Looking for the ultimate comfort food that never fails to impress? This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is a bubbling, golden-brown casserole packed with savory meat, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey, stretchy cheese. It’s definitely one of those cozy dishes you’ll find yourself craving after a long day, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or weeknight dinners alike. With its rich tomato sauce, hearty protein, and irresistible cheesy topping, it’s easy to see why this recipe quickly becomes a staple in anyone’s kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I truly love about this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe is that the ingredients are all simple pantry or fridge staples, yet each one adds its own special touch. From the savory meat to the fresh herbs, every item plays a crucial role in creating this deeply satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
- Rigatoni pasta: The ridges and large tubes trap the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the meat and aromatics beautifully.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Brings hearty flavor and a satisfying, meaty texture; sausage adds a bit of a kick if you like spice!
- Onion (finely chopped): Sweet and fragrant, onion forms the savory foundation for the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): No pasta bake is complete without its cozy, aromatic notes.
- Marinara sauce: The tomato base infuses the pasta with tangy, herby goodness—store-bought or homemade both work.
- Dried basil: Lends an earthy, subtly sweet Italian flavor.
- Dried oregano: Brings depth and that iconic “pizza night” aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors and bringing them together.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and keeps the interior soft and luscious.
- Mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts into stretchy, gooey perfection both inside and on top.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds a salty-savory finish with a little crusty texture.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Bright, vibrant flavor and a pop of color for garnish—totally worth it!
How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your rigatoni just until al dente (with a little bite) so it holds up to all the saucy, cheesy goodness. Give it a quick drain, and set it aside so it’s ready for all the wonderful flavors to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil and add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Once it’s nearly cooked through, toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéeing for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything’s softened and fragrant. Pour in your favorite marinara sauce, sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and a bit of salt and pepper, then let the whole mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This one-pan sauce is bursting with flavor!
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Stir it all together so each piece of pasta is coated with sauce and speckled with creamy ricotta and gooey cheese. This step is what sets this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe apart—no dry corners!
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your saucy, cheesy rigatoni mixture. Take the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle it all over the top, then finish with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese. These two cheeses guarantee that craveable bubbly top and toasty, golden edges.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to keep everything moist, then bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Right before serving, I love to shower the baked rigatoni with freshly chopped basil or parsley. These fresh herbs not only add a bright touch of color, but their vibrant flavor balances all that cheesy richness. A final grind of black pepper or a tiny sprinkle of extra Parmesan is never a bad idea either.
Side Dishes
This comforting Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. These sides cut through the richness and turn dinner into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this straight from the casserole for a cozy, shareable meal, or portion it into individual ramekins before baking for a fun dinner party twist. For potlucks or picnics, prep it in a disposable pan, bake it, then transport. No matter how you serve it up, those cheesy layers always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (trust me, that’s a big “if”!), store cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, making easy lunches or heat-and-eat dinners that taste just as good the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe all the way to the baking step, but skip baking. Wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer (add extra time) or thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or bake larger amounts covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara or a sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating to keep things extra saucy and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rigatoni works best because of its sturdy shape and sauce-catching ridges, penne, ziti, or even large shells will also create a satisfying Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe. Just adjust your cooking time slightly for different pasta shapes.
Is it possible to make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Swap the ground beef or sausage for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a medley of your favorite veggies. The result is every bit as comforting and flavorful, and it becomes a vegetarian showstopper.
Can I assemble the dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it fantastic for meal prepping or entertaining.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from burning on top?
Start by covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep the top tender and melty. Removing the foil in the last 10 to 15 minutes gives you that perfect golden finish without drying out the cheese.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or other gluten-free pasta. Follow all other instructions as usual for a cheesy, crowd-pleasing gluten-free meal.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe truly has everything—a hearty, flavorful sauce, plenty of melty cheese, and super simple prep that makes weeknights or gatherings feel special with minimal effort. If you’re after a dish that brings everyone running to the table, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new family favorite!
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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni recipe is a comforting and delicious pasta bake that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With layers of rigatoni, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil, brown the ground beef, add onion and garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce, ricotta, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Pour into a baking dish.
- Add cheese: Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Notes
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
