Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta – Easy 45-Minute Recipe

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Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Recipe – Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta

This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta combines tender rigatoni tubes with seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and three types of cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this hearty dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your kitchen.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Three-cheese blend creates the perfect melty, stretchy texture that coats every pasta tube beautifully
  • Ground beef adds protein and heartiness, making this a complete meal that satisfies even the biggest appetites
  • Simple preparation with common ingredients means you can whip this up any night of the week
  • Feeds 8 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, giving you delicious meals for days to come

Why This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its layered construction. By alternating pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, every bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The rigatoni’s tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce, while the ricotta adds richness without overwhelming the dish. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates that irresistible golden top that bubbles to perfection.

Seasoning the beef with Italian herbs and spices builds depth, while the heavy cream mellows the marinara’s acidity. This technique ensures each component complements the others beautifully.

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta food photograph 1

What You’ll Need for Perfect Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity (Approx)Purpose / Notes
Rigatoni pasta16 ozBase structure; tubes hold sauce well
Ground beef1 lbMain protein; adds heartiness
Yellow onion1 medium, choppedFlavor base; adds sweetness
Salt and pepper1/2 tsp eachBasic seasoning
Garlic powder1 tspEnhances savory flavor
Paprika1 tspAdds color and mild spice
Italian seasoning1 tspHerb blend for authenticity
Red pepper flakes1/4 tspSubtle heat
Fresh garlic1 tbsp mincedFresh aromatic element
Marinara sauce2 jars (24 oz each)Tomato base; main sauce
Heavy cream1/2 cupAdds richness; mellows acidity
Ricotta cheese1 1/2 cupsCreamy layer; adds texture
Mozzarella cheese8 oz shreddedMelty top layer
Parmesan cheeseFor garnishSharp finishing touch
Dried parsleyFor garnishColor and freshness

Tools

ToolPurpose
Large potBoiling pasta water
Large skilletCooking beef and sauce
9×13 baking dishAssembling and baking casserole
ColanderDraining pasta
Large spoonLayering ingredients

How to Make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta

StepInstructions
1. Prep & PreheatPreheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook PastaBoil rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown BeefCook ground beef and onion in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add AromaticsOnce beef is fully cooked, drain grease. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
5. Create SauceAdd marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir well and remove from heat.
6. First LayerPlace half the pasta in baking dish. Add half the meat sauce and stir to coat.
7. Add RicottaDrop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer.
8. Cheese LayerSprinkle half the mozzarella over ricotta.
9. Final LayersAdd remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
10. BakeBake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
11. Garnish & ServeTop with dried parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Don’t overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety
  • Mix ricotta with an egg for extra richness and to help it set during baking
  • Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking

Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta

Serving Tips

Serve this Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta hot from the oven with a simple green salad and garlic bread. The dish pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes for variety at dinner parties.

For storage, refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.

This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta food photograph 2

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta

Avoid overcooking the pasta during the initial boil, as it will become mushy after baking. The pasta should be slightly firm to the touch when drained.

Don’t skip draining the beef grease, as excess fat will make the dish greasy and prevent proper layering. Take time to drain thoroughly before adding garlic.

Resist the urge to skip the resting period after baking. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving much easier without everything falling apart.

Never use low-fat cheeses, as they don’t melt properly and can result in a grainy texture. Full-fat cheeses create the creamy, smooth consistency you want.

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You Must Know

  • Ground beef must reach 160°F internal temperature for safe consumption
  • Fresh garlic burns quickly, so add it after removing from high heat
  • Room temperature ricotta spreads more easily than cold ricotta straight from the fridge
  • Pasta water should be salted generously to flavor the noodles from within

Suggestions for Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta

Transform this recipe by substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition.

For extra flavor, try different cheese combinations. Sharp cheddar or provolone work beautifully alongside the mozzarella and ricotta.

Make it spicier by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

Consider trying similar comfort food recipes like chicken casseroles or exploring baked ziti variations for more pasta inspiration.

You can also check out simple pasta bake recipes for quick weeknight alternatives.

Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta food photograph 3

FAQs:


Can I make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.


What pasta shapes work best for this Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal because its tubes hold the sauce well. Penne, ziti, or shells also work perfectly. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or angel hair for this baked dish.


How do I prevent my Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta from being watery?

Ensure you drain the pasta thoroughly and let the meat sauce simmer briefly to reduce excess liquid. Also, don’t skip draining the beef grease completely.


Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta?

Absolutely! Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers or wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven.


What's the best way to reheat leftover Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta?

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. Microwave individual portions on 50% power to prevent overcooking the cheese.


Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta delivers everything you want in a comfort food classic. With its perfect balance of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

The recipe’s flexibility allows for easy customization while maintaining its crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or entertaining guests, this dish provides satisfying flavors that everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try and discover why layered pasta bakes remain timeless favorites in kitchens everywhere.

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Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Pasta Recipe


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
  • 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Boil rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook ground beef and onion in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Once beef is fully cooked, drain grease. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  5. Add marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir well and remove from heat.
  6. Place half the pasta in baking dish. Add half the meat sauce and stir to coat.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer.
  8. Sprinkle half the mozzarella over ricotta.
  9. Add remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
  11. Top with dried parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground beef reaches 160°F
  • Mix ricotta with an egg for extra richness
  • Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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