Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake (45-Minute Italian Comfort Casserole)

Introduction

Tutorial: how to make beef rigatoni cheese bake — al dente rigatoni + beef marinara + ricotta layer + mozzarella crown. 45 min.

Ingredients List

1 lb rigatoni + salt
1.5 lb ground beef + 1 onion + 4 garlic + 2 tbsp tomato paste + Italian + oregano + chili
24 oz marinara + 1/2 cup beef broth + 1/2 cup red wine + S+P + sugar
15 oz ricotta + 1 egg + 1/2 cup parm + parsley + basil + Italian + S+P
2.5 cups mozzarella + 1/2 cup parm + Italian
Basil + pepper + olive oil

Timing
Save

Prep 15. Beef 15. Bake 15. Rest 5. Total 45 min.

Step 1 — Pasta

Salted water. Al dente -2 min. Reserve 1/2 cup water.

Step 2 — Brown Beef

5 min crumbled. Drain. Onion 3 min. Garlic + paste + spices 1 min.

Step 3 — Marinara

Marinara + broth + wine + S+P + sugar. Simmer 10 min.

Step 4 — Ricotta

All ricotta layer ingredients mixed.

Step 5 — Layer

375°F. Pasta + marinara + 1/4 cup water. Half pasta + half ricotta. Repeat. Mozz + parm + Italian.

Step 6 — Bake 20-25 + Broil 1-2 + Rest 5

Bubbly + golden. Broil for extra. Rest. Basil + olive oil.

Nutritional Information

Calories 680 | Protein 40g | Fat 34g | Carbs 52g | Calcium 40% DV | Iron 30% DV

Healthier Alternatives

Lean beef/turkey. Part-skim ricotta/mozz. Whole wheat. Spinach. Less cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Caesar/arugula. Garlic bread. Antipasti, tiramisu. Chianti.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooked pasta
Bagged cheese
No wine
No ricotta egg
No rest

Storing Tips

4 days fridge. 350°F 12 min reheat. Freeze unbaked 3 mo. 24 hr ahead.

Conclusion

That’s how to make beef rigatoni cheese bake. Comment your herb combo, share a photo, subscribe.

FAQs

Rigatoni sub? Penne, ziti.

No wine? Broth + vinegar.

Cottage cheese? Yes.

Make ahead? 24 hr or freeze.

GF? GF pasta.

Vegetarian? Mushrooms + spinach.

Recipe Card: Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

Ingredients

1 lb rigatoni + 1.5 lb ground beef + 1 onion + 4 garlic + 2 tbsp tomato paste + Italian + oregano + chili
24 oz marinara + 1/2 cup beef broth + 1/2 cup red wine + S+P + 1 tsp sugar
15 oz whole-milk ricotta + 1 egg + 1/2 cup parm + parsley + basil + Italian + S+P
2.5 cups mozzarella + 1/2 cup parm + Italian seasoning + fresh basil

Instructions

Boil rigatoni 2 min less than al dente; reserve 1/2 cup water; drain.
Brown beef 5 min; drain; cook onion + garlic + tomato paste + spices 4 min.
Add marinara, broth, wine, S+P, sugar; simmer 10 min.
Mix ricotta layer with egg, parm, herbs, S+P.
Layer pasta with sauce, ricotta, repeat; top with mozzarella + parm.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 min; broil 1-2 min; rest 5 min; garnish.

Nutrition (per serving)