Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy layers of Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake, where al dente pasta meets a savory beef and tomato sauce, all enveloped in a gooey blanket of melted cheese. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the tender rigatoni to the crispy, golden cheese topping, making it a comforting dish that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 12 oz rigatoni, cooked al dente
- Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish: Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the baking dish
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake, Italian comfort food, pasta bake, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipes, family dinner, easy casserole, baked rigatoni, creamy pasta dish, hearty meals, weeknight dinner, Italian-American cuisine, cheesy recipes