Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty pasta dish loaded with tender rigatoni, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This oven-baked classic is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. With layers of pasta, savory beef, and creamy cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common pantry ingredients make this a hassle-free recipe.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting, cheesy pasta dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Great for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and frozen for later.
• Rich and Flavorful: A hearty combination of pasta, meaty sauce, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Marinara sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Ricotta cheese (optional)
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, ricotta (if using), and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Let the baked rigatoni cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Meat Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different protein choice.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use provolone for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked rigatoni in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, ziti, or any short pasta will work well.

3. Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

No, you can omit it or replace it with cottage cheese for a similar texture.

4. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, but you can also make homemade sauce for a fresher taste.

6. What side dishes pair well with baked rigatoni?

Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover with foil while baking, then remove it during the last 10-15 minutes.

9. Can I add more cheese?

Yes, feel free to layer in extra mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesier dish.

10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven for best texture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Conclusion

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your table. Whether you customize it with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables, it remains an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe.

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni, rich meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, this oven-baked classic is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Delicious: Simple ingredients come together for a flavorful, satisfying dish.
• Family-Friendly: A cheesy, comforting meal that everyone will love.
• Great for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and frozen for later.
• Rich and Hearty: Loaded with beef, marinara sauce, and cheese for a filling meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Marinara sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Ricotta cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, ricotta (if using), and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Let the baked rigatoni cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
• Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils instead of meat.
• Different Cheeses: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, penne, ziti, or any short pasta works well.

3. Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

No, you can omit it or replace it with cottage cheese.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook it until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce adds a fresher taste.

6. What side dishes go well with baked rigatoni?

Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based alternative.

8. How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover with foil while baking, then remove it during the last 10-15 minutes.

9. Can I add more cheese?

Yes, add extra mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesier dish.

10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven for best texture or microwave in short intervals.

Conclusion

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether served fresh or prepared in advance, this comforting pasta bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.