Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting pasta bake that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your family with grateful smiles. I love this because it’s wonderfully rich and cheesy with a meaty, savory sauce that never disappoints. Stick around because I’m going to walk you through every detail to make sure your baked rigatoni turns out perfectly delicious every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients work in harmony here—savory Italian sausage, lean ground beef, and rich mozzarella make magic when baked together. Stick to quality marinara sauce because it’s the base that truly brings everything to life.

• Rigatoni: The tube shape holds sauce inside, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Ground Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy, garlicky punch to the meat sauce—don’t skip this for that classic Italian taste.
• Ground Beef: I recommend 90/10 lean for balance between flavor and less grease.
• Diced Yellow Onion: Builds a fragrant, sweet foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality jar for ease, but homemade works too.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds texture and a bright tomato flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor layers.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flair.
• Salted Butter: Melts into the sauce for richness and a silky texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting—a key to gooey, cheesy perfection.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely minced for a fresh, colorful garnish at the end.

Variations

I often tweak this baked rigatoni recipe depending on what I have on hand or what my family’s cravings are. You can easily make it your own by swapping, adding, or omitting ingredients without losing that cozy vibe.

• Spicy Kick: I love adding red pepper flakes or swapping mild sausage for hot Italian sausage when I want more heat—it wakes up the whole dish!
• Vegetable Boost: Sometimes, I throw in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to sneak in some veggies.
• Cheese Swap: Tried adding Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for a sharper flavor—delicious contrast!
• Make it Meatless: Replace the meat with plant-based crumbles and extra mushrooms; it still flavors beautifully.

How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Perfectly Al Dente

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil—that salt is like seasoning layers for your pasta. Add the rigatoni and cook it according to the package instructions until just al dente, which means it should have a nice bite without being mushy. Drain it and set aside—don’t rinse! The starches on the pasta help the sauce cling, making each bite more flavorful.

Step 2: Brown the Meats with Onion and Garlic

While your pasta cooks, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high. Add the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break up the meat with your wooden spoon as it cooks, letting all those flavors mingle and the onions soften—this usually takes about 10 minutes. You want the meat nicely browned but not dried out.

Step 3: Build the Saucy Base

Once your meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent, stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and the salted butter. The butter will melt into the sauce, giving it a silky, rich texture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3 minutes—it’s when the flavors really come together.

Step 4: Combine Rigatoni and Sauce, Then Bake

Pour the cooked rigatoni into the pot with your rich sauce and stir gently to coat every piece. Then transfer everything to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella generously on top, cover the dish tightly with foil, and pop it in your preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes—this step lets the cheese brown and bubble to golden, gooey perfection. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—that resting time helps the sauce thicken just right.

How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle this baked rigatoni with freshly minced parsley—it adds a bright pop of color and a subtle fresh note that balances the richness. Sometimes, I’ll also grate a little extra Parmesan on top at the table to kick up the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple and fresh: a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread toasted to crunchy perfection, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These balance the hearty pasta beautifully and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own mini baked rigatoni, which makes it feel extra special. A drizzle of truffle oil on top before serving also turns this comfort dish into something a bit more gourmet. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

This baked rigatoni freezes wonderfully—perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Freeze the entire baked dish or single servings in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, I recommend moving it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, but the oven gives the best texture—cheese stays melty and sauce doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s so reliably comforting and loved by everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or meal prep, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of simple, good food. I hope that sharing my tips helps you nail it on your first try and beyond—take it from me, once you’ve tasted that bubbly, cheesy, meaty sauce, you’ll want it in your recipe box forever. So grab your ingredients, turn on some tunes, and let’s get cooking!

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