory masterpiece in your own kitchen!
Why You Will Love This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness in Every Bite: The combination of melted mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates a gooey, cheesy experience that is irresistibly comforting. Who doesn’t love a dish loaded with cheese?
- Hearty & Filling: This recipe is packed with hearty rigatoni pasta and savory meat sauce, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full and content.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
- Rigatoni Pasta: Large pasta tubes perfect for holding sauce and cheese.
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: These meats create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds a tangy and rich tomato flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy texture that adds richness.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: These cheeses melt beautifully, giving you that golden, bubbly top.
- Garlic, Onions, Italian Seasonings: Essential for flavoring the meat sauce.
- Olive Oil & Salt: For sautéing and seasoning.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
1. Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the rigatoni: Cook your pasta according to package instructions, aiming for al dente so it won’t become mushy when baked.
- Drain & Set Aside: Don’t forget to save a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce later, if needed.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Sauté onions & garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where the base flavor starts.
- Brown the meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, cooking until they’re nicely browned and fully cooked.
- Add marinara sauce & season: Stir in your marinara sauce, along with basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Mix the Cheese
- Blend ricotta with seasoning: In a bowl, combine ricotta with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to give it a balanced flavor.
- Shred mozzarella & Parmesan: Grate your mozzarella and Parmesan to ensure they melt smoothly, and they’ll create that perfect cheesy topping.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Layer the ingredients: Start by spreading a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Then, add a layer of pasta, followed by ricotta mixture. Repeat the process, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Ensure even layers: Take your time with this step – the key to a perfect dish is even layers of sauce, cheese, and pasta!
5. Bake the Rigatoni
- Bake at 375°F (190°C): Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps everything cook through and stay moist.
- Uncover and broil: Remove the foil and broil for 5 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly, giving it that irresistible crispy texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
- Cook Pasta Al Dente:
- To avoid mushy pasta after baking, cook your rigatoni just until it’s al dente, or slightly firm. It will absorb some of the sauce as it bakes, and that little extra bite will make all the difference.
- Add Pasta Water to the Sauce:
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining the rigatoni. If your sauce seems too thick while mixing everything together, add a bit of the pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese:
- For the best melt and flavor, always use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Serving and Storing
- Serve hot: Once baked, serve the rigatoni hot and garnished with fresh basil or parsley for that extra pop of color.
- Pairings: This dish goes wonderfully with a side salad, some garlic bread, or even a glass of red wine.
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Variations of Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a lighter version.
- Spicy: For those who love heat, use hot Italian sausage or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Creamy: Add heavy cream to the sauce for an even richer, creamier texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente so that it doesn’t become soggy during the baking process.
- Uneven Cheese Layering: Make sure to evenly distribute the cheese for a consistent cheesy topping.
- Skipping the Broil: Broiling for a few minutes at the end creates a beautiful golden crust – don’t skip it!
FAQs about Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
Can I prepare Cheesy Baked Rigatoni ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a slightly different texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
How do I make the top extra crispy?
Broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking – keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the richness of cheese, the savory flavor of meat sauce, and the hearty texture of pasta. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a delicious dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy delight!
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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Cheesy Baked Rigatoni recipe! Packed with rich cheese, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly baked to golden perfection
Ingredients
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 24 oz jars marinara
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat a pot of water over high heat and boil 16 oz of pasta following the directions on the package. I used 16 oz of Rigatoni, but penne or ziti would also work for this recipe.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and a chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain any extra grease and add 1 tbsp of minced garlic. Stir well. Add 2 jars of marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir the sauce together and turn the heat off.
- Pour half of the cooked pasta in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Add half of the meat/sauce mixture to the baking dish and stir the pasta around just to get them all covered in sauce.
- Next, use a large spoon to drop about 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese all over the first layer of the pasta.
- Top the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella. Add the rest of the pasta, meat/sauce mixture, and the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 25 minutes uncovered. Once the cheese is golden brown and bubbling, it’s time to eat! Top with dried parsley and some Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 25minutes
- Cook Time: 25minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
