I adore tackling bold recipes like my Easy Rigatoni Bake featuring tender rigatoni pasta and succulent ground beef mixed with aromatic garlic and chopped onion in a lively marinara sauce. I mix in creamy ricotta and rich mozzarella accompanied by hints of basil and oregano for an unforgettable flavor combination.

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I recently cooked up a delicious Baked Rigatoni that really impressed everyone at my table. I started with 1 pound rigatoni pasta and tossed in 1 pound ground beef sautéed with a chopped onion and minced garlic.

When the meat was nearly done, I added a large jar of marinara sauce, a teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, salt and pepper to taste, and even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. I then layered the sauce over the pasta and topped it all with a mix of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.

As the whole dish baked, the cheese became perfectly melted and bubbly making it an irresistible comfort meal. With a side salad and some garlic bread, this pasta bake is the perfect option for a quick yet satisfying dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because:

• I like how its super easy to make and doesn’t take forever to prep. The ingredients come together quickly so i can enjoy a hearty meal even on busy nights.
• I love the mix of ground beef and cheeses. The way the marinara sauce blends with the meat and all that melty mozzarella and Parmesan is just so comforting.
• The pasta gets baked until it’s perfectly bubbly and melty, which makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s fun to experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if i’m in the mood for extra spice.
• It makes for a complete meal when i serve it with a side of salad and garlic bread, making it a family favorite that even my picky relatives love.

I also want to say that this Baked Rigatoni is honestly one of my favorite pasta bakes. Its full of flavor and really satisfying. I like how the ground beef is nicely browned with onion and garlic, then mixed with marinara, basil, and oregano gives it that amazing Italian taste. After i stir in the ricotta cheese and mix it with the al dente rigatoni, every layer of the dish is packed with flavor. Once it’s baked in the oven until the mozzarella is all melted and bubbly, i know it’s a meal the whole family will love. Its not only comforting but also easy to put together even if im in a hurry. Enjoying this dish, whether its for a family dinner or a casual get together, always makes me feel good.

Ingredients

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Rigatoni pasta: A hearty, energy-giving carbohydrate that gives the dish a sturdy base.
Ground beef: Provides rich protein and iron, adding robust flavor and succulent meatiness.
Marinara sauce: Bursting with tomatoes and herbs, it supplies vitamin C and tangy sweetness.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess, protein, calcium and a delightful mild flavor to the mix.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, imparting gooey texture while boosting protein content.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enriches every savory bite.
Garlic and onion: Add antioxidants, robust flavor and a natural kick to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large jar (28 ounces) marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente then drain well.

3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until they are fully cooked and the onion is soft.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until its fragrant.

5. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet along with the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes; let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.

6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce then fold in the ricotta cheese until it is well combined.

7. Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.

10. Serve hot with a side of salad and garlic bread for a yummy meal the whole family will love.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Large pot for boiling pasta
4. Colander to drain the pasta
5. Large skillet for browning beef and onions
6. Large bowl for mixing pasta and sauce
7. Knife and cutting board for chopping onions and garlic
8. Measuring spoons for spices and herbs
9. Cooking spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta if I can't find rigatoni?

A: Sure, you can use penne or ziti instead but rigatoni works best cause it holds the sauce really well.

Q: Do I have to cook the pasta before baking?

A: Yes, you should cook it al dente before mixing in the beef and cheese so it doesn't get mushy in the oven.

Q: Can I swap the ground beef for another meat?

A: Totally, try using Italian sausage or ground turkey if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: How do I make sure the dish doesn't turn out too dry?

A: Make sure there's enough marinara sauce and that you mix in some ricotta, it really adds moisture during baking.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?

A: Yep, you can assemble the baking dish ahead and then refrigerate it, just add a few extra minutes in the oven when you're ready to eat.

Baked Rigatoni Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of ground beef, you can swap it out with ground turkey or even Italian sausage if you’re feeling extra flavorful.
If you don’t have rigatoni, penne or ziti work just as good in this recipe.
You can use cottage cheese rather than ricotta cheese to save a little money and still keep the creaminess.
In place of marinara sauce, try using tomato sauce mixed with a little extra garlic and herbs if that’s what you got on hand.
Not a fan of dried herbs? Fresh basil and oregano can work too but remember to use about half the amount as dried herbs since they pack more flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook the pasta. I always save a little bit of pasta water so you can add it to the sauce if it gets too thick, gives it a nice smooth texture.
2. When you’re browning the meat, take your time with the onions too. Let them really soften and caramelize a bit so they add more flavor to your sauce.
3. Taste your sauce as it simmers. Sometimes you might need a little extra salt or even more red pepper flakes if you want a kick, so dont be shy adjusting it.
4. After you take the dish out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. It gives the cheese a chance to set and makes it easier to serve without everything falling apart.

Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

700

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Large pot for boiling pasta
4. Colander to drain the pasta
5. Large skillet for browning beef and onions
6. Large bowl for mixing pasta and sauce
7. Knife and cutting board for chopping onions and garlic
8. Measuring spoons for spices and herbs
9. Cooking spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large jar (28 ounces) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente then drain well.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until they are fully cooked and the onion is soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until its fragrant.
Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet along with the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes; let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce then fold in the ricotta cheese until it is well combined.
Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Serve hot with a side of salad and garlic bread for a yummy meal the whole family will love.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.