Description
This Italian Rigatoni Bake is a quick dinner idea that’s full of flavor and cozy comfort. It’s an easy recipe with rigatoni pasta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re planning a simple weeknight meal or need a crowd-pleaser for a holiday potluck, this baked pasta dish delivers. Perfect for anyone looking for easy dinner recipes, family meal ideas, or warm comfort food.
Ingredients
16 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine fully.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased ceramic baking dish.
9. Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
10. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t go mushy while baking.
Always shred mozzarella fresh for the best melting texture.
Let the bake rest before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta bake, rigatoni recipe, comfort food, baked pasta, family meal, quick dinner