Name: Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Craving a hearty, bubbling pasta dish that hits every comfort-food note? The Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake might just be your next go-to. This dish takes everything we love about Italian-American comfort—robust meat sauce, ridged rigatoni, and golden, melted cheese—and transforms it into a baked casserole masterpiece.

It’s the kind of dinner that brings the family to the table without a second call. The sauce hugs every noodle, and the cheese melts into rich layers that are perfect for scooping onto plates. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this dish always delivers flavor and satisfaction.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake, take a moment to gather your kitchen allies. Start with a large pot for boiling the pasta and a sturdy skillet for browning the beef and building your sauce—both must-haves for even cooking.

You’ll also need a mixing bowl to combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce, and a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the final casserole. Don’t skip on a silicone spatula for mixing and scraping every flavorful bit, and use a cheese grater to freshly shred mozzarella and Parmesan—store-bought shreds don’t melt as evenly.

Lastly, aluminum foil will help trap heat during the first bake phase, preventing the cheese from over-browning too soon. With these tools on hand, you’re all set to create a perfectly layered, cheesy pasta bake.

Ingredients for the Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Rigatoni pasta: This ridged tube pasta holds onto sauce perfectly and stays firm during baking.
Ground beef: The foundation of the meat sauce, it adds richness and savory depth.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic: Enhances the sauce with bold, fragrant notes.
Crushed tomatoes: Forms the core of the tomato sauce, giving body and tang.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A balanced herb blend that delivers that classic Italian comfort.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for flavoring every component.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey layers.
Parmesan cheese: Lends a salty, nutty kick that complements the mozzarella.
Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, it adds color and a fresh finish.

How To Make the Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer the Bake

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheeses.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Your Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Serve the Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake straight from the oven while the cheese is still molten and stretchy. It’s perfect as a main course, and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread on the side is never a bad idea.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a covered ovenproof container at 350°F until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap portions tightly and store up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent the pasta from turning mushy?

Be sure to cook the rigatoni just until al dente, since it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne or ziti are great substitutes, but rigatoni holds the sauce best due to its ridges and size.

Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the bake a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions to the meat sauce.

What cheeses work best for topping?

Mozzarella is classic for meltiness, and Parmesan adds depth. You could also mix in provolone or fontina for added richness.

Does this recipe work with ground turkey or sausage?

Yes, feel free to substitute the beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage to switch up the flavor profile.

Want More Baked Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If cheesy, saucy bakes are your comfort zone, you’ll love exploring more pasta-forward dishes. Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a lighter, stovetop option that still brings hearty flavor.

For something creamy and rich, check out the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti that melts beautifully under a golden crust. Want a twist on traditional rigatoni? The Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni leans savory and decadent with its creamy sauce.

And don’t miss the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna if you’re in the mood for bold, spicy layers. If tomato-based dishes are your go-to, the Rigatoni Bolognese gives you a slow-simmered option that hits the spot.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just hit the Pin button.

And if you make it, I’d love to hear what you thought. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Add mushrooms? Leave a comment below or tag me. You can find more of my daily recipe creations on Pinterest at LadyPlate.