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Baked Rigatoni
This cheesy baked rigatoni recipe combines tender pasta, rich sauce, and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy, quick, and incredibly satisfying!
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This cheesy baked rigatoni recipe delivers big flavor with tender pasta, rich sauce, and lots of gooey cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The bubbly, baked cheese on top makes every bite irresistible. Serve it hot and watch everyone ask for seconds!
This dish is so easy to make by following the guide below. You’ll love the step-by-step photos and directions included. Plus, we share pro tips, tricks, and answers to all your frequently asked questions to help you make the best rigatoni ever!
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This baked rigatoni pasta recipe is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in under an hour. The rich, hearty sauce combined with gooey, melted cheese makes every bite pure comfort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you crave something warm and satisfying. The bubbly, baked cheese on top sets it apart, making this pasta dish one everyone will love. Try it tonight and see why this rigatoni will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make Baked Rigatoni:
- 1 pound box of rigatoni pasta, cooked to al dente according to package directions
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ pound of ground beef (ground round 85%-15%)
- ½ pound of ground mild Italian sausage
- ½ cup of chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 24-ounce jar of tomato basil marinara sauce
- 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, juices drained
- 16-ounce block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, for optional garnish
Pro Tip
Be sure you are using ground Italian sausage, NOT ground breakfast sausage. These will yield two completely different flavors.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your baked rigatoni recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These simple changes can make your pasta uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Cheese: Try mozzarella, ricotta, or provolone for a gooey, cheesy variation on your rigatoni recipe.
Substitute Ground Beef: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist on your rigatoni.
Substitute Marinara Sauce: Use Alfredo sauce or pesto for a creamy, rich flavor in your rigatoni.
Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor in your rigatoni dish.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni
Follow along with our pictures and step-by-step instructions to make this cheesy rigatoni recipe. Don’t miss the tips and tricks below for perfect results every time. Let’s get started and create a delicious pasta dish everyone will love!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a large pot of water, boil the rigatoni noodles according to the package directions. Drain pasta, then place the pasta back into the pot. Set aside. You will make your sauce while your pasta is cooking.
Pro Tip
Be sure not to overcook your pasta when boiling it. As your dish bakes, your pasta will continue to cook and absorb some of the liquids from the sauce.
THIRD STEP: In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, add the olive oil, ground beef, and ground mild Italian sausage.
Cook and brown the meat for 3 minutes before adding the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Continue to cook the meat, onions, and spices for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until all the meat is cooked through with no pink remaining.
Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture.
FOURTH STEP: Add the cooked meat mixture, crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, and petite diced tomatoes that have had their juices drained to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine all the ingredients fully.
FIFTH STEP: Add the entire bowl of meat sauce to your drained pasta pot and gently stir to combine.
SIXTH STEP: Transfer the sauce and rigatoni pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
SEVENTH STEP: Top the entire surface of the pasta and sauce with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
EIGHTH STEP: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly. If desired, you can broil your baked rigatoni for the last 2 to 3 minutes to lightly brown your cheese without over baking your pasta.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pasta at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
NINTH STEP: Once your baked rigatoni has been removed from the oven, garnish it with the chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Pro Tip
Allow your baked rigatoni pasta to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How To Serve this Baked Rigatoni Recipe
This cheesy rigatoni works for so many occasions and seasons! Kids and adults both love it, making it a crowd-pleaser. Here are some fun ways to serve this delicious pasta dish:
- Family Weeknight Dinner: This rigatoni makes an easy, satisfying meal for busy nights. Pair it with cheesy garlic bread and a kale salad for a complete dinner.
- Potluck or Party Dish: Serve this at your next potluck or gathering. The cheesy, baked goodness stays warm and tastes great with a side of pepperoni rolls.
- Cozy Fall or Winter Meal: This hearty pasta is perfect for chilly evenings. Enjoy it with roasted veggies or a warm bowl of tomato soup.
Why You'll Love This Easy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
This baked rigatoni is a comforting classic that our readers can’t get enough of! Here’s why it’s a top favorite:
- Cheesy, Gooey Goodness: This rigatoni combines tender pasta, a rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese in every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner ideas. You’ll love how simple it is to make!
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Kids and adults both adore this dish, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Cheesy rigatoni is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy, satisfying favorite that makes dinnertime extra special!
Recipe FAQ
What makes this cheesy baked rigatoni so delicious?
The combination of tender rigatoni, rich sauce, and melted cheese creates the perfect bite. The baked, bubbly cheese adds extra flavor.
Can I prepare rigatoni for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes! This cheesy rigatoni comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Is this baked rigatoni recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the gooey cheese and flavorful sauce. This dish is a family favorite that pleases even picky eaters.
Why should I bake the rigatoni instead of serving it right away?
Baking helps the cheese melt and bubble, creating a golden, crispy top. It also lets the flavors combine perfectly.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve this baked rigatoni recipe at a gathering?
Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates so everyone gets plenty of that bubbly, baked cheese and rich sauce.
Should I serve cheesy baked rigatoni hot or warm?
Serve it hot for the best gooey cheese experience. The melted cheese and warm sauce taste incredible straight from the oven!
Can I serve baked rigatoni in individual portions?
Yes! Use small ramekins to bake individual portions. This makes serving easy and adds a fun, personalized touch.
How do I make this rigatoni extra special for a family dinner?
Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an extra gooey finish. Kids and adults will both love it!
Storage FAQ
Follow the tips and tricks below for the best way to store, make ahead, and reheat this baked rigatoni pasta. We’ve covered everything you need to keep it fresh and tasty. Let’s make sure your leftovers stay just as delicious!
Can I prepare baked rigatoni ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rigatoni ahead. Cover and store it in the fridge for up to twenty-four hours before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover cheesy rigatoni?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Can I freeze rigatoni noodles?
Yes, freeze the baked rigatoni in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat cheesy rigatoni?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for twenty minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in one minute increments.
Baked Rigatoni
This cheesy baked rigatoni recipe combines tender pasta, rich sauce, and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy, quick, and incredibly satisfying!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta (cooked to al dente according to package directions)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef (ground round 85%-15%)
- ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
- ½ cup yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 24 ounces tomato basil marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (juices drained)
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for optional garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large stock pot, boil the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, then place the pasta back into the pot. Set aside. You will make your sauce while your pasta is cooking.
- In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, add the olive oil, ground beef, and ground mild Italian sausage. Cook and brown the meat for 3 minutes before adding the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook the meat, onions, and spices for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until all the meat is cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add the cooked meat mixture, crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, and petite diced tomatoes that have had their juices drained to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine all the ingredients fully.
- Add the entire bowl of meat sauce to your drained pasta pot and gently stir to combine.
- Transfer the rigatoni pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top the entire surface of the pasta and sauce with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. You can broil your baked rigatoni for the last 2 to 3 minutes if desired to lightly brown your cheese without overbaking your pasta.
- Once your baked rigatoni has been removed from the oven, garnish it with the chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Be sure you are using ground Italian sausage, NOT ground breakfast sausage. These will yield two completely different flavors.
- Be sure not to overcook your pasta when boiling it. As your dish bakes, your pasta will continue to cook and absorb some of the liquids from the sauce.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pasta at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
- Allow your baked rigatoni pasta to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1333mg | Potassium: 1037mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1119IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 379mg | Iron: 5mg
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