Savor the Comfort of Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake Tonight!

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with the irresistible combination of savory ground beef, tender rigatoni pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese in this Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake. This hearty and satisfying dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family meals or sharing with friends. With its rich, creamy flavors and easy-to-prepare instructions, this Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake is sure to become a new household favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

To create this mouthwatering Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to form a delicious and indulgent meal. Let’s take a closer look at the main components:

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 16 ounces rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

With this simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake that’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, or experimenting with different cheese varieties like cheddar or parmesan.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing this delectable Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake:

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set it aside, ready to receive the cheesy goodness.</

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if needed.

Season the Beef

To the browned beef, stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beef.

Add Sauce and Cream

Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy whipping cream, then stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy beef sauce.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the cheesy beef and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and gooey, melted cheese.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For a touch of indulgence, you can also pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine, such as a bold cabernet sauvignon or a smooth merlot.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

While Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish, it’s important to consider the nutritional aspects as well. A single serving of this recipe contains approximately 570 calories, 32 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 32 grams of protein. To make the dish healthier, you can consider using leaner ground beef, reducing the amount of cheese, or incorporating more vegetables into the mix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ingredients do I need to make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake?

To make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake, you will typically need the following ingredients: rigatoni pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce or pasta sauce, cream cheese or ricotta, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.

Can I make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake ahead of time. You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the cover and bake as directed. If baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I substitute the ground beef in Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.

How do I store leftovers of Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake?

To store leftovers of Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake, allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni
• Tuscan Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
• Big Mac Pasta

Embrace the comforting goodness of Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake and indulge in this satisfying dish tonight. With its rich, creamy flavors and melted cheese topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Print