Description
A comforting and cheesy baked rigatoni casserole featuring al dente rigatoni pasta layered with a seasoned ground beef marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture with easy stovetop preparation and oven baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Garnish
- Dried parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Once browned, drain the excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and heavy cream and turn off the heat.
- Layer Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin by placing half of the cooked pasta as the first layer, then spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Dollop and spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the layer, and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with dried parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy baked rigatoni.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set for easier serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
