If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and plenty of cheese, Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni is the answer. This dish takes the classic combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheese and elevates it to a whole new level by stuffing rigatoni pasta with a savory beef mixture and topping it all off with a melty, cheesy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings!
What makes this dish so special is the texture and flavors coming together in every bite. The rigatoni tubes are stuffed with a savory ground beef filling, then baked in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce until bubbly and golden. Each bite is a perfect mix of tender pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese—an irresistible combination that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time for a simple, stress-free dinner!
I first made this Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni when I wanted to try something different with pasta and ground beef. The idea of stuffing the rigatoni with seasoned beef seemed so fun, and when it came out of the oven, it was even better than I expected! The cheesy sauce pulls it all together, and the whole family devoured it. Since then, it’s become a go-to recipe in our household, especially when we want a filling and delicious meal.
Why This Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni Will Be Your New Favorite Comfort Food
- Savory and cheesy: The combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheese is a classic that never disappoints.
- Hearty and satisfying: The stuffed rigatoni filled with seasoned ground beef makes this dish a filling and fulfilling meal.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together quickly.
- Perfect for a crowd: It’s a great dish to serve for family dinners or gatherings, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni
- Cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the ground beef filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef, and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the rigatoni: Gently stuff each rigatoni pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture, being careful not to break the pasta. Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed rigatoni, making sure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot!
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a subtle kick.
- If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a more flavorful twist.
- You can prep the stuffed rigatoni in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- For a heartier dish, add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Sauce Variations: You can use Alfredo sauce or a white sauce instead of marinara for a creamy version of this dish.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Fat: Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese, or use low-fat versions of the cheeses to reduce the fat content.
- Lower Carb: Use a low-carb pasta alternative, such as zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, to make this dish lower in carbs.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
And there you have it! Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines savory beef, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta in the best way possible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your stuffed rigatoni turns out, and be sure to check out some of our other comforting recipes for more delicious meal ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or even shells can work as a substitute for rigatoni. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed rigatoni and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10 minutes of baking time if baking from the fridge. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing and reheat it in the oven. - Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier result. - Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work well in this recipe. - How do I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the ground beef for an extra kick. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make this dish without ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. - Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or even peas would be great additions to the filling. - How do I keep the pasta from breaking when stuffing it?
Be gentle when stuffing the rigatoni and avoid overfilling it to ensure the pasta doesn’t break. - Can I make this dish without cheese?
You can, but the cheese really helps to bind the filling and create a creamy texture. If you’d prefer to skip the cheese, you can try adding more sauce or using a vegan cheese alternative. - Can I add a topping to this dish?
Yes, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping, or drizzle with extra marinara sauce for more flavor.
Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 lb 1 ground beef
12 oz 12 rigatoni pasta
1 cup 1 ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups 2 marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
1 tsp 1 garlic powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 onion powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 dried oregano
1/2 tsp 1/2 dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the ground beef filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef, and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the rigatoni: Gently stuff each rigatoni pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture, being careful not to break the pasta. Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed rigatoni, making sure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot!
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