Some days just call for a big, hearty bowl of cheesy, saucy pasta. This Cheesy Rigatoni Bake is the ultimate answer to that craving. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, and best of all, it comes together with minimal fuss. Think of it as a low-maintenance lasagna—all the gooey, cheesy goodness you love, but without the time-consuming layering. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, and it’s a dish that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m all about recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this rigatoni bake is a prime example. The simplicity of combining the ingredients in one bowl before baking is a game-changer. It means less mess and less time spent in the kitchen, without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The combination of savory ground meat, rich spaghetti sauce, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a truly satisfying and deeply comforting dish. Every bite is a perfect blend of tender pasta, a hearty sauce, and gooey, melty cheese. This is a recipe that has earned its spot in my regular rotation, and I know it will in yours too.
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 jars (24 oz each) spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage, browned and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1 cup + 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional additions:
- 1-2 cups ricotta cheese for an extra creamy layer
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Pasta: Rigatoni is great for this bake because its ridges and large holes hold onto the sauce and cheese perfectly. You can also use other sturdy pasta shapes like ziti, penne, or fusilli.
- Meat: Ground beef is a classic choice, but Italian sausage adds a wonderful flavor and a little bit of a spicy kick. For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and add in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Cheese: Adding a layer of ricotta cheese is a fantastic way to make this dish even richer and creamier. Just stir it in with the other ingredients, or spread it in a layer between the pasta and the final layer of mozzarella.
- Spaghetti Sauce: While jarred sauce makes this a quick and easy weeknight meal, you could certainly use your own homemade spaghetti sauce for an even more personal touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Meat: Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until it is al dente. Drain well. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked and drained rigatoni, both jars of spaghetti sauce, the browned meat, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Italian seasoning, and the grated Parmesan cheese. If using, now is the time to add the ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it is thoroughly combined and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Add the Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the rigatoni bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is hot throughout. For a beautiful golden-brown and slightly crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, it’s crucial to cook it al dente on the stove. This prevents it from getting mushy in the final dish.
- Don’t Forget the Seasoning: The Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese are what elevate this dish from simple to sensational.
- Broil with Caution: The broiler can turn cheese from golden to burnt very quickly, so stay close to the oven and watch it carefully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This cheesy rigatoni bake is a filling meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A loaf of warm garlic bread or some crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. For a drink pairing, a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Merlot would be a great choice, or for non-alcoholic options, a glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge is always refreshing.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 680 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 40g
- Fat: Approx. 30g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 65g
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this rigatoni bake are fantastic and, like lasagna, sometimes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This is also a great make-ahead meal; you can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love comforting, hearty meals, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite recipes.
- For a classic you can’t go wrong with, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a winner.
- If you’re a fan of a good casserole, this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a go-to.
- Need a quick lasagna fix? My Instant Pot Lasagna is a lifesaver.
- For a fun appetizer or easy meal, these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are always a hit.
- And when you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, these Chicken Enchiladas are a true go-to.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Rigatoni Bake is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. It’s a perfect family dinner, a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck, and an all-around winner in my book.
I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as easy and delicious as I do. What are your favorite ingredients to add to a pasta bake? Let me know in the comments below!
My Favorite Cheesy Rigatoni Bake: An Easy Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 24 oz spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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