Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Dinner
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Baked Beef Rigatoni Casserole loaded with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
1 lb (16 oz) rigatoni pasta
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente (firm); drain.
3. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft; add ground beef and brown.
4. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce; simmer 5 mins.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce, tossing to coat.
6. Layer half the pasta in the dish, top with half the cheese; repeat.
7. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
8. Let rest 5 minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.