Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake: 1 Cheesy Classic That Never Fails
A cheesy, comforting pasta bake with rigatoni, seasoned beef, marinara, and layers of melty mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and freezer meals.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook pasta to al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In skillet, sauté onion in oil. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in marinara, tomato paste, seasoning, and spices. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
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Mix pasta with meat sauce.
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Layer half the pasta in dish. Add ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and 2 tbsp Parmesan.
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Add remaining pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more. Let rest 10 minutes.
Notes
Add veggies for extra nutrients. Make ahead and freeze for busy nights. Broil at the end for extra browning.