Cheesy Beef Rigatoni Bake (Print Version)
Hearty rigatoni with beef, marinara, and creamy mozzarella topping baked to golden perfection.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
02 -
1/2 yellow onion, diced
03 -
1 pound ground beef
04 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Black pepper, to taste
09 -
24 ounces marinara sauce
10 -
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
11 -
16 ounces rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
12 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
# Steps:
01 -
Prepare the rigatoni pasta in boiling salted water, following package directions, until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
03 -
Stir Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture until evenly distributed.
04 -
Pour marinara sauce and heavy whipping cream into the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the meat is fully coated in the sauce.
05 -
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the beef and sauce mixture.
06 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
07 -
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For optimal texture, cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking.