Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef
Indulge in this delicious Cheesy Baked Rigatoni, a comforting Italian-American classic that's perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Layers of tender rigatoni are tossed with savory ground beef and a rich, homemade spaghetti sauce, then mixed with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses. Baked until bubbling and golden, this dish is sure to please adults and kids alike. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal.
10
Servings
350
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
small rigatoni pasta
3 1/2 cups (dry)
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
spaghetti sauce
4 cups (jarred or homemade)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (divided)
ricotta cheese
1 cup (pureed or mixed)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, browned ground beef, spaghetti sauce, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
5
Transfer the rigatoni mixture into a greased 13" x 9" baking dish, pressing it down slightly to form an even layer.
6
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
7
Add a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent sticking, then place it in the preheated oven.
9
Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
35g
Carbs
21g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef?
It is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender rigatoni, savory ground beef, rich spaghetti sauce, and a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include small rigatoni pasta, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How should the rigatoni be cooked?
The pasta should be boiled in salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Do I need to pre-cook the ground beef?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned in a skillet over medium heat and drained of excess grease before mixing.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13 inch by 9 inch baking dish is recommended.
How much spaghetti sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of either jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
You will need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How is the mozzarella cheese divided during preparation?
Use 1.5 cups to mix into the pasta and the remaining 0.5 cup to sprinkle on top before baking.
What role does ricotta cheese play?
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the pasta layers.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
One cup of pureed or mixed ricotta cheese is used.
Should I use parmesan cheese?
Yes, add a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
How long should the dish be baked?
Bake for a total of 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and 10 minutes uncovered.
Why is the baking dish covered with foil?
Covering with foil prevents the cheese from sticking and ensures the pasta heats through without burning.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this meal?
One serving provides 21 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 1.5 grams of fiber.
What side dishes are recommended?
This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad and garlic bread.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Meat and Italian-American cuisine.
How much dry rigatoni is needed?
You will need 3.5 cups of dry small rigatoni pasta.
What is the suggested weight for the ground beef?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese is added on top of the mozzarella layer before the dish goes into the oven.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While rigatoni is specified for its ability to hold sauce, other short pastas like penne can be used as substitutes.
What should I do after the final 10 minutes of baking?
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is the spaghetti sauce preparation flexible?
Yes, you can use either jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce depending on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, its cheesy and familiar flavors make it a popular choice for both adults and kids.
How do I ensure the pasta is even in the dish?
Press the rigatoni mixture down slightly into the baking dish to form an even layer before adding the topping.