Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
A delightful and comforting pasta dish featuring rigatoni, ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta Use your favorite pasta shape as a substitute if desired.
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce Use store-bought or homemade sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing flavor.
- Olive oil For cooking the ground beef.
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Provides stretch and gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor and richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the beef mixture.
Baking
- In a baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni mixture, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese, and then layer the remaining rigatoni.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Accompany with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. Can serve with red wine for adults or sparkling water for families.