Baked Rigatoni Meat Sauce: A Comforting Italian-American Classic
Hearty, bubbling, and irresistibly comforting, Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table without a second invitation. Popular in Italian-American kitchens, this baked pasta recipe layers tender rigatoni with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning. The result is a deeply satisfying meal that feels perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or make-ahead meals for busy weeks.
What makes baked rigatoni stand out from other pasta dishes is its oven-baked finish. As it bakes, the sauce thickens, the cheese melts into every crevice, and the pasta absorbs all those savory flavors. Each forkful delivers warmth, richness, and a familiar comfort that never goes out of style. Simple ingredients, generous portions, and bold flavor are what keep this dish firmly in the comfort-food hall of fame.
Ingredients Needed
The following table lists the core ingredients for Baked Rigatoni Meat Sauce along with approximate calorie counts per ingredient.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Rigatoni pasta | 500 g | 1,850 kcal |
| Ground beef (80/20) | 500 g | 1,250 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 cloves | 20 kcal |
| Crushed tomatoes | 800 g | 200 kcal |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | 60 kcal |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp | 10 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 5 kcal |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 200 g | 600 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 60 g | 260 kcal |
| Fresh basil or parsley | For garnish | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just al dente, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly. - Brown the beef
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. - Simmer the sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes until thick and flavorful. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni to the meat sauce and toss until evenly coated. - Assemble the bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden edges. - Rest and garnish
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach blend well into the meat sauce.
- Extra cheesy version: Add ricotta or provolone between layers for extra creaminess.
- Make it spicy: Red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage add a bold kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free rigatoni without altering the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx. per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | Moderate to high (varies by cheese and seasoning) |
Baked Rigatoni Meat Sauce provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling and satisfying main dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp Caesar or garden salad for freshness.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or breadsticks to complete the meal.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients.
- Finish with a simple dessert like tiramisu or vanilla gelato.
Baked Rigatoni Meat Sauce: A Comforting Italian-American Classic
6
servings20
minutes40
minutes650
kcalIngredients
500 g rigatoni pasta
500 g ground beef (80/20)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
800 g crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
60 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked rigatoni in the meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer half the pasta in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with remaining pasta and cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pasta texture: Cook rigatoni just until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly in the oven, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
Meat options: Ground beef is classic, but you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavors.
FAQs
1. What is Baked Rigatoni Meat Sauce?
Baked Rigatoni Meat Sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that layers rigatoni pasta with a rich meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then bakes it to golden perfection. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it until bubbly before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can replace ground beef. Mixing different meats can also enhance flavor.
4. How can I make it vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free rigatoni or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. The meat sauce and cheese remain the same.
6. How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce remains a timeless favorite for good reason. Rich flavors, comforting textures, and easy preparation make it a dependable go-to for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers the next day, this classic pasta bake delivers satisfying flavor in every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer, it’s a dish that truly earns its place on the dinner table.
