Looking for a comforting, kid-approved meal that’s quick to whip up and packed with flavor? This easy cheesy baked Rigatoni is your go-to recipe for a hearty dinner that serves the whole family. Perfect for Sunday meal prep, it ensures leftovers for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for creating this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
- Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters will devour this cheesy goodness.
- Meal Prep Favorite: Makes enough to last for days, saving you cooking time.
- Comfort Food Classic: Layers of cheesy pasta and savory meat sauce make it a hit at the dinner table.
Easy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the ultimate baked Rigatoni dish:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (16 oz) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers:
- 1 lb (16 oz) Rigatoni (or penne)
- 12 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus 1 additional cup for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat the Pan: Over medium heat, warm up a large skillet. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook the Beef: Stir frequently, breaking the beef into crumbles until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Garlic and Marinara: Stir in the minced garlic and pour in both jars of marinara sauce.
- Stir in Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer gently while preparing the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Rigatoni and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble the Layers
- Layer One: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the cooked Rigatoni evenly. Pour half the meat sauce on top and gently mix. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the mixture.
- Layer Two: Add the remaining Rigatoni and meat sauce as the second layer. Spread evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
4. Bake the Dish
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden, bubbly finish, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Pasta: Feel free to use penne, ziti, or any short pasta you have on hand.
- Extra Creamy Sauce: Swap out heavy cream for mascarpone cheese for an even richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze baked Rigatoni?
Yes! Bake it, let it cool completely, and wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until heated through.
3. What sides pair well with baked Rigatoni?
Garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are perfect companions to this dish.
This easy cheesy baked Rigatoni is the epitome of comfort food, with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
