Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, cheesy dish of Baked Rigatoni. This hearty, family-style pasta bake brings together layers of tender rigatoni, a rich meat sauce made with Italian sausage and ground beef, and a blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of home cooking—and brings everyone to the table fast.
Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping ahead for busy nights, this baked rigatoni is a no-fuss recipe that never disappoints. The combination of marinara, seasoned meats, and gooey cheese creates that classic Italian-American flavor we all know and love, while a bit of fresh basil or parsley adds the perfect pop of brightness right at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Rich and Flavorful: A meat sauce that simmers with butter and garlic—need we say more?
• Cheesy and Comforting: Melty mozzarella and Parmesan bring that irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Family-Friendly: It’s filling, familiar, and perfect for picky eaters and pasta lovers alike.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients:
• 1 lb rigatoni
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 32 ounces marinara sauce
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef. About halfway through, add the chopped onion and continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add the butter and continue simmering for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted and well incorporated.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Add the drained pasta and meat sauce to the prepared casserole dish. Gently stir everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is hot all the way through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Cheese Options: Add a layer of ricotta or use an Italian blend of shredded cheese for even more flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.
• More Heat: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep the rigatoni just shy of fully cooked so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even better the next day.
Freezer:
Let the baked rigatoni cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
• Oven: Reheat at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Baked Rigatoni is that dependable, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Make it for Sunday dinner, weeknight comfort food, or your next potluck—you’ll be glad you did!
