This baked rigatoni with ground beef is cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
It’s the kind of comforting pasta bake that brings the whole family running to the table.
With hearty meat sauce, melty mozzarella, and golden Parmesan on top—it’s everything a baked pasta should be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crowd-pleasing comfort food with layers of beefy marinara and gooey cheese
Easy to prep and bake in under an hour
Great for leftovers—it reheats beautifully the next day
Customizable with extra veggies, spicy sausage, or more cheese!
Ingredient Highlights
Rigatoni pasta – The ridged shape catches sauce perfectly and holds up well in the oven.
Ground beef – Lean and flavorful, it forms the hearty base of the sauce.
Marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for a rich tomato flavor.
Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese – A dreamy combo that melts and browns beautifully.
Oregano & basil – Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and depth.
Garlic & onion – Sautéed until fragrant to build bold, savory flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Use a high-quality marinara for the best taste—it’s the heart of the sauce.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
Grate your own cheese for maximum melt and flavor—it’s worth the extra step!
Add chopped spinach or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies without fuss.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef & Marinara
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the onion until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it browns.
Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce until well coated.
Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread evenly.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
Caesar salad or mixed greens
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
A glass of Chianti or Italian soda
Variations & Substitutions
Swap proteins: Use Italian sausage or ground turkey for a twist.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Add spice: A pinch of crushed red pepper in the sauce adds gentle heat.
Use different pasta: Penne, ziti, or shells work just as well.
Extra cheesy? Add a ricotta layer between the pasta and sauce!
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in portions with a splash of water.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake when ready to eat—add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best type of cheese for topping?
Mozzarella melts perfectly, while Parmesan adds a salty, crispy finish.
A blend of both is ideal.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Any short pasta like penne, ziti, or rotini will work well in place of rigatoni.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What kind of beef works best?
Use lean ground beef (80–90%) to avoid greasy results while still getting great flavor.
Can I add veggies to the bake?
Definitely! Try chopped spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned and saucy.
Don’t overbake, and cover with foil if reheating.
Final Thoughts
This baked rigatoni with ground beef is everything I crave on a busy night—warm, filling, and just cheesy enough to feel indulgent.
Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this pasta bake will earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation.
