Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake
A hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of ground beef, cheesy goodness, and flavorful spices, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Cheese
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Boiling Pasta
- Boil the rigatoni in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Making the Sauce
- Add olive oil, then toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
Layering
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni at the bottom.
- Spoon half of the sauce over the pasta. Add dollops of ricotta, then spread mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Resting and Serving
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs or crushed red pepper. Allowing the bake to rest helps in serving.