10/03/2026
Easy Baked Beef Rigatoni
A bowl of this golden, cheesy casserole feels like a warm hug after a long day. The tender rigatoni, savory beef, and bubbling mozzarella make it a perfect crowd‑pleaser for any family gathering.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef, 12 oz rigatoni, 3 cups marinara sauce, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, a pinch of red‑pepper flakes (optional).
Directions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to boil; cook the rigatoni 2 minutes less than the package directs (it will finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 3‑4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown until no pink remains, about 6‑7 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red‑pepper flakes.
4️⃣ Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stir, and let it simmer 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
5️⃣ In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef‑tomato mixture, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
6️⃣ Bake uncovered for 20‑25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The casserole is ready when the edges are crisp and the center is hot throughout. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so the slices hold their shape.
💡 Tip: Stir a splash of whole‑milk ricotta or a tablespoon of milk into the sauce before mixing for an extra creamy texture.
Try it here: https://easyrecipeslife.com/easy-baked-beef-rigatoni
What’s your favorite way to add a little extra comfort to a classic pasta bake?