Few dishes scream comfort food quite like a bubbling baked pasta. This Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake is a rich, hearty casserole that blends al dente pasta, savory beef sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining a crowd.

Rigatoni is the star here, with its ridges and hollow shape catching every drop of sauce. Combine that with a cheesy topping that turns golden in the oven, and you’ve got a pasta bake that rivals any Italian-American restaurant.

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook Pasta
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Beef Sauce
In skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
Assemble Layers
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread half of beef sauce, then half of pasta. Add dollops of ricotta, sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
Bake
Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with parsley before serving hot.

Expert Tips

Cook pasta just under al dente, since it finishes in oven.
Add red pepper flakes to beef sauce for a spicy kick.
Substitute half beef with Italian sausage for more flavor.
Make ahead: Assemble casserole, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.

Storytelling Section: The Comfort of a Pasta Bake

There’s something magical about a pasta bake — the transformation from simple boiled noodles and sauce into a bubbling, cheesy casserole. It’s a dish that invites gathering, conversation, and hearty appetites.

The origins of baked pasta dishes trace back to Italian pasta al forno, where pasta, sauce, and cheese are layered and baked. This Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake is a nod to that tradition but with a homestyle twist — hearty beef, three cheeses, and robust marinara.

Pulling this dish from the oven, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and savory beef. The first slice reveals creamy ricotta, sauce-drenched pasta, and golden mozzarella — pure comfort on a plate.

Pairing Ideas

Pair with garlic bread and a green salad.
Enjoy with a glass of Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Serve leftovers with a drizzle of olive oil for reheating.