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This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni is a warm comforting dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender rigatoni pasta swirls in a luscious tomato cream sauce with savory ground beef and is finished with a golden melted mozzarella topping. It’s simple enough for busy evenings but indulgent enough to make everyone at the table smile.
I remember making this on a chilly evening when I was craving something easy but delicious and my family never stopped requesting it after that. It’s become a go-to for those times when comfort food is what we need most.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: to sauté onions and brown the beef, adding richness and preventing sticking
- Yellow onion: for a sweet aromatic flavor, choose firm and glossy onions for the best taste
- Ground beef: provides hearty protein and savory depth lean to reduce excess grease
- Italian seasoning: for that classic herby flavor associated with Italian-American dishes
- Onion powder and garlic powder: enhance the savory foundation and add complexity
- Salt and black pepper: for balanced seasoning throughout the dish
- Pasta sauce: a tomato-based jar sauce works well for convenience and bold flavor
- Heavy whipping cream: creates the creamy texture that turns basic tomato sauce into a luscious finish
- Rigatoni pasta: tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully it should be cooked to al dente
- Mozzarella cheese: melts to form a gooey and flavorful topping that crowds love
How To Make Cheesy Beef Rigatoni
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and cook gently for two to three minutes until softened and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain off excess grease for a leaner dish. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to add layers of flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in your favorite jarred pasta sauce and stir in heavy whipping cream. The cream enriches the tomato sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture that coats every bite of rigatoni.
- Cook and Combine Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni pasta in boiling salted water following package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta well and add it to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together so the rigatoni is fully coated.
- Bake with Cheese:
- Transfer the skillet or use an oven-safe dish, topping the pasta mixture evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, forming a cheesy crust that seals in flavor and heat.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within three to four days for best flavor. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the creaminess intact.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace ground beef for a different but equally delicious flavor. You can swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a twist on the cheesy topping. Adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms works well to sneak in extra veggies without overpowering the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy beef rigatoni with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also pairs beautifully and cuts through the creaminess.
Pro Tips
- Cook pasta just to al dente to avoid mushiness after baking
- Reserve some pasta water before draining in case you need to thin the sauce
- Keep a close eye on the cheese in the oven to prevent it from over-browning or burning
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the rigatoni is perfectly cooked?
Cook rigatoni in boiling water until al dente, usually a minute or two less than package directions. Drain promptly to avoid overcooking and a mushy texture.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, turkey sausage or ground turkey are great alternatives and complement the creamy tomato sauce well.
- → What’s the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Keeping a bit of pasta water helps thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring it coats the rigatoni smoothly without diluting flavor.
- → How long should I bake after adding cheese?
Bake under 350°F for just a few minutes until the mozzarella melts and starts bubbling, creating a delightful crust without drying out.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp Caesar salad or warm garlic bread perfectly balance the rich, creamy flavors of this pasta dish.