When comfort food calls, this Cheesy Beef Rigatoni answers with a warm, hearty embrace. The combination of al dente pasta tubes, savory ground beef, and a blanket of melted cheese creates the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like a big culinary hug.
This dish strikes that perfect balance between homestyle cooking and impressive flavor that makes everyone at the table think you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, it comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spare.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy just as much
- Versatile recipe that works with whatever cheese or ground meat you have on hand
- Makes excellent leftovers that might taste even better the next day
- Perfect balance of protein, carbs and dairy for a complete meal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 24 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook since it will bake more in the oven.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain off all excess grease from the skillet. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add the pasta sauce and heavy cream to the seasoned beef. Stir everything together until well combined and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the drained rigatoni to the beef and sauce mixture. Gently stir until all the pasta is coated with the creamy meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve hot in bowls and enjoy this comforting pasta bake!
Tips & Variations
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra vegetables
- Use any tube-shaped pasta if rigatoni isn’t available
- Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup of ricotta cheese with the sauce
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking – just add 10-15 minutes to the bake time
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For the complete Italian restaurant experience, serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for scooping up any extra sauce.
A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot makes an excellent companion for the adults at the table, while the kids might enjoy some sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- This dish freezes well for up to 2 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain the cheesy texture
- The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of marinara when reheating
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to the baking step, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and then bake when ready to serve. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have mozzarella?
Any good melting cheese works well here – try provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar. The key is to use something that melts smoothly.
Can I make this in a baking dish instead of a skillet?
Definitely! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.
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