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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe

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4.5 from 57 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni mixed with a flavorful ground beef marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection and topped with Parmesan and parsley for a delicious family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 16 oz rigatoni pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce

Creamy Mixture

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

Cheeses & Garnish

  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Dried parsley for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the rigatoni pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and onions are translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce jars and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
  5. Mix the creamy cheese blend: In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the meat sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
  7. Assemble the bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, then dollop half of the ricotta cream mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta cream, and mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake the rigatoni: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  9. Add final toppings and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked rigatoni warm!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
  • Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter option.
  • If you like it spicier, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/cheesy-baked-rigatoni-recipe/