Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering pasta casserole that satisfies even the heartiest appetites. The hollow tubes of rigatoni capture pockets of rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta, while the golden blanket of melted mozzarella on top creates that irresistible cheese pull with every serving. This comforting Italian-American classic brings together layers of flavor and texture that make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

I first started making this recipe during my busy years as a working mom with three hungry teenagers at home. What began as a practical solution for meal prep became our family's most requested dinner. The expressions of delight when I pull this bubbling casserole from the oven never get old. My youngest son, who rarely shows enthusiasm for anything beyond his video games, actually offers to help in the kitchen when he sees rigatoni on the counter. The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance - substantial enough to satisfy growing appetites while elevated enough to serve for special occasions.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta: The tubular shape holds sauce beautifully and provides the perfect chew. Cook just until al dente as it will continue to soften in the oven.
• 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 blend): Provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the sauce. The slight fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped: Creates an aromatic foundation for the sauce. Yellow or sweet onions work best for their balanced flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavor of both the meat and the sauce. Kosher salt distributes more evenly than table salt.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish. Freshly ground provides the most vibrant flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses the meat with savory notes that complement the fresh garlic added later.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika: Contributes subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning: This herb blend saves measuring multiple dried herbs while providing classic Italian flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that builds slowly without overwhelming the dish.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Provides aromatic punch that forms the backbone of any good Italian-inspired sauce.
• 24 ounces Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• ½ cup Heavy Cream: Creates richness and mellows the acidity of the tomato sauce for a more balanced flavor.
• 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy pockets of richness throughout the casserole. Whole milk ricotta provides the best texture and flavor.
• 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided: Creates that perfect stretchy cheese pull that makes this dish so satisfying.
• 2 tablespoons Dried Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and subtle herbaceous notes to the finished dish.
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish): Provides a salty, umami finish that elevates all the other flavors.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen Components:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's fully hot when your casserole is ready for baking. Fill a large pot with water for the pasta, adding a generous tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This is also a good time to gather and measure all your ingredients, chop your onion, and mince your garlic, creating an efficient workflow for the recipe.

Cook the Pasta Properly:

Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, but subtract 1-2 minutes from the recommended time. This undercooking is crucial as the pasta will continue to soften in the oven. When the pasta reaches this al dente stage, drain it thoroughly in a colander but do not rinse it - the starchy exterior helps the sauce cling better. Toss the drained pasta with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Create a Flavorful Meat Base:

While the pasta cooks, place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion together, breaking the meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 7-8 minutes, continuing to break up larger chunks until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent and soft. If excess fat has accumulated, carefully drain or spoon it off, leaving just enough for flavor.

Develop Deep Sauce Flavors:

Once the meat is browned, add the minced fresh garlic to the skillet and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Immediately pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine with the meat mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let this simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce should bubble gently but not splatter. After simmering, stir in the heavy cream, creating a beautiful rose-colored sauce with enhanced richness and complexity.

Begin the Layering Process:

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. Spread half of the cooked rigatoni in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. The pasta should completely cover the bottom but not be piled too high. Top this pasta layer with half of your prepared meat sauce, using a spatula to ensure even distribution and that the sauce seeps down between the pasta tubes.

Create the Cheese Layer:

Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of ricotta cheese evenly across the meat sauce layer. The dollops don't need to create a solid layer - the charm of this dish comes partly from discovering pockets of creamy ricotta as you eat. Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella (about 1½ cups) evenly over the ricotta dollops, creating a melty layer that will bind the casserole together.

Complete the Assembly:

Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, followed by the remaining meat sauce spread evenly on top. Finish with the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, ensuring complete coverage across the top of the casserole. This final cheese layer will create the golden, bubbly crust that makes this dish so appealing.

Bake to Bubbling Perfection:

Place the assembled casserole on the middle rack of your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for the cheese to be completely melted, with bubbling edges and golden brown spots across the top. If the cheese is melted but not yet golden after 25 minutes, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes for additional browning, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Rest and Garnish:

Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This critical resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to portion and serve. Just before bringing to the table, sprinkle with dried parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch that adds both visual appeal and a final layer of flavor.

You Must Know

My Italian grandmother always insisted that pasta should never be fully soft when it goes into a baked dish. I learned this lesson the hard way when I once overcooked the rigatoni, resulting in a mushy casserole that lacked the pleasing texture contrast I was aiming for. Now I'm vigilant about keeping the pasta firmly al dente before baking. Another family secret is adding that touch of heavy cream to the sauce - my aunt introduced me to this trick at a family gathering years ago. The cream mellows the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a richer, more velvety sauce that elevates this humble casserole to something truly special.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes that provide balance to the meal. A crisp Caesar salad with homemade garlic croutons offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta bake. For a complete Italian-inspired feast, serve with roasted broccolini drizzled with lemon and garlic olive oil. The slight bitterness of the greens complements the savory, cheesy casserole perfectly. Don't forget a basket of warm, crusty Italian bread for sopping up any remaining sauce – it's too delicious to leave behind!

Time-Saving Variations

While the classic version is always a hit, you can adapt this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. To add more vegetables, stir sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the meat sauce. For an extra kick of flavor, mix 1/2 cup of chopped pepperoni into the meat sauce or add a layer of thinly sliced pepperoni under the final cheese topping for a pizza-inspired twist.

Storage Solutions

This casserole is perfect for meal prep as it stores exceptionally well. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water before covering and warming in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This prevents the pasta from drying out. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

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Troubleshooting Tips

If your casserole seems dry after baking, you likely used too little sauce or overcooked the pasta before assembling. Next time, make sure your pasta is truly al dente and consider adding an extra 1/2 cup of marinara to the meat sauce. If the bottom of your casserole is burning before the cheese is properly melted, your oven temperature may be too high or the rack position too low. Try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and moving the casserole to a higher rack position next time.

Chef's Helpful Tips

I've made this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni dozens of times over the years, tweaking and perfecting it with each iteration. What began as a practical weeknight dinner has become our family's celebration dish – the meal that marks birthdays, achievements, and reunions. There's something magical about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven, the aroma filling the kitchen as everyone gathers around the table. The humble ingredients transform into something greater than their parts, much like how sharing a meal brings people together in a way that transcends the everyday. This isn't just dinner; it's a warm invitation to connect, to share stories, and to create memories that linger long after the last bite is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen adding about 30-40 minutes to the cooking time.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the top is golden brown, and the center is hot throughout. If you're unsure, insert a knife into the center - it should come out hot to the touch.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant to the sauce. You could also use a meat substitute like plant-based ground beef.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

A simple green salad with Italian dressing, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts all pair wonderfully with this hearty pasta bake.