Name: Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 450g rigatoni pasta; 500g ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both simple to prepare and unbelievably flavorful, this Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta nestled in a rich, savory sauce loaded with seasoned ground beef and topped with a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It’s the kind of hearty dish that warms your soul, fills the room with irresistible aromas, and comes together with surprisingly little fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with raw ground meat in a reddish-pink color on the top left. To the right of it is a white bowl full of white rice. Below these, there is a cluster of small white bowls containing various spices, minced garlic, chopped onions, and a light yellow liquid, likely oil. At the bottom right, a clear glass bowl is filled with thick red tomato sauce. In the middle left, there is a pile of uncooked tube-shaped yellow pasta. The colors range from red, white, yellow, and light brown, with smooth and coarse textures in different bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential for creating that classic taste and texture that makes baked rigatoni so irresistible. Each component plays a key role—from the tender pasta to the savory beef and rich cheeses—resulting in a perfectly balanced dish.

Rigatoni pasta: The ridges and hollow centers hold onto sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Ground beef: Adds hearty richness and meaty texture to the bake.
Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic, minced: Introduces a lovely aromatic note that lifts the whole dish.
Marinara sauce: The vibrant tomato base that ties everything together with a tangy, herby punch.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into a creamy, stretchy topping that’s pure comfort.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and golden crust when baked.
Olive oil: Used to sauté onions and beef, adding smoothness and enhancing flavors.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flair.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors perfectly.

How to Make Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just al dente—this means the pasta should have a slight bite because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside. This is the critical first step to ensure perfectly textured pasta in your finished dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. This step creates a savory, juicy base bursting with flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Once the beef is browned and onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the skillet. Cook for another minute so the garlic releases its aroma and the herbs evenly coat the beef mixture. This builds layers of flavor that make this Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe so memorable.

Step 4: Stir in the Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, mixing everything together. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to marry the flavors and slightly thicken. This sauce envelops the beef and will coat the rigatoni perfectly, delivering that classic baked pasta experience.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained rigatoni to the pot or a large mixing bowl, then pour the beef and marinara sauce over it. Toss everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated and evenly mixed with the hearty sauce. This ensures every forkful is deliciously balanced.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top, then finish with a dusting of grated parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This baking step melts the cheeses perfectly, creating that irresistible crust and gooey interior you crave.

How to Serve Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a bright, herby freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the baked rigatoni. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat. Don’t forget a final drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra shine and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crunchy toasted baguette slices are perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a healthy, colorful touch to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the baked rigatoni in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties. For a fun twist, layer the pasta and sauce in clear glass bakeware so the beautiful layers are visible. You can even add a dollop of ricotta on each portion before serving to introduce extra creaminess and indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, making the next day’s meal even tastier.

Freezing

This Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for batch cooking and quick, ready-to-bake meals on busy nights.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through and bubbling, or microwave individual servings for convenience. Either way, the dish tastes just as comforting and delicious as the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding sauce, penne, ziti, or even rigatoni’s smaller cousin, ditalini, can all work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for al dente accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Using mushrooms adds wonderful umami flavor and texture, keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

Can I add ricotta cheese to this Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe?

Definitely! Adding dollops of ricotta before baking introduces a creamy layer that complements the meaty sauce and melted mozzarella perfectly. It’s a great way to enrich the dish and make it even more indulgent.

How do I prevent the baked rigatoni from drying out?

Make sure your sauce isn’t too thick before combining it with the pasta, and cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to lock in moisture. Then uncover to let the cheese brown beautifully.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s surprisingly simple to make anytime you want a satisfying Italian-inspired meal. It brings family and friends together with its rich flavors, melty cheeses, and hearty textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your own kitchen—you’ll soon see why this recipe gets rave reviews around every table!