Name: Italian Rigatoni Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a bubbling Italian Rigatoni Bake fresh from the oven. This dish brings together hearty rigatoni pasta, rich tomato-meat sauce, and gooey layers of melted cheese to create the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for a potluck, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Each bite of this Italian classic delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor—the chewy pasta, the savory meat, and the creamy, melted mozzarella come together in one glorious forkful. With its rustic roots and universal appeal, the Italian Rigatoni Bake is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Rigatoni Bake

This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead weekend meal. It’s filling, packed with flavor, and leaves you with minimal cleanup. Kids love the cheesy top, adults appreciate the depth of the sauce, and everyone goes back for seconds. It’s also a wonderful option for freezing—just assemble and bake later.

Additionally, you can tailor this recipe to suit your preferences. Want to add some heat? Mix in red pepper flakes. Looking for more veggies? Toss in chopped spinach or zucchini. It’s versatile and always delicious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this Italian Rigatoni Bake to life, having the right tools on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Pot: For boiling rigatoni until perfectly al dente. A heavy-bottom pot ensures even cooking.
Skillet or Sauté Pan: Used for browning ground beef or sausage and sautéing aromatics like garlic and onions.
Mixing Bowl: Helps combine pasta with sauce and cheese evenly before baking.
9×13 Baking Dish: The heart of this recipe. It allows for uniform baking and a nice cheesy crust.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and layering ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent the cheese from burning while the dish bakes, then removed for browning.

Ingredients for the Italian Rigatoni Bake

Rigatoni Pasta: This tubular pasta holds the sauce beautifully and bakes well without becoming mushy.
Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage): Adds richness and hearty flavor to the dish.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet-savory base when sautéed.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a classic Italian essence.
Crushed Tomatoes: These give the sauce a bright, rich base that clings to the pasta.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes the sauce deeply flavorful.
Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, melty texture that holds everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness to contrast the mozzarella.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and enriching the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer.

How To Make the Italian Rigatoni Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sauce and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread half the pasta mixture. Add a layer of cheese, then repeat. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the bake sit for 10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

How to Serve and Store Italian Rigatoni Bake

Serve this Italian Rigatoni Bake straight from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan on top. Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Leftovers are just as delightful the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just assemble and wrap tightly before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when baked?

Cook your rigatoni 1-2 minutes less than al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven without getting overly soft.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire bake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What type of meat works best?

Ground beef or Italian sausage are both great. You can also use a mix of both for added flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a satisfying meatless version.

How do I freeze and reheat leftovers?

To freeze, cool the dish completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and warm, or microwave individual portions.

What cheese substitutes can I use?

You can try provolone, fontina, or an Italian blend for different textures and flavor profiles.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this Italian Rigatoni Bake hits the spot, check out some of these other cheesy, hearty favorites:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a creamy and indulgent weeknight win.
Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta full of comforting garlic and gooey goodness.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for a Southern twist on baked pasta.
One Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta for a little smoky heat.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta for a classic alternative with rich ricotta.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food or pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with beef or sausage? Add a veggie twist? I love hearing your variations and creative spins.

If you’re hungry for more cozy, delicious dinners, visit my Pinterest board here: Kitchen By Kate – American Recipes by Heart.