Here’s a hearty, comforting recipe for Rigatoni Pasta with Beef and Cheese—a baked pasta dish that’s cheesy, savory, and perfect for family dinners. 🍝🧀
🥘 Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat
🥄 Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook beef mixture
In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. - Add sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–10 minutes. - Combine pasta and sauce
Mix cooked rigatoni with the beef sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Assemble for baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer rigatoni and beef sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
✨ Tips
- For extra cheesy goodness, stir a little ricotta cheese into the pasta before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well and can also be frozen for later.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you want, I can give a quick stovetop version that’s ready in 30 minutes without baking but just as cheesy and flavorful. Do you want me to do that?
