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Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

A delightful one-pan dish that merges hearty beef flavors with creamy cheeses and pasta, baked to perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
  6. Transfer half of the rigatoni mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Layer the remaining rigatoni mixture and top with the remaining cheeses.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
  10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until warmed through.