Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Save this recipe on:

When comfort food cravings strike, few dishes hit the spot quite like this Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake. It’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely packed with rich, meaty flavor. Imagine tender rigatoni pasta hugging a savory beef and marinara sauce, all blanketed in melty mozzarella and baked to bubbling perfection. This is the kind of dinner that turns a regular night into something worth savoring.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta bake is as practical as it is delicious. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug—easy to prepare, soul-satisfying, and sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

This dish combines all the things we love about Italian comfort food into one easy-to-make meal:

• Rich and flavorful ground beef filling
• Gooey, golden-baked cheese on top
• Perfectly cooked rigatoni that holds onto every bit of sauce
• Easily customizable with veggies or spice for extra flair
• It reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for leftovers

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Classic dried rigatoni works beautifully here because its ridges help hold onto the sauce. If you want to level things up, opt for bronze-cut pasta which has a rougher texture and better sauce grip. You can even go with whole wheat rigatoni for a slightly nutty twist or gluten-free if needed—just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.

---

Ingredients for the Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the bold, layered flavors in this recipe:

• Rigatoni Pasta: The base that soaks up the rich sauce and provides satisfying bite.
• Ground Beef: Brings savory depth and a meaty bite to every forkful.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the flavor base.
• Marinara Sauce: A tangy, tomato-rich component that binds the whole dish together.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a savory herbaceous punch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty topping that ties it all together.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that irresistible salty kick.
• Olive Oil: Helps soften and sauté the aromatics perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to elevate all the other flavors.

---

How To Make the Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside—it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked rigatoni with the beef sauce mixture until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

---

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Bake

This dish serves about 6 people generously, making it great for family meals or small gatherings. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley or fresh basil if you like a touch of green.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.

What to Serve With Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate sidekick. Crisp, buttery, and great for scooping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A refreshing, crunchy contrast with tangy dressing and Parmesan.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds color and nutrition to your plate without overpowering the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella complement the Italian flavors perfectly.

Sautéed Green Beans

A simple veggie side with great texture and bite.

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Sweet and tangy to balance the savory pasta.

Antipasto Platter

Marinated olives, cured meats, and artichokes can start the meal with flair.

Red Wine

If you’re pairing with a drink, a medium-bodied red like Chianti is a winner.

---

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving the cozy, cheesy comfort of this rigatoni bake, don’t miss these hearty recipes:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
• Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or spicy sausage? Did you sneak in some spinach?

I love hearing how others put their twist on these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make weeknight dinners better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next favorite!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: