Baked Stuffed Rigatoni with Beef & Mozzarella

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Baked Stuffed Rigatoni with Beef & Mozzarella

Baked Stuffed Rigatoni with Beef & Mozzarella is the kind of rich, hearty comfort dish that makes any dinner feel special. Giant rigatoni tubes are filled with a savory beef ragu, nestled into a bed of marinara, and baked under a blanket of bubbling mozzarella. It’s a restaurant-style pasta bake perfect for family dinner recipes, Italian comfort food, and easy baked pasta dishes that always perform well with readers looking for warm, satisfying meals.

Yield: 4 servings
Bake: 375°F (190°C)
Time: 45 minutes

Key Ingredients First:

  • Giant rigatoni
  • Ground beef
  • Mozzarella cheese

Ingredients

  • 25–30 large or giant rigatoni
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni
    Boil the giant rigatoni until just al dente. Drain and lay them on a tray so they don’t stick together. These large tubes are ideal for stuffed pasta recipes and hold plenty of filling.
  2. Make the Beef Filling
    Heat olive oil in a pan. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in 1 cup marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
    This thick, savory ragu is the heart of the dish and a favorite in Italian baked dinner ideas.
  3. Stuff the Rigatoni
    Fill each tube with the beef mixture using a piping bag or small spoon. Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in a baking dish over a layer of marinara sauce.
  4. Add Cheese & Bake
    Pour the remaining marinara over the pasta. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
  5. Serve Hot
    Garnish with parsley and enjoy a comforting, cheesy pasta bake perfect for busy nights or special occasions.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
  • Add ricotta inside each rigatoni for a creamier version.
  • Spice it up with chili flakes or spicy marinara.
  • Use half beef, half Italian sausage for extra richness.

Readers searching for pasta casserole recipes, meal-prep friendly dinners, and easy Italian comfort meals will love this oven-baked rigatoni.

Tips

  • Don’t overcook the pasta — it finishes baking in the oven.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a smoother melt.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the pasta holds together.
  • Add a splash of red wine to the beef for deeper flavor.

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