Nothing beats a hearty meal that the whole family will love grilled rigatoni.
Meaty, cheesy, surprisingly saucy, and full of bold herbal flavor. No one can resist it.
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![Grilled rigatoni pasta with cheese and meat](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-Pasta-683x1024.jpg)
![Grilled rigatoni pasta with cheese and meat](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-Pasta-683x1024.jpg)
![Grilled rigatoni pasta with cheese and meat](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-Pasta-683x1024.jpg)
![Grilled rigatoni pasta with cheese and meat](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-Pasta-683x1024.jpg)
Once you find it easy to make, add it to your weekly rotation. After all, nothing beats something that tastes so good and is so easy to make.
Try it tonight and prepare to be impressed!
grilled rigatoni
Baked rigatoni is not a traditional classic like spaghetti or lasagna. But it’s still a delicious meal with lots of meat, sauce, and delicious Italian flavors.
Some claim it’s like a hybrid of spaghetti and lasagna. It is characterized by soft noodles and spaghetti marinara sauce. But it’s meaty, hearty, and cheesy, like lasagna.
No matter how you want to describe it, there’s no denying that it’s really delicious. An easy family favorite and great for meal prep.
Pair it with a leafy green salad or some buttery, crunchy garlic bread for the perfect meal.
![Baked Rigatoni Ingredients: Cheese, Italian Sausage, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Rigatoni, Marinara Sauce, Seasonings.](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-Ingredients-Ground-Beef-Onion-Garlic-Cloves-Marinara-Sauce-Italian-Seasoning-Salt-Pepper-Rigatoni-and-Mozzarella-Cheese-683x1024.jpg)
![Baked Rigatoni Ingredients: Cheese, Italian Sausage, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Rigatoni, Marinara Sauce, Seasonings.](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-Ingredients-Ground-Beef-Onion-Garlic-Cloves-Marinara-Sauce-Italian-Seasoning-Salt-Pepper-Rigatoni-and-Mozzarella-Cheese-683x1024.jpg)
![Baked Rigatoni Ingredients: Cheese, Italian Sausage, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Rigatoni, Marinara Sauce, Seasonings.](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-Ingredients-Ground-Beef-Onion-Garlic-Cloves-Marinara-Sauce-Italian-Seasoning-Salt-Pepper-Rigatoni-and-Mozzarella-Cheese-683x1024.jpg)
![Baked Rigatoni Ingredients: Cheese, Italian Sausage, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Rigatoni, Marinara Sauce, Seasonings.](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-Ingredients-Ground-Beef-Onion-Garlic-Cloves-Marinara-Sauce-Italian-Seasoning-Salt-Pepper-Rigatoni-and-Mozzarella-Cheese-683x1024.jpg)
material
The list of ingredients is a bit long, but most are easily available.
- Lean ground meat and Italian sausage. The recipe calls for both, but you can use either if you prefer. Choose a slightly spicy Italian sausage. Use lean ground meat so it’s not greasy.
- Onion and garlic cloves. Fresh yellow onions and freshly chopped garlic are best. It adds a rustic, umami flavor to your dishes and is a must-try.
- marinara sauce. You can make it by hand or store-bought. Choose your favorite brand (or recipe).
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. The seasoning mixture may seem basic, but it adds a lot of flavor. Try adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Rigatoni. Technically, you can use any pasta you have on hand. But the shape, size, and ridges of rigatoni are perfect for holding sauce and meat.
- mozzarella cheese. Like onions, mozzarella is best chopped. You can use commercially available ones. However, because it contains an anti-agglomerating agent, it becomes difficult to dissolve.
How to make grilled rigatoni
Follow these steps to make the best baked rigatoni.
1. Get everything ready. Arrange the ingredients and measure what you need to measure. Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté. Sauté onions and garlic over medium heat for 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef and sausage. The meat should be thoroughly seared and broken up during cooking. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Then remove any excess oil or oil.
3. Add sauce and seasonings. Add marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Boil the pasta. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the water when ready.
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5. Combine. Pour the drained pasta into the sauce and toss well.
6. Bake. Transfer rigatoni and sauce to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. (until the cheese melts)
7. Take a break and serve. Remove the cooked rigatoni from the oven. Let rest in the dish for 5 minutes. Then slice, plate, and enjoy!
![Grilled rigatoni with ground beef and herb cheese](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-Baked-Rigatoni-with-Ground-Beef-and-Herbs-1024x1024.jpg)
![Grilled rigatoni with ground beef and herb cheese](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-Baked-Rigatoni-with-Ground-Beef-and-Herbs-1024x1024.jpg)
![Grilled rigatoni with ground beef and herb cheese](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-Baked-Rigatoni-with-Ground-Beef-and-Herbs-1024x1024.jpg)
![Grilled rigatoni with ground beef and herb cheese](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheesy-Baked-Rigatoni-with-Ground-Beef-and-Herbs-1024x1024.jpg)
Tips for making the best baked rigatoni
If you don’t have rigatoni in your pantry, use penne pasta. They have similar shapes and textures, and basically the same taste.
Keep this and a few other tips in mind as well.
- Don’t include an entire bottle of marinara in your recipe. Some people like less sauce, others like more sauce. If you don’t want too much sauce, add only half the jar. Then add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Boil the pasta for 1 minute less than the indicated time. Don’t let it get too soft as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Add garnish. Garnish with chopped basil and parsley for a beautiful appearance. (And the refreshing flavor spreads!)
- Do not toss the meat too much. Leave it alone for some time until it turns brown.
- Cook the rigatoni until the end. This will brown the cheese on top and make it even more delicious.
variation
Please note the following variations:
- Keep it slim. Use ground turkey instead of ground beef in the recipe. Or stick to 90% lean ground meat. Remove the sausage and add additional vegetables instead.
- Add vegetables. If you don’t want a lean dish, you can still add vegetables. Zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms are all great ideas.
- Make sure it’s full of cheese. Mozzarella isn’t the only delicious cheese in this recipe. For extra flavor, try adding provolone, ricotta, or Parmesan cheese.
- Skip dairy products. Buy dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese.
- Let’s try out the add-in. Experiment with different seasonings, try red pepper flakes to reduce the spiciness, or add a splash of red wine. This is your recipe, so you can adjust it to your liking.
![Homemade cheese and thick grilled rigatoni on white casserole](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Homemade-Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-on-a-White-Casserole-683x1024.jpg)
![Homemade cheese and thick grilled rigatoni on white casserole](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Homemade-Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-on-a-White-Casserole-683x1024.jpg)
![Homemade cheese and thick grilled rigatoni on white casserole](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Homemade-Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-on-a-White-Casserole-683x1024.jpg)
![Homemade cheese and thick grilled rigatoni on white casserole](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Homemade-Cheesy-and-Meaty-Baked-Rigatoni-on-a-White-Casserole-683x1024.jpg)
Preemption and storage
Baked rigatoni is a make-ahead dish that’s perfect for meal prep. Freezing is also OK. See the next section for more information.
Preserving and freezing leftovers
If you have leftovers, you have two options: the refrigerator or the freezer. Both directions are:
- refrigerator. Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap (or a lid) and place in the refrigerator. Lasts up to 4 days. Reheat the entire leftover dish in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. You can also microwave them individually for 1-2 minutes.
- freezer. Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and freeze in a freezer-safe dish. It will last for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating in a 350 degree oven.
Preparation instructions
To make this dish in advance, follow the instructions in the recipe card below. Stop before baking and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake a cold dish according to the recipe card below. However, you will need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Thaw the frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight. Then let it come to room temperature for an hour, then bake as directed.
![grilled rigatoni](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-2-683x1024.jpg)
![grilled rigatoni](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-2-683x1024.jpg)
![grilled rigatoni](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-2-683x1024.jpg)
![grilled rigatoni](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baked-Rigatoni-2-683x1024.jpg)