Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Rigatoni Bake
- Easy Recipes That Bring People Together
- The Magic of Cheesy Pasta Dinners
- Making Dinner Recipes Effortless
- Comfort Food with a Purpose
- Quick Tips for Perfect Results
Key Takeaways
This baked rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food: hearty, cheesy, and easy to make. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll turn to again and again for busy nights or cozy weekends. With simple ingredients and bold Italian flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Rigatoni Bake
If you’re craving a warm, satisfying dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this baked rigatoni has your back. It checks every box—melty cheese, rich meat sauce, and a golden top that makes every bite feel like home. This dish has quickly become one of our most requested dinner recipes, and once you try it, you’ll know why.
Easy Recipes That Bring People Together
At Betty Cooks, we believe food should be joyful, simple, and shared. This baked rigatoni embodies everything we love about easy recipes. Whether you’re serving it up at a family dinner or prepping it ahead for guests, it delivers both flavor and connection with every serving.
The Magic of Cheesy Pasta Dinners
There’s just something about baked pasta that feels like a warm hug. The blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan gives this dish that irresistible cheesy pull you get at your favorite Italian restaurant. It’s perfect for when you’re in the mood for quick and easy recipes that don’t skimp on comfort.
Making Dinner Recipes Effortless
This baked rigatoni comes together with just a few pantry staples and a bit of layering. It’s the perfect dish when you’re looking for recipes for dinner that can be prepared ahead of time and baked when you’re ready. And cleanup? Almost as easy as the prep.
Comfort Food with a Purpose
Need a hearty dish that even picky eaters will devour? This is it. With protein-packed ground beef and sausage, creamy cheese, and a zesty tomato base, it brings balance to your weekly meal plan. Plus, it fits right into those food receipt easy recipes that work for both weeknight meals and meal prepping.
Quick Tips for Perfect Results
Make sure to slightly undercook your rigatoni before baking so it doesn’t get too soft. For a vegetarian twist, swap out the meat for roasted vegetables. Want to freeze it? Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking—ideal for those sweet easy recipes you can enjoy even on your busiest days.
Baked Rigatoni Easy Recipe for Cheesy Family Dinners
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
- Add garlic, ground beef, and sausage. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- In a large baking dish, layer cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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