Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef (Easy Recipe!)

Hey pasta lovers! I’m so excited to show you a dish that I really love….It’s baked rigatoni with ground beef.

This cheesy and bubbly baked pasta is great for family dinners. Both kids and grown-ups will smile big. Now, let’s get cooking and make dinner easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You get cheesy layers with every single tasty bite.
It’s easy to make and always super filling.
Feeds everyone at the table and warms hearts fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rigatoni: This pasta holds plenty of sauce, and it keeps a nice shape when baked.
Ground beef: The protein, juicy flavor, and comforting touch for everyone comes from the ground beef.
Marinara sauce: A sweet, tangy flavor that tastes homey is brought together with tomato sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: When you serve your dish, you’ll love gooey cheese bubbles that stretch… I love using shredded mozzarella.
Parmesan cheese: It also adds a salty kick on top and helps form a crispy cheese layer.
Onion: Every bite has sweet and savory onion flavors that make it extra tasty.
Garlic: It brings a warm, rich aroma that makes your kitchen smell so good.
Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs brightens and makes your baked pasta taste great.
Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings ensure every ingredient shines and nothing tastes bland.
Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green color, fresh taste, and a pretty finish on top.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot: For boiling water and cooking up your pasta until perfectly soft.
Large skillet: Helps brown your ground beef and soften the onion and garlic very well.
Baking dish: Holds all your yummy, layered rigatoni and perfectly bakes the cheesy top.
Colander: Used to drain the pasta after boiling, so it doesn’t get soggy.
Mixing spoon: Combine noodles, meat, and sauce together easily with your favorite wooden spoon.
Oven mitts: Protect your hands when moving your hot, bubbling dish from the oven to the table.

How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef

Making this dish takes about one hour. It’s simple—boil the pasta, cook the beef, layer everything, then bake until golden.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill your large pot with water and salt. Bring it to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook following the box directions—usually about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Veggies

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and cook until soft. Toss in garlic and ground beef, cooking until beef is browned and crumbly.

Step 3: Mix Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta in the colander. Stir together cooked pasta, beef mixture, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce in your large bowl.

Step 4: Layer in Baking Dish

After mixed the pasta and sauce, spread the pasta mixture into your baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you need….Serve your hungry crowd.

Tips for the Best Baked Rigatoni

Salt the pasta water for a deeper flavor before boiling your rigatoni in the pot.
Brown your beef fully to give your pasta more flavor and better texture.
Layer cheese evenly so every part gets gooey and extra delicious bites.

Variations and Substitutions

Use ground turkey if you want something leaner but still filling and yummy.
Add bell peppers or mushrooms for a boost of veggie goodness and color.
Try different cheese blends to switch up the flavor as you like.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Assemble ahead but don’t bake; cover and refrigerate to save dinner for later.
Leftovers stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat covered to keep the pasta moist and the cheese melting nicely again.

Serving Ideas

Serve with garlic bread: The buttery, crispy bread is perfect for scooping up saucy bites and cheese.
Add a side salad: Crunchy greens with a light vinaigrette balance out all the cheesiness of the rigatoni.
Pair with soup: A warm bowl of soup makes this meal extra cozy, especially on cold days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can keep leftover baked rigatoni for up to 3 days if properly covered and sealed.

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni and cook it according to the package directions for best texture.

Yes, let cool, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw and reheat well for a yummy, easy meal later.

Use any tomato-based pasta sauce you prefer—vodka sauce or homemade sauce work just as well.

Cook rigatoni just until al dente, since it keeps cooking a bit while baking in the oven.

Rigatoni works well with many meats like Italian sausage, chicken, ground turkey, or even pork. Choose your favorite for delicious results every time.