Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake
This cheesy baked rigatoni is packed with hearty beef and creamy sauce, making it a perfect family-friendly comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
16 ounces rigatoni, cooked until al dente
24 ounces marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour in marinara sauce and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently until combined.
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust seasoning to taste before baking.
Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Add extra cheese or Parmesan for more richness.
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/beef-rigatoni-cheese-bake/
