Baked Rigatoni is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the comforting elements of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese in a single, mouthwatering casserole. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. The rigatoni pasta, known for its tube-like shape, captures the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Layered with a zesty tomato sauce, robust ground meat, and a generous amount of cheese, this baked dish offers a satisfying experience that warms the heart and pleases the palate. The best part? Preparing Baked Rigatoni is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. With just a few ingredients and some time in the oven, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, Baked Rigatoni is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are many reasons to fall in love with Baked Rigatoni, starting with its incredible taste. The combination of savory ground meat, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a flavor profile that is both hearty and satisfying. Each mouthful bursts with flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Additionally, the ease of preparation is another highlight. With simple steps and minimal fuss, this dish can be prepared in under an hour, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. The appearance of Baked Rigatoni is also noteworthy; the golden, bubbly cheese on top gives it an inviting look that makes it a star at any dinner table. Finally, this recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you prefer a meatless version or want to add some extra veggies, Baked Rigatoni can adapt to your culinary creativity.

Ingredients:

To create the perfect Baked Rigatoni, gather the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the dish’s rich flavor and satisfying texture.

1 pound rigatoni pasta: This sturdy pasta shape holds sauces exceptionally well, making it ideal for baking.
1 pound ground beef: Choose a good quality ground beef for a rich flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
1 onion, finely chopped: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a robust aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: This forms the base of the sauce, providing acidity and moisture.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor thickens the sauce and adds richness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb adds an earthy note that complements the tomato sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Basil brings a touch of sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the sauce and enhancing the dish’s flavors.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: A melty cheese that creates a deliciously gooey topping.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and a crispy texture on top.
Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and ground beef, contributing to the overall richness.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.

These ingredients come together to create a comforting and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences or the number of servings you need.

How To Make Baked Rigatoni?

Creating Baked Rigatoni is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano and basil, mixing everything well. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sauce in the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
In a large baking dish, spread half of the rigatoni mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Layer the remaining rigatoni mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This ensures a cheesy, golden crust on top once baked.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

And just like that, your delicious Baked Rigatoni is ready to be served! This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Tips For Variations:

Baked Rigatoni is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some unique substitution ideas to enhance flavor, texture, and budget:

Vegetable Medley: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with a medley of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. This not only adds flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the dish.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist. Try provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. Mixing in some ricotta can add creaminess to the dish.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños. This can give your Baked Rigatoni a spicy, zesty kick.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley into the sauce for a vibrant flavor. You can also try thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic experience.
Budget-Friendly Options: For a more cost-effective meal, consider using canned tomatoes instead of fresh, and look for sales on ground meat. Bulk buying pasta can also save money while ensuring you always have it on hand.
Layering Flavors: You can add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor. This can also help create a thinner sauce, which might be preferable based on your texture preference.
Cheesy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil and Parmesan cheese on top before the final bake. This will create a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy pasta.

These variations can turn your Baked Rigatoni into a signature dish that reflects your personal taste. Feel free to mix and match these ideas for a dish that is uniquely yours.

Serving Suggestions:

Simple Salad: Pair your Baked Rigatoni with a light, refreshing salad. A classic Caesar or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread alongside the rigatoni. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the pasta beautifully and allows diners to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Wine Pairing: While avoiding alcoholic beverages, consider offering sparkling grape juice or a non-alcoholic wine alternative for a sophisticated touch during family gatherings.
Herb Garnish: Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This not only adds a splash of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Creative Plating: For a restaurant-style presentation, use a ring mold to plate individual portions of Baked Rigatoni. This creates a visually appealing dish that impresses guests.
Customizable Toppings: Allow guests to personalize their servings with toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, grated cheese, or even a dollop of pesto for a unique twist.

These serving suggestions can enhance the overall dining experience, making your Baked Rigatoni not just a meal, but a memorable occasion.

FAQ:

Can I make Baked Rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes, Baked Rigatoni can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze Baked Rigatoni?

Absolutely! You can freeze Baked Rigatoni before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

What can I serve with Baked Rigatoni?

Baked Rigatoni pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty Italian soup.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Baked Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just ensure that the pasta is sturdy enough to hold the sauce and toppings well.

Baked Rigatoni

Baked Rigatoni is a classic Italian-American dish that combines pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese in a comforting casserole.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

Large Pot
Large Skillet
Baking Dish
Mixing Spoon
Aluminum Foil

Ingredients

Pasta

1 pound Rigatoni Pasta This sturdy pasta shape holds sauces exceptionally well.

Meat

1 pound Ground Beef Choose good quality for rich flavor.

Vegetables

1 medium Onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
3 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Sauce

28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the base of the sauce.
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce and adds richness.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds an earthy note.
1 teaspoon Dried Basil Brings a touch of sweetness.
to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Cheese

2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Creates a deliciously gooey topping.
1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds a nutty flavor.

Cooking Oil

1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing the onions and ground beef.

Garnish

to taste Fresh Parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add oregano and basil, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Combine cooked rigatoni with the sauce, stirring gently to coat.
In a baking dish, spread half of the rigatoni mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Layer the remaining rigatoni mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.