Introduction

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the delightful texture of rigatoni, all enveloped in a savory marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. Whether you’re a young professional juggling a hectic schedule or simply love the idea of a homemade meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this dish is designed with you in mind.

Imagine coming home after a long day, and the aroma of this hearty casserole envelops you as it bakes in the oven. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers on taste, ensuring that each bite is as delightful as the last. The combination of gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and the rich, meaty sauce creates a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a great way to share a homemade experience with friends and family, making it more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to connect.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this delicious baked rigatoni. You’ll find that the ingredients are straightforward, and the cooking process is designed to be as efficient as possible, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into this delightful culinary experience!

Key Ingredients

Ground Beef (1 pound)

Ground beef is the star protein of this dish, providing rich flavor and a hearty texture. It cooks quickly and absorbs the delicious marinara sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.

Rigatoni Pasta (3 cups)

Rigatoni, with its tubular shape, is perfect for holding onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring that every mouthful is a delightful mix of flavors. Its robust texture stands up well to baking, making it an ideal choice for this dish.

Marinara Sauce (2 cups)

A classic marinara sauce brings a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile to the rigatoni. This sauce serves as the foundation for the dish, enhancing the overall taste while keeping the pasta moist and flavorful.

Ricotta Cheese (1 cup)

Ricotta adds creaminess and richness to the baked rigatoni, creating a delightful contrast to the meat and sauce. It also contributes to the dish’s overall texture, making it comforting and indulgent.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups)

Mozzarella cheese is crucial for achieving that gooey, melted topping that everyone loves. It creates a deliciously cheesy crust on top of the baked rigatoni, making it visually appealing and irresistible.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Sprinkling it on top before baking creates a golden-brown finish that is both flavorful and attractive.

Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)

A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the dish, Italian seasoning complements the marinara sauce while enhancing the flavors of the beef and cheese.

Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)

Garlic powder provides a subtle punch of flavor that elevates the dish, making it more aromatic and savory.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

These essential seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile, bringing out the best in the other ingredients. They are key to achieving a well-seasoned, satisfying dish.

In this Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a comforting meal that is sure to please both family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to your dinner table. This recipe combines hearty ingredients that create a fulfilling dish, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of rich flavors from the ground beef and marinara sauce, along with the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice cooks can create a masterpiece that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, the baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even swap out the meat for a vegetarian alternative. It’s a dish that adapts to your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a hearty meal.

Finally, this Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, ready to pop in the oven when you need a quick dinner solution. This convenience is a huge plus for young professionals and anyone balancing a busy lifestyle. So why not gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a delicious homemade dinner tonight?

Variations

Vegetarian Option

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. This variation retains the hearty feel of Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef while adding a fresh and vibrant twist.

Cheesy Additions

For cheese lovers, consider adding a layer of fresh spinach or artichokes to the pasta mixture before baking. You can also mix in some feta cheese for a tangy flavor or increase the amount of ricotta for extra creaminess. These additions not only enhance the taste but also boost the nutritional profile of the dish.

Spicy Kick

If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This addition will elevate the flavor profile and make it a delightful dish for those who crave spicy meals.

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free options that maintain a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package to achieve the best results.

With these variations, you can easily customize your Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef to suit any taste preference or dietary need, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.

Cooking Tips and Notes

Prepping Ahead

Preparing Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy nights. You can assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven! This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even tastier.

Perfect Pasta

To ensure that your rigatoni is cooked perfectly, follow the package instructions closely, but aim for al dente. The pasta will continue to cook while it bakes, so slightly undercooking it initially will prevent it from becoming mushy. This technique helps maintain the ideal texture once baked.

Cheese Choices

Feel free to get creative with your cheese! While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, you can mix in other varieties like provolone or fontina for added depth of flavor. Just remember to keep the cheese proportions similar to maintain the dish’s structure and creaminess.

Flavor Boosters

To elevate the flavor of your baked rigatoni, consider adding sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture. A splash of red wine in the marinara sauce can also enhance the flavor profile. Experimenting with different herbs and spices, such as fresh basil or a hint of red pepper flakes, can personalize the dish to your taste.

These cooking tips and notes will help you make the most of your Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef, ensuring that every bite is delicious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Sides

To round out your Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef, consider serving it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the rigatoni perfectly. Garlic bread is another fantastic option, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Wine Recommendations

For those who enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, a medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with this dish. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the cheese and beef, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Leftover Ideas

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! This baked rigatoni reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. You can also repurpose it by adding some extra marinara sauce and serving it with a new twist, perhaps as a filling for stuffed peppers or even in a pasta bake with additional cheese on top for a delightful second meal.

With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef experience, making it a memorable meal for family and friends.

Time Breakdown

Preparation

Prepare your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start cooking.

Cooking/Baking

Cook the rigatoni and the ground beef before assembling the dish, which takes approximately 45 minutes in total.

Total

In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.

Efficiency Tip: To save time, consider cooking the pasta and browning the beef simultaneously. This way, you can speed up the overall cooking process and have everything ready to go when it’s time to assemble your Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef.

Nutritional Facts

Overview

Each serving of Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is designed to be both satisfying and nutritious, offering a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. This dish not only provides comfort food vibes but also packs a wholesome punch for your family dinner.

Nutritional Breakdown

A single serving (1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable option for dinner. With 20 grams of protein, it supports muscle maintenance and satiety. The dish also delivers 18 grams of total fat, including both saturated and unsaturated fats, which are important for energy and nutrient absorption.

In terms of carbohydrates, you’ll find 28 grams per serving, with 2 grams of dietary fiber to aid digestion. The meal is also relatively low in sugars, providing only 6 grams. With 650 mg of sodium, it’s important to balance this with other meals throughout the day.

This easy and delicious recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also supports a balanced diet, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.

FAQ based on “People Also Ask” section

What is Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef?

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is a comforting pasta dish that combines rigatoni pasta, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a delicious, hearty meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total time to prepare Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is about 45 minutes. This includes 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions while cooking the ground beef. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, on top before serving for a fresh finish.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be thawed and reheated in the oven for a delicious meal later.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings family together. With its combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich cheese, it satisfies both the appetite and the soul. This recipe is designed for young professionals and busy families, making it easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with the ability to make it ahead of time or customize it to your taste, it fits seamlessly into any schedule. Don’t forget to take a moment to savor each bite and share your experience with others. Cook, save, or share this recipe, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef!

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